Lara Dutta says girls appear more prepared these days

Former Miss Universe Lara Dutta feels that participants come "a little too prepared" for the beauty pageants nowadays.
Lara, who is hosting and mentoring the participants for Miss Diva 2015 and Miss Diva Universe 2015, told PTI over e-mail, "I think girls today come a little too prepared and rehearsed having seen past pageants and contests.
"One needs to constantly be in the process of discovering themselves right through the entire process rather than just focusing on the title and impressing someone else."
The 37-year-old actress also feels that Bollywood should not be the ultimate goal for participating.
"Winning the title will give you the exposure and the access to Bollywood but that's not why you participate and train.

"Winning an international title and being a representative for your country is a completely different endeavour that the girls need to focus on," she said.

Asked about the difference between the national and global pageant, Lara said, "Yardstick is the same. Looks, an individual's personality, grace and an original opinion. We're looking for the whole package."
Lara believes women have a stronger voice today as compared to past.
"Women are now in a far stronger space from an expression point of view. Who they are is being showcased through their fashion. Also the growing economic independence has helped women explore what works for them and find their own fashion voice," she said.