From winning the Miss India title to taking over as Miss Universe, to marrying her ‘ideal’ man, Lara Dutta Bhupathi has come a long way
india-forums.tv Team
How important was winning the Miss Universe title? Do these pageants help as a Bollywood platform?
Lara Dutta
Miss Universe is a gift given to very few women in their lifetimes and I had the most incredible year where I grew overnight and also discovered myself at a very young age. The opportunities that it brought far surpassed anything else that has happened in my life.
I have always wanted to be an actor. When I was younger, I thought it would be the stage and I’d do theatre, but the opportunity to act on screen is what millions dream of. I am blessed to have a career that I am passionate about.
india-forums.tv Team
How did you find your footing in Bollywood?
Lara Dutta
I knew very little about Bollywood when I started out. In hindsight, I should have done more homework. Having said that, I’ve never had bad experiences in the industry and share good relationships with all the directors, producers and actors I’ve worked with. For a complete outsider, I’ve had my fair share of successes. I’ve spent eight years of my life in the industry and I think I’ve managed to get a foothold now.
india-forums.tv Team
What is it that you hate or love about the industry?
Lara Dutta
With acting, you are presented with various opportunities to do what you’ve never done before. I always say, as actors, you live hundreds of lifetimes in one, which is one of the strongest reasons for us to be a part of this industry. The downside obviously is that the media constantly pry into your personal life and the fact that you actually lead a non-existent one at that.
india-forums.tv Team
How do you manage to stay in shape?
Lara Dutta
Being someone for whom fitness and a holistic sense of well-being is key, I follow a five-days-a-week exercise rule; combining cardio, strength training and yoga. I am a vegetarian, so I make sure to eat enough raw fruits and vegetables, take in good quality vegetable protein, drink lots of water and meditate frequently. The combination of healthy eating and sensible exercising helps me, especially even for my skin.
india-forums.tv Team
When you look back, what, personally, are your career milestones?
Lara Dutta
After winning Miss Universe in 2000, the high points of my journey start with being the Goodwill Ambassador to UNFPA in 2000, followed by my debut with Andaz in 2004. The success of No Entry at the box office was instrumental in me finding a place as a comic actor in the industry, being part of Jhoom Barabar Jhoom also helped me break into a different level in my career. The success of Partner, and Housefull also aided me tremendously, professionally. And now, I’m excited about making my debut as producer with Chalo Dilli. All in all, it’s been a long and satisfying journey.
india-forums.tv Team
What are your future plans and upcoming projects?
Lara Dutta
In addition to my home production Chalo Dilli with Vinay Pathak, I am also looking forward to Don 2 this year.
Lara’s hit list
• Favourite film: Gone With The Wind
• Favourite actor/ actress: Sanjeev Kumar and Madhuri Dixit
• Favourite book: The Thornbird by Colleen Mccullough
• Your role model: Christiane Amanpour
• A role you’d kill for: I’d love to do a period film
• Your ideal man: I married him! (Tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi)
• Favourite food: Thai
• If not an actress, you’d be: An archaeologist
