By Pradipta Tapadar
Kolkata, Aug 22 (IANS): After yesteryear beauty Rekha and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan played Umrao Jaan in Bollywood, Miss India World Manasvi Mamgai says playing the famous Lucknow courtesan is her "dream role".
"Playing Umrao Jaan is my dream role. Bollywood is surely in my mind. But right now, I am concentrating on my Miss World 2010 pageant in China. That's my first priority," Manasvi told IANS over phone.
Manasvi was crowned Pantaloons Femina Miss India World 2010 earlier this year.
When asked whether she has been approached by directors and producers after winning the Miss India World crown, she said: "Yes, I was approached by a few directors and producers. But right now, I am concentrating on the Miss World pageant."
The 22-year-old is not new to the fashion world. She has been a regular at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) and has also appeared in several TV commercials. Moreover, she was crowned Miss Tourism International in 2008.
Currently, Manasvi is working hard on her wardrobe for the Miss World pageant.
"My modelling background is helping me to a large extent. Currently I am working hard on my wardrobe as part of the preparation for the Miss World title," said the leggy lass.
The Delhi girl feels that her dancing and modelling background along with her stage presence will act as a plus point and provide her an edge over other contestants.
"My stage presence along with my modelling background will help me a lot at the pageant. And, above all, I believe in myself and my dreams," she said.
After Priyanka Chopra, who won the Miss World title in 2000, no Indian beauty has brought home the international title and that's the reason the mercury is soaring high with expectations as Manasvi takes on the stage in China.
Asked when she started weaving the dream to stand where she is at present today, Manasvi said: "When I was a small girl, I saw Aishwarya Rai winning the Miss World crown on television and at that moment only I decided that that's my goal. My dream since childhood has been to become the Miss World."
"I don't have any role model as such but I try to adopt good things from all the people I come across," she added.
The 60th Miss World Pageant will be held Oct 30 in China. Contestants from over 120 countries will compete for the prestigious crown.