Confident, beautiful and intelligent - this is how Miss India Universe Amrita Thapar describes herself. The 23-year-old fashion designer from Pune knows that the hopes and aspirations of an entire nations now rests on her and she's determined to live up to everyone's expectations. In an exclusive interview with HindustanTimes.com on the eve of her departure to Bangkok, Amrita said she hopes to bring back the Miss Universe 2005 title for the people of her country.
What kind of background do you come from?
My father is an Army officer and my mom is a housewife. I have three sisters. I am a fashion designer as well as model by profession. I always wanted to enter the Miss India pageant and now I have this great opportunity to represent India at an international level!
How have you been preparing for the Miss Universe 2005 pageant?
I am done with the preparations. From walking with the perfect gait to getting my skin toned and learning how to I need to talk, I have worked on everything possible.
Who's done your wardrobe for the pageant?
Hemant Trivedi, Satya Paul, Ritu Kumar, Mandira Wirk and Ashley Rebello have designed my outfits.
What kind of fitness regime do you follow?
I believe that a fit mind is the key to a fit body.
Why is it that after a string of successes, India has faced a title drought at international beauty pageants in recent years?
I can't comment on earlier Miss Indias. Perhaps they weren't serious enough. But one thing's for sure - I am going to change the trend. I will definitely win the crown. I think I have put in every kind of effort that the jury looks for. I am confident, beautiful and intelligent. I believe all these qualities won't let the title slip away from my grasp.
What do you plan to do if you win the crown?
I will bring all the accolades back to my country and to my people. No matter what responsibilities I am given, I shall do my best to live up to them.
What do you plan to do if you win the crown?
I will bring all the accolades back to my country and to my people. No matter what responsibilities I am given, I shall do my best to live up to them.
How does the future look from here?
The Miss Universe title is what I am vying for right now. I cannot see anything beyond the crown and am working very hard to win it.