All that glittered at Femina Miss India 2013

One of the most lavish and grand fashion shows in India, the 50th edition of the Femina Miss India took place on 24th March, 2013 in Mumbai. The event began with an entertaining performance by the star cast of Indra Kumar's "Grand Masti" -- Aftab Shivdasani, Riteish Deshmukh and Vivek Oberoi who were there to promote the film. This was then followed by dazzling performances by A-listers like Priyanka Chopra and Aiswarya Rai Bachchan, who added a Bollywood touch to the ceremony.

Twenty three girls from different parts of India battled for the prestigious crown and Navneet Kaur Dhillon took home the studded beauty. The first and second runners-up were Sobhita Dhulipala and Zoya Afroz respectively. While the world got to sit back, relax and enjoy these Indian beauties scorch the runway, little is said or heard about what they went through to be where they are today.

Yahoo! India Lifestyle gets chatty with the three gorgeous women who will now represent India in the worldwide pageant. Read on as they unravel their mysterious journey.

While modeling was all Navneet dreamt of since when she was two, the little girl from the small town – Sobhita, didn’t even realize she would hog the limelight very soon! ‘Modeling was never sudden. I was two years old when Aishwarya Rai won the title and ever since then I had the drive to achieve something big in the industry’, says the title winner Navneet.

From ramp walk to communication skills, this pageant has been a huge learning platform for the contestants, giving them a chance to explore experiment and exhibit. ‘The pageant was a brilliant experience. Our trainers – Alesia Raut and Marc Robinson (Creative Director) trained us like their own kids. From ramp walk to communication skills and fitness, every move of ours was monitored closely’, said the winner Navneet.

Apart from skills that added value to their modeling career, these young ladies also had a lot to take back and practice in their personal lives. ‘Patience and honesty are two lessons this pageant taught me. We meet different people and situations in our life, but staying calm and being honest to yourself is the only way to fight your way out’, says Sobhita, the first runner up.

The Miss India pageant had 23 girls from various states, all speaking different tongues and from different backgrounds, but sweating it out just for one coveted crown! Did this cultural difference create a bridge? Here’s what the girls have to say- ‘We were like friends or rather sisters. We were one big happy family’, says Navneet. Of course, fights were a part of the family, but the girls did know to manage the situation and stay united.

‘It was one mad party out there! We did have issues and difference in opinions, but at the end of it, we did have a lot of fun’, says Sobhita. And speaking of fashion, these Indian women have donned it all from sexy bikinis to elegant Sarees, but what is that one outfit they can’t do without? While Navneet can’t do without her LBD, Shobitha is a complete desi girl and loves the traditional Indian six yard wonder. Having just finished their pageants, the three women are gearing up for their international appearance and hope to bring accolades and fame to the country.