The first thing that strikes you about Nikita Anand is her spontaneous smile. Then, it's the gleam in her eyes, the friendliness in her tone, the spring in her step... it doesn't take long for one to realise why this 19-year-old beat all others to be crowned Femina Miss India-Universe 2003. Niki, as her friends and family call her, is still coming to terms with the frenetic pace of her life, post receiving the coveted crown.
"I've been to the Dubai Shopping Festival to draw the raffle, walked the ramp for Ritu Kumar in Calcutta, done a few sponsor visits... it's been really hectic but also a whole lot of fun," she says, breaking into a sunshine smile. Winning the crown has also meant shifting base to Mumbai, for this Dilli-di-kudi. "I miss my family so much that I keep rushing back to be with them at every chance I get." Miss Universe. Another title that Niki has set her sights on. Is she nervous? "I was a wee bit nervous even when I entered the Femina Miss India contest but I guess, that's natural. For the Miss Universe, I am going to be in good hands and get all the training I need. I will give it my best shot," she says.