Reigning Miss India World Priyadarshini Chaterjee, who hails from Assam, says nowadays participation by women from eastern region in beauty pageants has increased.

Priyadarshini says winning and losing is secondary but it is a good sign that representation of eastern region has increased at such events.

"There are girls from Kolkata who became runners-up at beauty pageants in past and did so well internationally. We have to think about it in another way. I went for Miss World pageant in US in December 2016 but I did not win. It is destiny," Priyadarshini, who was among the top 20 at the global beauty contest in US, told PTI.

The model says winning the FBB Femina Miss India World crown has changed her view of the world.

"It (winning the crown) makes me different from the experience point of view, in terms of new things I learn, but it does not make me different as a person. While the more I gain experience, I become mature, I wont allow myself to be changed as a person."

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When asked about what goes behind winning such a coveted title, Priyadarshini says, "You need to be your best version at the pageant. Though it is a beauty pageant, there is a lot more to do. If I am into a pageant it is not just for fashion, but way beyond fashion.

"You have to be a passionate human being, but you have to again work hard for something. One needs to do work on her body, looks and health," she adds.

Priyadarshini says she admires Audrey Hepburn for her style and elegance.

On her plans of making a career in Bollywood, like many of her predecessors, Priyadarshini says she hasnt given a proper thought to it.

"I havent thought about it. I am leaving it to where life takes me.