Sofia Handa crowned 'Mrs India'

Mumbai, Mar 15 (ANI): Sofia Handa was crowned Gladrags 'Mrs India' during a beauty pageant solely for housewives held in Mumbai.Sofia, 26, emerged victorious, beating 22 participants in the ninth edition of the Gladrags 'Mrs India' contest on Saturday.

Shreema Roy was declared the first runner-up while Shivalaika Sharma was adjudged second runners-up.

Bollywood actor Mahima Chowdhary who was present on the occasion said the contest was unique in the sense that it did not have age limit like other beauty pageants.

"Miss India is limited to a certain age group. This is like endless. You could belong to any age group and take part. So you get to see a lot more variety here," said Mahima.

Apart from stints in modelling, the winner had also featured in music videos in the past.

"I am really feeling great. I am sure it is my hard work that has been seen and nothing else. I mean I was standing up there and my name was called out, number 14," said Handa.

Interestingly, some of the contestants were in the age bracket of 43, 42 and 39. A few were mothers of teenagers too and a couple of others happened to be newly wed housewives.

The winner will represent India in the Mrs. World pageant.

Launched in 2000, the contest is open to married women under the age of 50. (ANI)