India’s Manasi Moghe out of Miss Universe race

Moscow – Manasi Moghe lost the run for the Miss Universe 2013 crown here Saturday, continuing India’s 13-year-long dry run at the coveted annual beauty pageant.

The last time an Indian won the Miss Universe title was Lara Dutta in 2000.

Manasi, 23, managed to make her way to the Top 10 out of 86 contestants from across the world. However, she couldn’t make it to the top five at the 62nd edition of the Miss Universe pageant held at Crocus City Hall in Moscow.

The Indian diva is an Electronics and telecommunication engineer. She was born in Indore. Her parents are doctors by profession.

Manasi feels that “education is most important for everyone”.

“I am an Engineer and for me, education is the most important factor for anybody. I love to travel and want to climb Mount Everest one day,” she said in a video soon after entering the Top 10 of the international beauty pageant.

The Miss Universe panel of judges include the likes of American singer- songwriter Steven Tyler, Russian-born supermodel Anne Vyalitsyna, simply known as Anne V, American model and actress Carol Alt, chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, Farouk Shami- founder of the hair-care and spa products company, Farouk Systems and renowned American figure skater Tara Lipinski.

Olivia Culpo of Cranston, Rhode Island will crown her successor at the end of the event. She won the title of Miss Universe 2012 bringing the most coveted crown back to the US after 15 years.

American television journalist Thomar Roberts and former Spice Girl Mel B were part of the hosting panels as Grammy nominated “Panic! At The Disco” gave a scintillating performance during the swimwear round. International recording artist Emin also set the stage on fire with his performance.