Aditi Govitrikar, the first Indian woman to win the Mrs World title in 2001, has opened up about the unequal recognition she received despite making history on the global stage. In a recent interview, the model, actor, physician and psychologist compared her experience with that of Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra, who were crowned Miss Universe 2000 and Miss World 2000, respectively.Recalling the moment candidly, Aditi revealed that while Lara and Priyanka walked away with luxury rewards, she received something far more modest.
“I became Mrs World the same year that Lara and Priyanka also became winners. We had a party, the unfortunate party, actually. The funny part was that I was not at the same publication house as they were, so they were given a flat, a car, and all, and I was given a bouquet,” she told Hauterrfly.
‘You have a husband,’ Lara joked
Sharing a light-hearted yet telling anecdote from the celebration, Aditi recalled how Lara Dutta jokingly pointed out the contrast in their rewards.“Lara was standing next to me. She was saying, ‘Look, we have a car, a house, and you have a husband.’ So I said, ‘That’s brilliant.’ I said, ‘That’s a good thing.’”Despite the disparity, Aditi handled the situation with grace and humour, choosing to focus on the bigger picture rather than the material differences.
‘We were breaking barriers together’
In the same interview, Aditi reflected on the larger significance of that year for Indian women on the international pageant stage. She said sharing the spotlight with Lara and Priyanka felt symbolic and empowering.“It was inspiring to see so many Indian women achieving recognition at the same time. It felt like we were breaking barriers together.”She added that the moment marked a milestone, as Indian women dominated global beauty platforms simultaneously.
A look at Aditi Govitrikar’s personal journey
Aditi Govitrikar’s personal life has seen its share of highs and lows. She was married to her college senior, Muffazal Lakdawalla, whom she dated for six years before tying the knot in 1998, despite opposition from both families. Aditi converted to Islam and changed her name to Sarah Lakdawalla after marriage. The couple welcomed their daughter Kiara in 1999 and son Zhiaan in 2007. However, their marriage ended in 2008, with Aditi retaining custody of both children.
