Lara Dutta

Indian titleholder favors new Miss Universe regulation

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

For the past seven decades, since its inception in 1952, the Miss Universe pageant required its winners, and international representatives, to remain single and maintain said status until she passes on the crown to the next winner - may it be on the national or global stage.

However, an expanding eligibility for entrants to the 2023 pageant season - that is, allowing married women and young mothers to join the competition - has divided purists and new age fans alike. One of the favorable responses came from Miss Universe 2000 Lara Dutta, who reacted by saying it was an 'incredible decision.'

"It's an incredible step in the right direction. We are talking about inclusion and this conversation has been happening around the world for years now. You know everything is evolving and so the concept of beauty pageant has also evolved over the years," commented the Indian beauty queen in an interview with ETimes.

Lara is the second Indian woman to win the prestigious title, after compatriot Sushmita Sen won the first Miss Universe crown in 1994 in Manila.  Lara also holds the distinction of being the first titlist of the 21st century.

"I think it is fantastic that they are now allowing mothers and married women to come in. There are some incredible women out there who feel that they don't have the opportunity to participate because they don't qualify for it, and also this will help some really incredible women to come forward. Women that need to be celebrated and women we need to empower. I think it's a good step," she added.

A new rumor has eclipsed this controversial rule though. The grapevine is agog with news of an alleged sale of the Miss Universe ownership for $ 20-million. Whether this information is fact or fabricated, we will be hearing the truth of the matter soon.

After her reign as Miss Universe, Lara went on to be a celebrated Bollywood actress in her home country; joining Sushmita Sen and Priyanka Chopra in hugging the Indian kleiglights.