New Miss India is keen on Bollywood

New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) Kerala beauty Parvathy Omanakuttan, who won the Pantaloons Femina Miss India World 2008, says she wouldn't mind trying her luck in Bollywood provided the offers are good.

'Why not? I have grown up in Mumbai and am a movie buff. If I get a good chance, good money, good co-stars, I would go for it,' the 20-year-old winner told IANS on phone from Mumbai. She won the Femina contest Saturday in Mumbai.

An arts graduate from the Mithibai College, Mumbai, Parvathy said that winning the pageant was her childhood dream.

'I was just seven when I saw Sushmita (Sen) and Aishwarya (Rai) winning the pageant. I decided then that one day I would also be like them,' said the dusky long-legged beauty.

'I always wanted to be Miss India. I am on cloud nine after winning the contest. However, I must confess when I saw my parents and friends crying after I was announced the winner that it is not just my dream that has come true. Everyone's dream related to me has been fulfilled. What could be more satisfying than this?'

Parvathy is keen to do a master of business administration (MBA) as a career option.

'I want to pursue MBA because it is very important to have a backup. Films or modelling would not last for long.'

She had won the Pantaloon's Femina Miss India South held in Hyderabad in December last year.

Asked how life has changed after winning the coveted title, Parvathy said: 'It has changed overnight! Before winning the competition I could pull out any T-shirt from my wardrobe and go out with my friends anywhere. But it is not so any more, as all eyes are on me.'

Commenting on her preparations for the Oct 4 Miss World pageant, she said: 'This is not a crown of joy. With the crown, the responsibility of upholding the name of the country has also fallen on my shoulders.'

'The preparations started ever since I won the contest. Apart from just concentrating on my appearance, I am also trying to be a stronger person to face the contest.'

Asked about her views on women, she said: 'I am a student of English literature and I think feminism has enlightened me. There have been certain cases when women have been refused their rights. The security of women is another very important issue in our country. I want to voice my opinion against female foeticide and crime against women.

'Women can't run the world alone. You need both - men and women - but I strongly feel for women and am a liberal feminist,' Parvathy said.

'I am sure if the government doesn't do something it is not far when women would come out and work for their community.'

'Education not only makes one knowledgeable but also makes one think, act and feel independently. It is imperative for everyone, especially for girls, to be educated,' said Parvathy. She worked with Akbar Travels Online.com after completing graduation.

'Everyone wants to earn quick fame and money today. But one must always remember that there is only one Sachin (Tendulkar) and Dhirubhai (Ambani) who worked wonders despite less educational qualifications,' said Parvathy, soaking in her new found success.