Miss Universe 2017: Sushmita Sen ‘reciprocates this love’ in Philippines
It was nostalgia for actress and former beauty queen Sushmita Sen, who was a judge at the 65th edition of Miss Universe pageant in Metro Manila, Philippines. Sushmita made Indian proud after she won the country’s first Miss Universe title in 1994 at the pageant held Philippines itself.
Sushmita was greeted with huge applause by the crowd, and before she responding to queries by evening’s host Steve Harvey, she said that she has to “reciprocate this love” before sharing her opinion on what are the things she is looking for in a winner.
“This is the moment where a Miss Universe is created. She gives an answer that connects larger consciousness so a well-spoken Miss Universe is the idea and tonight I can see six of them right there,” the 41-year-old added.
Sushmita has been in the Philippines since last week and has been her sharing her memorable moments on Instagram. She shared a video clip of hers from the huge pageant stage during the judges’ briefing. She is seen walking the ramp looking elegant in a black jumpsuit and red jacket over it, and excitedly calling her co-judges.
She captioned the video, “For you #India post our #judge briefing today, got all my co judges (very sporting bunch) up on the #missuniverse2016 stage in #Manila to celebrate the #platform that will change someone's life forever!!! bringing #glory to their #country as they proudly represent it!!! my co judges walked n danced too (videos to follow) And I..walked this stage one last time with YOU in my heart!!!! I celebrate you...I always will!!! THANK YOU INDIA!!! #missuniverse1994.”
Sushmita Sen co-judged this year's pageant with two other former Miss Universe winners, Dayanara Torres (1993) and Leila Lopes (2011), fashion magazine editor Mickey Boardman, television star Cynthia Bailey and social entrepreneur Francine LeFrak.
Miss France Iris Mittenaere was crowned the Miss Universe 2017 at the pageant held at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. She is a Parisian native, currently pursuing a degree in dental surgery. She said that she plans to use her Miss Universe platform to advocate for dental and oral hygiene.
Miss Haiti Raquel Pelissier and Miss Colombia Andrea Tovar were the first and second runners-up, respectively. India’s Roshmitha Harimurthy couldn’t make it to the list of top 13 and was out of the competition. Beauty queens from 86 countries from across the globe participated in the annual pageant.
Earlier, Sushmita, a single mother of two adopted daughters, said that she was “excited and emotional” about her stint.
