I like everything about India, says Miss Universe 2006

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I like everything about India, says Miss Universe 2006

Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Universe 2006, believes in being what she is. The beauty diva respects people and wants to be respected too. Disapproving fake smiles, she wants to cut the stereotype attached to beauty queens: A candid interview.

CJ: Shilpi Dubey Pathak

Thu, Mar 13, 2008 16:38:34 IST

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Zuleyka Rivera Miss Universe

IN AN exclusive interview with Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Universe 2006, we got to know her better. Excerpts from the interview:

Shilpi: Post Miss Universe, what is keeping you busy?

Zuleyka: I would like to continue my studies in communication, which I was pursuing before winning the crown at the University of Puerto Rico. Also, now that I am at this stage of my life from where I can see my dreams come closer or rather come true compared to that of when I was a student, I would like to try my luck with acting in the coming years. On second thoughts, I really don’t know. Things may change in future, as many girls get contracts from other countries but as of now, acting is what I want to do.

Shilpi: Will you do a Bollywood film, if given a chance?

Zuleyka: Of course, why not? Nobody will say ‘no’ to a Bollywood film! I think doing an Indian film is going to be an excellent starting point in my acting career. Though I haven’t seen a complete Bollywood film, I have seen parts of them and I absolutely loved those. Bollywood films are very happy and colourful, something you would enjoy to do, so yes, let an offer come!

Shilpi: Which Bollywood actor you would like to work with?

Zuleyka: Salman Khan, of course…(roars into laughter). I met Khan in Mumbai during one of the programmes. He is a very nice person. A happy–go-lucky guy, who is also very dynamic and handsome.

Shilpi: Have you been offered any Hollywood projects yet?

Zuleyka: Not exactly in movies, but I have been offered soap operas. Those are very famous in Puerto Rico, Mexico and Atlantic countries. I have been working with a big TV channel in Puerto Rico. I know the president there and the talks are on with him for a film with me in the lead, next year…so let’s see.

Shilpi: Why is that all the beauty pageant winners turn to acting ultimately?

Zuleyka: (Smiles)…I know why. Because this is a glamour field. Plus, it gives you a wider canvas. You can sing, dance, act or host a TV show. What I mean to say is that you can play so many parts and all this require talent. It’s not that I want to be an actress just because I want to be. I have to have the mettle for it. Being Miss Universe, I get the chance to meet all these talented people from the glamour and film worlds, and thus, entry becomes easy.

Shilpi: How was your India tour?

Zuleyka: I loved my India tour. I had gone there in 2006 as part of my international aids awareness programme. India is very interesting and something very different from what I had thought of. I started with Mumbai, which was very good. I went to Hyderabad, Delhi, Bangalore, Goa and many more cities and what struck me everywhere was the distinct Indian culture. Basically, it’s the same everywhere. The people, the food, the places - everyone and everything is simply great there.

Shilpi: Which is your favourite cuisine?

Zuleyka: Puerto Rican food is my favourite food, of course! (Smiles)… It’s because I grew up there. If I ask you the same, I am sure you would say Indian food. (Laughs). But, I like foreign cuisines too. Now that I have tried Indian food, I quiet like it. Though I don’t like spicy food, I like the garlic nan, ginger chicken and...yeah…what do you call those brown sweet balls…ah…gulab jamun (guffaws again). I just loved those but unfortunately, I got to eat only one.

Shilpi: Do you read books?

Zuleyka: Yes, of course. I think it is very important to continue reading, as you get to learn a lot from books and in order to progress in life, you need to keep learning. My favourite book is a Spanish one. It’s called ‘Brevity of Life’. I got to read it when I was in the university and it is an amazing book. The author discusses how uncertain life is and how certain individuals make their own lives short and worthless by making some wrong decisions or choosing the wrong path.

Shilpi: What is your message to the Indian women?

Zuleyka: I am very proud of the Indian women. Despite being born into very different circumstances, they are doing very well. During my visit to the slums in Mumbai, I saw many women in a pathetic condition. They didn’t have shoes. Their clothes were not proper, but still, they appeared dignified and hard working. I have great respect for them and I would like to tell them to continue to work hard and please fight for your rights!