When Sushmita Sen got a scare!

Actor Sushmita Sen had a bit of a scare when suddenly one of her contestants decided to back out of her pageant  and she had to run helter-skelter to save the situation. The format of the show was in danger and with the finale of the show that’s selects one girl to represent the country at Miss Universe just a few days away, it was indeed a tough job for Sen.

A reliable source close to the development says, “Pooja Hegde, a 20-year-old Mumbai resident, would have never guessed post her not having made to the top 30 finalists of the 2010 Miss Universe India Pageant, that destiny’s going to surprise her with an opportunity otherwise thought of as a loss. Being marked 31st on the auditions conducted on April 14 in Mumbai, and next in line to replace any of the finalists, Pooja has gladly accepted to fill in for Priyanka Khimani.”

The source adds, “The reason for Priyanka letting go of this opportunity is because her mother had to be admitted to the hospital due to medical conditions, and Priyanka decided to take care of her during her ailment.”

Pooja confirms, “When I got a call from Sushmita’s office, me and my mother were so excited. I somehow always knew that I am destined to be here. Sushmita’s team is so considerate and family like and hence is the environment, very conducive and encouraging. Opportunity knocked my door the second time, and this time I have grabbed it and will give it my all. I also hope and pray that Priyanka’s mother gets well soon.”

Sushmita adds, “I am an ardent believer of destiny and have always trusted in the almighty and what he has in store for me. Our parents make us who we are and Priyanka made the right decision to stand by her mother, she is an extremely determined girl and will go places. We will look forward to welcoming her next year as we welcome Pooja Hegde into our family this year and wish her all the best. We are just a few days away from the finale and I am excited, and so looking forward to what destiny has in store for us.”