Ankita Shorey, the Miss India International, told PTI that her parents always treated her like a princess. "I am feeling that I have become a princess of the world now! But, I am aware that beauty and intelligence go hand in hand.
Communication skills are very important," said the 24 years old Delhi girl, who has made Mumbai her home for the last two years.
She said Miss International pageant is slated to be held in September - October this year and after a short vacation with parents back home, she will return to start training on building her confidence levels. "Bringing the crown home and making the country proud is my first priority after which I plan to look for opportunities in films," she said.
Ankita said Bollywood had been her first love. "I have never dreamt of anything else."
After graduating from Jesus and Mary college in Delhi in 2007, she has modelled with Shah Rukh Khan for Emami and with Ranbir Kapoor for Virgin Mobiles.
Hasleen Kaur, the 22-year-old Delhi girl who won the Miss India Earth title, said going through the process of Miss India contest had been an evolution and transformation for her. "It has helped me improve my confidence, poise and grace" she added.
Hasleen said Miss Earth pageant will take place in September in Vietnam. "After a vacation of ten days at home in Delhi, I will get back to training in diction, fitness and educate myself on environmental issues and my country`s policies on environment.
At Miss India, I was representing myself and now at Miss Earth, I will be representing myself as Indian. So this is a huge responsibility to uphold the country`s policies, culture and values."
Hasleen said she was looking for a better and bigger career in fashion and Bollywood. Besides, she would like to continue her association with Girl Child Education, a project given to her as a Miss India contestant.
"After I come back from Miss Earth after hopefully winning the crown, I will associate myself with an NGO and contribute my little bit to education and employment of girls," said the 22-year-old graduate in English Literature.
Kanishtha Dhankar, who won the Miss India World title, said Bollywood will be the next step for her. "I have to prepare for the Miss World pageant and work towards winning it," said this born-and-brought-up-in Mumbai girl.