The past few weeks have been exciting for Urvashi Rautela — she has been juggling the shoot of two of her films, and at the same time, preparing thoroughly to represent India at the Miss Universe 2015 . To be held at Las Vegas on December 20, the 63rd edition of the international pageant will see the girl compete with 81 contestants from across the globe.“It has been an incredible journey since I was crowned Yamaha Fascino Miss Universe India 2015 on October 15. I had my homecoming, where everyone, including my state Uttarakhand’s CM (Harish Rawat) gave me an amazing welcome. In fact, he told me that if I win the crown, he would welcome me back with ikkis topon ki salaami! I’ve never felt so special in my life,” smiles Urvashi.At the pageant, some of the sub-contests in which she will be competing are Best In National Costume, Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality. The winner of this pageant will receive a cash prize of $50,000.Urvashi says support and wishes have been pouring in from all quarters. “I’ve been shooting for two of my films — Sanam Re and Great Grand Masti — and the cast and crew have been very encouraging. Salman Khan has also been very supportive, and he told me that for him, I’m already a winner,” she says.She adds, “Youngsters should be the decision-makers of their own lives. Everyone has a short stint on earth, and there’s no point having regrets. I wanted to be an aeronautical engineer and had cracked the competence exams as well. But I set my heart on becoming a teen beauty queen when I heard about the pageant, and I lived my dream. I’ve always wanted to represent my country, and here I am, doing what I wanted to.”Urvashi says though hectic, grooming sessions for the pageant was fun. “Right from hair and makeup to the way I present myself and hold a conversation, I was trained on a lot of aspects. I enjoyed trying on various outfits for the event the most. I’m quite excited about my national costume; Urvashi is the name of an apsara whose dancing skill wowed even the devas. And I can’t wait to show off my moves at the pageant,” she smiles.The girl also believes her past experiences will help her clinch the crown. “I’ve been part of several national and international pageants. I’ve had the opportunity to be trained by three international beauties — Diana Hayden, Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta — and I’ve learnt a lot from them,” she says.The pageant is as much about a cause as it is about the crown. “My parents run a foundation in my name through which we support those in need. I don’t believe in choosing a single cause and working only for it. I’ve been part of many campaigns — from saving animals to women’s empowerment. And I wish to continue doing the same, crown or no crown,” she signs off.