Want no cookie cutter beauty queen: Lara Dutta

Mumbai; Former Miss Universe Lara Dutta, who is going to mentor finalists who will compete with one another to represent the country at the prestigious Miss Universe pageant, says she's on the lookout for a candidate with not just a personal style statement, but also someone who is distinct from "cookie cutter beauty queens".

"I am looking for someone with a very personal style statement and who is totally different from your cookie cutter beauty queen. I don't want someone giving me same answers the same way. I am happy with the bunch we have got (this year)," Lara said to a question by IANS here.

Lara, who had won the prestigious Miss Universe title in 2000 -- the last time when India brought the crown home -- is mentoring 16 girls this time. Their journey is being chronicled on "Yamaha Fascino Miss Diva - Miss Universe India 2016", a six-part series to be aired on Colors Infinity starting Saturday.

The actress was here at the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Winter-Festive 2016 to walk as the showstopper for designer Esha Amin. Lara said she enjoys working with the designer.

"Both of us have a synergy, we work well together. A lot of times I am stuck in my head about something that I want to do and she will bring a special sort of an outlook to that. I think we find that middle path to work on and she allows me to wear the silhouettes that I think I look best in. And she also keeps bringing in newer things to try," added the mother of one. 

Being a celebrity is also about being constantly under scrutiny, but Lara is unfazed about being criticised for her fashion choices.

"(We are) Not scared of the fashion police... We don't really have the time," she said, and added: "If you are happy with the way you are looking, you go (out). People will write (about it), people will build it up or tear it apart but tomorrow is another day and you are not the only one they are writing about.

"But if you are going to lose sleep over the fact that you got a bad review over the outfit... For me, at the end of the day, if I am comfortable and I am feeling and looking great, that is all that I need."