The world is her oyster, Pooja Chopra

Even as 112 gorgeous beauties from across the world prepare themselves for the Miss World 2009 pageant to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, India’s eyes will be trained on Pune girl Pooja Chopra who is India’s latest ambassador at this beauty platform.

Unlike most beauty queens that one imagines to have lived lives of comfort and luxury, Pooja Chopra has experienced life in its stark hues right from a tender age. Practically disowned by her philandering father, she was raised by a single mother who struggled to make ends meet.

However, Pooja emerged to be a bright all-rounder throughout her school and college years and has been a rage on the modeling circuit for a while now with a host of TV commercials under her belt.

When asked what she would have been if not a beauty queen, pat comes the reply, “An IAS officer, most definitely. I have deeply admired Kiran Bedi right through my childhood,” she says.

So what is the image of India in the eyes of the people she has had a chance to interact with over the past three months?  “They are very curious about Bollywood, our dances, Indian food, etc.” And how does she feel about the great responsibility on her shoulders?

“Aishwarya Rai is particularily remembered, even today almost 15 years after her victory, as the most successful Miss World ever. So I have big shoes to fill indeed.” All the best, Pooja — bring home the world!

Stay tuned to Zee Cafe for the live telecast of Miss World 2009 on 12th December at 8pm.