The world is out there

Mona

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Alankrita Sahai is in love with Mumbai, the city, which got her the beauty crown and a career in the glamour world. Elated with the success of the new song, Allah Ve, by Jassie Gill, in which she shares screen space with the singer-actor, this Miss India Earth 2014 talks about all of her favourite things.

Allah Ve, a sad number, was shot in beautiful Leh. Alankrita says it was not easy to shoot for the song, “As beautiful as Leh-Ladakh is, extreme is the climate. Our skin was literally peeling but then the stunning visuals make up for all the efforts!”

Equally excited is Alankrita about the film, Tipsy, in which she plays a bride-to-be going for her bachelorette party in London with friends and how things go crazy soon after. “It’s a thriller, a comedy, a fun film.” With another film and a web show in the pipeline, she is looking forward to 2010.

We cannot help but ask if Miss India was the stepping stone for her. Like many others, it’s a strong ‘no’ for an answer. “My friends in Mumbai insisted that I took part in the pageant. Like every other person in Mumbai, I too had a portfolio done.” Rest as they say is history. She grabbed seven titles at the Miss Earth pageant held in the Philippines, and in came acting assignments.

“Mumbai is a city of dreams. Chosen few are accepted and inducted into the glitz and glamour of the film world,” says Alankrita, feeling fortunate to be where she is. Inspired and inspiring, she loves to do Ted Talks, sharing her experience. As for being an actor, she thanks her parents, who introduced her to cinema. Right from Pakeezah to War, she has seen it all. “My dad introduced me to the golden era of cinema making me watch old classics.”

Be careful, girls

Like any other Indian woman, her blood too boils at the violence against women. Her approach is three-fold – First and foremost, we must immediately stop making films that objectify women. Secondly, women should work towards being stronger. And most importantly, they should become cleverer and smarter. Sexual perverts are a reality in our society and whether in a car or public transport, never fall asleep when alone. Be alert, share details with family or friends and do not trust anyone.”

Playing favourites

Colour: Yellow, it’s the colour of the sun for me, symbolic of positivity and life. I love blue as its colour of the ocean and always puts me in a soft, subtle mood. Black looks hot!

Cuisine: I am a foodie. I love all our Indian delicacies, as much as I am mad about sushi.

Workout: I do lots of circuit training and kick boxing. Aerial dancing is what I often resort to; I vary my workouts and enjoy them.

Holiday destination: Italy and Maldives are my currents favourites.

Films: Pretty Woman tops the list along with Karan Arjun.

Books: Thrillers by David Baldacci and almost every book by Haruki Murakami.

Hurrah for Zozibini!

It’s incredible to have Zozibini Tunsi as our new Miss Universe. Her answer was apt and to the point. Women of colour are beautiful and deserving. They should be recognised, not condemned, and they should have the same privileges as another other race, creed or religion. Women in general are beautiful and shouldn’t be categorised on the basis of their hair, body, colour or religion. We must stand up for each other and with each other. She is beautiful and I wish she inspires many more and the binaries evaporate in thin air.