MID-DAY (January 23, 2017)

Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen has confirmed that she is on the judging panel of 65th edition of the pageant here.

The 41-year-old-model-turned-actress was crowned Miss Universe in Manila in 1994 and she said she is excited as well as overwhelmed to return to the pageant 23 years later. "Getting ready with a dancing heart! I am so excited, emotional and looking forward to returning home to the #Philippines after #23years... it's where it all began #manila1994 #missuniverse1994, " Sushmita posted on Instagram.

"Life comes a full circle, from winning Miss Universe, to having owned its Indian Franchise to now returning back to #Manila this time as a judge at the 65th Miss Universe pageant!! To all my #filipino friends who have been graciously asking... I can now confirm... yes! I am coming! Mahal Kita Philippines see you sooooooon."

Roshmitha Harimurthy will represent India at the Miss Universe pageant this year to be held on January 30.