SHOWSTOPPER

NAVNEET KAUR DHILLON

Way back in the year 1994, when Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai were getting crowned Miss Universe and Miss World respectively, little did they know that their achievements had planted a seed in the heart of an army officer. The officer had resolved that his then two-year-old daughter would wear the Miss India crown one day. Eighteen years later, Navneet Kaur Dhillon, with that wonder smile of hers, won hearts across the country and was crowned Miss India World 2013. Today, Patiala-based Dhillon, who is a student of Mass Media at Punjabi University, thanks her army background, which she says “prepared” her for the competition. “I have travelled across the country with my father. As army kids, we are exposed to different people and cultures. The same lends us a peculiar insight into people’s minds. That’s the reason I never felt the need to join any specialised academy to prepare for the competition. Moreover, I had acted in many short films during my course, so confidence was never an issue.” All of 20, Navneet looks up to Priyanka Chopra for inspiration. “I love the way she has fashioned her career and I aim to follow her footsteps.” The model already has offers pouring in from Bollywood. “Not that I think that Bollywood is the natural next step after winning the Miss India pageant. I am studying media, but the craft of acting has always fascinated me.” Dhillon adds she has been waiting for the right break, “Very soon, you will hear something. I really can’t reveal much at this stage though.” Navneet is also actively involved with an NGO in Haryana, with which she has been associated even before her modelling days. With a carefree attitude, sunny disposition, never say die spirit and a warm heart, this Punjab girl is certainly on a roll and definitely someone to look out for, because she has only just started.