Sharjah-based Sanna Monga, 21, is poised to fly the UAE flag high as she gears up to participate in Miss India Worldwide 2014, which will be held in Abu Dhabi on June 20.
Forty contestants of Indian origin will fly into the UAE vying for the crown in a contest judged this year by cricketer Harbhajan Singh and Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia among others.
“Ever since I was three years old, I wanted to be a beauty queen. When I saw Sushmita Sen being crowned Miss Universe, I knew that I wanted to be just like her,” said Monga in an interview with tabloid!.
The Punjabi, who moved to the UAE eight years ago, studied in Our Own Indian School and Our Own English High School and is a business graduate from Middlesex University in Dubai.
“I had a scholarship in college … My mum always said: ‘Follow your heart, but have a back-up plan’. So, I am glad that I completed my studies. I also hope to do my MBA. But being chosen for the Miss India Worldwide has been a life-changing experience for me,” said Monga.
Politically correct
A fan of Sandra-Bullock-starrer Miss Congeniality, a tale about an FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) agent who goes undercover as a beauty contestant to thwart the efforts of a terrorist threatening to blow up the Miss USA pageant, says that being politically correct is an admirable trait for a beauty queen. This week, Miss Universe Thailand winner Weluree Ditsayabut, 22, had to relinquish her crown after her political views riled activists. She allegedly called for supporters of the ousted government to be executed, triggering a social media furore.
“You have to be careful about what you say and do, especially if you are standing on an international platform. You are a public figure and what you say is heard not just in your social circle but also around the world,” said Monga, who is busy preparing a dance routine for the talent night round to be held on June 18 at Dubai’s Hyatt Regency. The grand finale and crowning will be held in Abu Dhabi’s Al Raha Hotel two days later.
“I am looking forward to meeting different people from various countries and cultural backgrounds,” said Monga.
Miss India worldwide, which began in 1990, is a beauty pageant for women of Indian origin who live in foreign countries and consists of four segments, including evening gown, Indian dress, talent hunt and a Q&A round.
