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I expect a lot from Amrita: Tanushree
India at Miss Universe. The recent title drought notwithstanding, it's been an incredible journey. Miss India-Universe 2004 Tanushree Dutta who crashed out after reaching the final 10 last year, feels her successor has all it takes to bag the top prize in Bangkok. Tanushree talks about her experiences and India's chances at the Miss Universe 2005 pageant in a freewheeling chat.
India at Miss Universe. The recent title drought notwithstanding, it has been an incredible journey. Miss India-Universe 2004 Tanushree Dutta who crashed out after reaching the final 10 last year, feels her successor has all it takes to bag the top prize in Bangkok. Tanushree talks about her own experiences and India's chances at the Miss Universe 2005 pageant in a freewheeling chat with HindustanTimes.com.
How has life been after Miss Universe 2004?
It's been a complete roller-coaster ride for me. I have received more exposure than I ever expected. I have got so many offers for films and modelling that I am totally loaded with work. I have been keeping so busy that I didn't realise that a whole year had gone by and it was time to hand over my crown to the new Miss India-Universe Amrita Thapar. Just let me say that the year has passed really smoothly.
How do you rate Amrita Thapar's chances at the Miss Universe 2005 pageant?
I am expecting a lot from Amrita because I have played an active part in preparing her for the pageant. She's a very hardworking and bright girl. She's been very devoted from day one and I am sure she'll win the crown. Moreover, whoever represents India needs support from all of us. Best wishes count the most at the end. I am certainly rooting for Miss India.
Tell us some qualities that a woman must have to wear the Miss Universe crown.
A sexy body, intelligence, good communication skills, excellent face, command over language, good character, diligence and an overall persona can make one a winner.
What is the jury looking for in a Miss Universe?
Given the large number of girls who participate in an international beauty pageant, it's not easy narrowing down the field to just 10-15. Judges definitely look for a great body - a well toned is a must for the swimsuit round. If a participant can speak her mind, is natural, spontaneous and has a good IQ level, she can really impress the judges. Beauty matters a lot in the long run because the girl who wins the crown is expected to endorse a number of beauty products. Last but not the least, luck plays a pivotal role in deciding if you win or lose.
Why do you think India has faced a title drought for last so many years?
I believe Miss India is the most genuine beauty contest in India. However you cannot expect Miss Indias to win international pageants every year. We won consecutively for two years and that's the maximum in the history of beauty pageants. The pageant's authenticity cannot be questioned. It's disappointing for the contestants too. It's all a matter of chance if you win or lose. One should not always see negatives. Let's see the positive side also - remember, Miss Indias get placed among the top 15 most of the time.
What went wrong with your own campaign?
See every contestant at Miss Universe hopes to win the crown. Every girl puts in 100 per cent effort but a lot also depends on luck. I believe if a delegate is selected among the top 10 or top 15, she should consider herself lucky. It's not always easy to reach the top but if you are among the top few, then you are just as good and have an equal chance of winning.
Even though you didn't win the Miss Universe crown, were you able to achieve what you wanted?
In fact I have achieved far more than what I had thought of during the Miss Universe pageant. I have tried to make the most of whatever I was offered in this last year. I wanted a career in modelling and that's been accomplished. I never thought about acting but now I am getting some good offers and I am taking them up one-by-one. So, overall I have got more than I asked for.
What are your future plans?
I am making my foray into Bollywood now. My debut film Chocolate will be launched at the IIFA in June this year. I will also continue to model as it's my first love.
