Throwback: When Lara Dutta taught Priyanka Chopra makeup while competing with her in Miss India pageant; ‘Don’t forget you are a human being’

Former beauty queen Lara Dutta, known for films like Andaaz, Partner, Housefull and others, was crowned Miss Universe in 2000. She competed with Priyanka Chopra in the Femina Miss India beauty pageant at the time and later won the Miss World title the same year. Did you know that Lara taught makeup to her rival Priyanka in the 2000 Femina Miss India pageant?

Let’s take a look back at those days. During her appearance on Rendezvous with Simi Grewal, Lara Dutta was asked to comment that she was “not competitive enough” in beauty pageants.

Show host Simi Grewal reminded that it was “unusual” and “generous” for Lara to teach PC how to do makeup. To this, the Bell Bottom actress smiled and said that her focus was primarily on winning the title. However, she chose humanity, keeping the competition in a positive spirit.

“I think you focus on what you want to focus on. For me, it was winning Miss India and Miss Universe,” Lara said.

“The whole focus is there, but at the same time, you don’t forget that you are human. Achievements or failures, not to try to sound tragic, but once you’re gone, they really don’t matter,” he said.

Lara further said that she has enjoyed the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of others, which people don’t get often. The actress said that such moments define life for her. The former Miss Universe further said that if the actress cannot be there for others, then she is not really living and doesn’t need anything.

Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra, who appeared on Simi Grewal’s show, revealed that she used to call Lara Dutta “mom” because The Bluff actress was very impressed by her. Recalling how she learnt makeup from Lara in the competition, PC revealed that her Andaaz co-star took her to the bathroom and showed her how to use the “right makeup” for her skin.

Lara Dutta won the title of Femina Miss India Universe and later represented India at Miss Universe 2000 in Cyprus. Priyanka Chopra was the second runner-up and later won the title of Miss World in England. She was pitted against Dia Mirza, who was the third runner-up and later won the title of Miss Asia Pacific International in the Philippines.