Lara Dutta, the first Miss Universe of the new millennium was born to Wg. Cdr. L.K. Dutta and Jennifer Dutta in Ghaziabad. Lara is a model by profession. At the age of 16 she left her home from bangalore to come to mumbai and realize her dreams. Before Miss universe she was a successful print and ramp model. She was first discovered by Gladrags' annual modeling competition. After winning Miss Intercontinental in Germany, she started to build up a very successful modeling career on a national scale. She appeared in ads. for Synergie, Ceat, Coke and Sprite which made her popular. She participated in the Miss Femina India contest and won the title which paved her way to the Miss Universe Crown. A mix between Punjabi and Scottish parents this stunning beauty always emerged a winner.

Lara has embarked on another path the road to stardom in Bollywood. Her debut film was Andaaz. She got the film fare award for Andaaz as a new comer. The film and its music was hit. After that her one more film came Mumbai Se Aya Mera Dost. In both films her work was appreciated. In 'Masti' she played a small role. Her forth coming film Aan is coming with opposite Akshay Kumar. She looks ahead to many more and her steely determination lead her to win. Apart from these she participated in various AIDS related events and worked along with the UNFPA. As the reigning Miss Universe, she traveled across the world on behalf of the Miss Universe organisation to promote their official cause of building AIDS/HIV awareness. After finishing her reign, Lara returned to school to complete her MBA in marketing and communications.