Lara Dutta's Unforgettable Miss India Mentorship: Guiding Rivals Priyanka Chopra and Dia Mirza
In the high-stakes world of beauty pageants, where competition often overshadows camaraderie, former Miss Universe Lara Dutta stands out for her remarkable acts of kindness during the Miss India contest. While focused on her own victory, Dutta took time to mentor her fellow contestants, including a young Priyanka Chopra and Dia Mirza, demonstrating that true success extends beyond trophies.
The "Mom" Figure in a Competitive Arena
Recalling those formative days, Priyanka Chopra, who was just 17 at the time, shared heartfelt memories of Dutta's guidance. "I looked up to Lara quite a bit, because she'd had so much experience. Dia was 18, and I was 17, and we were like these little babes. We used to call Lara 'mom'. I wouldn't know what to wear, or how my makeup was. And I remember one time she took me to the bathroom, and she showed me the right makeup to use for my skin. Totally look up to her for that," Chopra revealed. This mentorship included practical assistance with makeup application, outfit selection, and overall preparation, despite them being direct competitors.
Lara Dutta's Philosophy: Humanity Over Trophies
When questioned by Simi Garewal on her chat show about potentially not being "competitive enough," Lara Dutta offered a profound perspective. "With me is you keep your focus where you wanted it to be. I mean, for me it was winning Miss India and Miss Universe, entire focus is there, but at the same time you don't forget that you are human and achievements or failures, without trying to sound morbid, once you're gone aren't really going to matter," she explained.
Dutta emphasized that moments of helping others hold greater significance than any award. "You know you get very few moments in your life when you reach out and do something for someone and those are the moments that meet life. And if I can't do that then I am not living and I don't want any of it because that's the most important thing for me," she added, highlighting her values-driven approach.
The Psychological Edge of Kindness in Competition
Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani analyzes Lara Dutta's behavior as a classic example of high emotional intelligence. "Some people choose to extend kindness in competitive situations because they operate from a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. They believe there's enough room for everyone to shine, and that someone else's success doesn't automatically diminish their own," Gurnani notes.
This mindset offers several advantages:
- Reduced Anxiety: It helps individuals stay grounded and perform with clarity instead of fear.
- Intrinsic Motivation: When the goal includes integrity alongside achievement, compassion naturally follows.
- Enhanced Confidence: Helping others in high-pressure scenarios can actually boost one's own self-assurance.
Gurnani elaborates, "When one extends support, they reinforce their own sense of capability — if they can lift someone else while carrying their own weight, they start to trust their own resilience more deeply."
How Acts of Kindness Improve Performance
From a psychological standpoint, kindness triggers positive emotions and reduces stress hormones, creating a calmer and sharper mental state. "This can give you a performance edge because you're operating from stability, not survival mode," Gurnani states. This approach not only fosters personal growth but also builds a supportive environment that can lead to collective success.
Lara Dutta's story serves as a powerful reminder that in competitive fields, whether beauty pageants or workplaces, empathy and guidance can be transformative. Her actions toward Priyanka Chopra and Dia Mirza underscore that true legacy is built not just on victories, but on the positive impact we have on others along the way.
