Sushmita, 1994 queen, returns as Miss U judge

MANILA, Philippines - Twenty-three years after winning the Miss Universe crown in 1994 here in the Philippines, Indian beauty queen and actress Sushmita Sen will return to the country to serve as one of the judges in the upcoming pageant.

“I am so excited, emotional and
looking forward to returning home to the Philippines after 23 years,” Sen said in an Instagram post.

“Life comes a full circle, from winning Miss Universe, to having owned its Indian franchise, to now… returning back to Manila this time as a judge at the 65th Miss Universe pageant,” she added.

Sen became the first Indian to win the crown, besting 76 other contestants including Philippine bet Charlene Gonzales.

In her emoji-filled post, the beauty queen-turned-Bollywood actress confirmed earlier reports that she would be one of the judges in this year’s edition.

“To all my Filipino friends who have been graciously asking, I can now confirm. Yes! I am coming!” she said. “Mahal kita (I love you) Philippines. See you soon!”

The 65th Miss Universe pageant will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena on Jan. 30.