From being brought up in a protected and highly blessed environment to winning the coveted Miss India World 2013 title, the varied experiences in life has helped Navneet Kaur Dhillon grow and understand the realities of life.

At the very first meeting Navneet is sure to enchant you with her striking resemblance and beautiful smile. The effortlessness with which she communicates and her warm personality are enough to put others around her at ease. Confident to find her own ground in the tinsel town, she talks to TLJ about her Miss India days and filmdom.   

Journey Of Miss India 2013 Navneet Kaur Dhillon

Share about your experience as Miss India?

Navneet Kaur Dhillon: It was wonderful. Of course, you get to live the life of a princess, but the title of Miss India brings with it lots of responsibilities too. The pageant adds a certain value to every cause that you associate with. Working with the underprivileged from all over the country made me look at life from a very different perspective. The experience has given me a sense of humility which I feel I may not have ever gained without such an exposure. I am more thankful to God for all the blessings he has bestowed on me, unlike many people who only complain and forget to count their blessings.

What was the feeling when the crown was passed to someone else?

Navneet Kaur Dhillon: To be honest I didn’t feel anything different. I knew it from the moment I was crowned that it won’t stay with me forever and was supposed to be passed on. Keeping this reality in mind, I had a great year as Miss India World. It is imperative for everyone to understand that life moves on and one can not hold on to something for very long.

What led you to venture into films?

Navneet Kaur Dhillon: Being Miss India was always my goal since childhood. Slowly with time and after winning the crown, I got many offers for films. Also as I had featured in short films during my college days, I knew I can act. So, when good film offers came by way, I gladly accepted them.

What factors do you keep in mind while choosing a film?

Navneet Kaur Dhillon: Director’s vision, strong script and my role in the film.

Did a Punjabi upbringing pose as a challenge in the fashion or film industry?

Navneet Kaur Dhillon: No, not at all. My family has always been a strong support. My parents have always encouraged me to work hard and achieve my goals, no matter which field I venture into. Though my father was in army, he never restricted me from anything in life. When I decided to try my luck in the world of glamour, he supported me. In fact, “log kya kahenge” stereotype is something my parents have constantly discouraged. But, being a public figure, I am in the spotlight all the time, which means I have certain responsibilities to live up to, and I have to ensure that I do not hurt anyone’s sentiments while living my dreams.

Between Bollywood and Punjabi film industry, which one will you pick?

Navneet Kaur Dhillon: Both the industries are equally important to me. But, like I said earlier, a good and strong script is very essential.

How was it working with director Vaibhav Mishra and actor Girish Kumar in your debut Hindi film Loveshhuda?

Navneet Kaur Dhillon: They were great to work with. While shooting for the film, I got a chance to learn so much about acting. As I was new to films, they taught me different nuances of acting and helped me become camera-friendly.

What kind of films do you wish to do?

Navneet Kaur Dhillon: I will love to star in a romantic- comedy, but again the script should be very convincing. If not comedy then I am open to doing an emotional movie as I can play such characters well.

Are you satisfied with the choices you have made so far?

Navneet Kaur Dhillon: Over the years, I have realized that if sometimes you are less satisfied, it makes you explore more. Personally, I believe that it is very important for an individual to feel this way.

Where do you see yourself in years to come?

Navneet Kaur Dhillon: At the top of the industry, for sure.

What does it take to make it a big in the industry?

Navneet Kaur Dhillon: The key to becoming big in the showbiz industry is persistence, which very few possess. Of course, there are no hard and fast rules, but one must know how to act naturally and understand director’s perspective and adhere to it.

What next is in store for you?

Navneet Kaur Dhillon: My two films are yet to be released- one Punjabi and other South Indian.

What do you feel about the City Beautiful (Chandigarh)?

Navneet Kaur Dhillon: I love Chandigarh. It is a perfect city to live in and create a life for oneself.

What is your favourite thing in your closet right now?

Navneet Kaur Dhillon: There are so many things that I love in there. Not easy to choose! But one thing that I simply adore right now is my denim blue mini-dress with quirky prints on it that I picked up while travelling.

Who is Navneet behind the scenes?

Navneet Kaur Dhillon: A connoisseur of food and everything that goes with it. I truly enjoy cooking whenever I can. But more than that what enriches me is my deep seeded-love for travel and adventure. My favourite destination in India is Sikkim, Gangtok. Being an army kid, I have visited and lived in many parts of the country and experienced the Indian culture to its fullest which is why I insist that one must go and experience the beauty of Sikkim. I am always ready to put money on travel.