Lara Dutta, Miss Universe 2000, was crowned the first Miss Universe of the new millennium on May 12, 2000 in Cyprus. The 5' 8'' Femina Miss India Universe was also judged Miss Photogenic at the preliminary round in Hyderabad on January 8.Lara Dutta, A student of Mass Communications, Mumbai University, beat out an incredible 60,000 applicants to take the Femina Miss India crown. High spirited and very adventurous by nature she cannot refuse a dare. Her fascination with astrology at an early age made Lara interested in being an astronomer or astronaut. An adventurous girl who is fearless and has done it all seeks more adventure. She is an established model by profession and has appeared in several ads. like Synergie, Ceat, Coke, Sprite, etc.

Lara was born the youngest of three children to Wg. Cdr. L.K. Dutta (retired) and Jennifer Dutta in Ghaziabad, India on April 16,1978. In 1981, her family moved to Bangalore, India where she attended high school. After receiving the highest score in India on the English section of her National Board Exams, Lara continued her education at Bombay University and completed a degree in economics and a minor in communications.

As a representative of the Miss Universe Organization, Lara travels the world on behalf of the organization's sponsors and official cause, AIDS/HIV awareness. Lara is involved in AmFar (Americans for AIDS Research) and Hale House, a home for children born with HIV and drug addiction. Lara also works with the Harvard AIDS Institute by hosting forums and participating in events throughout the year. In addition, recently named UN Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Lara will work with Face to Face International. This international campaign is focused on increasing global awareness of women's rights, especially access to reproductive health care and family planning services.