Lara Dutta’s Miss Universe Answer Still Resonates 25 Years Later

Last Updated May - 12 - 2025, 05:06 PM | Source : Fela News

Marking 25 years since her Miss Universe win, Lara Dutta’s timeless answer on inner beauty goes viral, sparking reflection on strength, self-worth, and redefini

Twenty-five years ago, Lara Dutta was crowned Miss Universe 2000, following Sushmita Sen’s 1994 win. A viral clip from the pageant shows veteran actor Waheeda Rehman asking her, “Is it really very difficult to be a beautiful person?” Lara’s heartfelt answer still resonates: true beauty lies within—confidence, belief in oneself, and the strength to persevere make someone truly beautiful.

Psychotherapist Delnna Rrajesh reflected on Lara’s words, noting that she wasn’t talking about outer beauty, but inner strength—the kind that doesn’t fade with age or depend on appearance. According to Delnna, many women are taught from a young age to tie their worth to how they look, rather than who they are. As a result, beauty becomes a burden, and self-worth grows fragile.

She’s worked with women who spend years performing perfection, fearing judgment if they falter. Delnna stresses that true beauty—courage, resilience, and presence—grows over time. And it’s okay not to always be strong. Vulnerability is human.

To reclaim inner beauty, she suggests building identity beyond appearance, showing up without perfection, redefining compliments, and embracing your life’s journey. Lara’s answer reminds us that beauty defined by courage and compassion is unshakable—and that being truly beautiful is less about how you look, and more about how you live.