I want to scream, shout and be happy about it,” is the first thing that Simran Kaur Mundi, Pantaloons Femina Miss India Universe 2008, says when congratulated for winning a regional round in the ongoing Miss Universe contest being held in Vietnam.

Deviating from the usual format, this time, for the National Costume Award, the contest was broken into about 10 different regions and Simran won from her region.

But, she’s quick to admit that the victory is just a morale booster and one of the first steps in going ahead to win the crown. “I have won the National Costume Award from my region. I take this as a positive sign of things to come, and am determined to work harder at winning the crown,” says this spunky lass, adding, “I just got back from the dinner hosted for the winners, and I must tell you, I felt so confident, my energy levels are very high.”

But, what was she wearing? “I was wearing a sort of laacha-choli, designed by Ritu Kumar. It had this huge ghera skirt, embroidered all over in orange, gold and green. And, everyone knows what wonderful creations Ritu Kumar can come up with. I felt like a princess as I wore the costume and walked the stage,” she says.

Tell this to Ritu Kumar, and she laughs, “I tried to make it as exotic as possible. I am really happy for Simran, and for the fact that Indian fashion is being recognised the world over now. Normally, the competition at the Miss Universe pageant is between South America and India, because only they come up with colourful costumes. I made sure the one I designed was flawless. It has got multi-coloured panels, motifs from Machilipatnam, it’s purple, fuschia, orange, gold — all at one go. The big skirt has an underlay of tulle. The blouse — in gold and fully embroidered — has a drop-shoulder sleeve. I am pleased that my hard work has paid off.”

Coming back to Simran, even as you read this, she would be in Saigon along with the 80 contestants to tour Vietnam before the pageant’s grand finale at Nha Trangon on July 14. So, is she ready for the rest of the competition? “I am looking forward to bringing the crown home,” she says.