Born of Wing Commander L.K. Dutta, now retired and mother Jennifer, Lara Dutta is the youngest of three daughters. In 1981, Lara Dutta along with her family relocated to Bangalore, where she did her schooling at Frank Anthony Public School in Bangalore and finished her graduation in Economics with a minor in mass communications from Bombay University.
Pretty-faced Lara Dutta participated in several beauty pageants wherein she won Gladrags competition, Miss Intercontinental pageant in 1997 held in Germany. For 2000 Femina Miss India Universe contest there were nearly sixty thousand contestants of which Lara Dutta stood out as the most beautiful person and walked away with the crown. The glowing beauty then went to Cyprus to participate in 2000 Miss Universe pageant. Contesting against a galaxy of exceptional beauties, Lara Dutta radiating more beauty combined with self-confidence, wit and intellect coolly walked away with the crown flooring the judges and the audience alike.
The beauty queen-turned model has appeared in several commercial campaigns endorsing brands like Ceat, Coke, Synergie, Sprite, and several others. Three years later, she made her debut in movies with "Andaaz" {2003} and won Filmfare Best Debut Award for her wonderful screen presence. Beginning her movie career on a successful note, Lara Dutta appeared in more than a score of movies, which include numerous box office hits like, "Masti" {2004}, "Kaal" {2005}, "No Entry" {2005}, "Dosti: Friends Forever" {2005}, a comedy movie "Bhagam Bhag" {2006} and "Partner" {2007}. The promising talented actress is awaiting the release of "Hey Baby" and "London Dreams" with fingers crossed.
Lara Dutta has also been working towards the cause of HIV/AIDS Awareness involving herself with several organizations that educate people about the causes and dangers lurking around AIDS. She is involved with 'Americans for AIDS Research' and 'Hale House', a home for children born with HIV and drug addiction, and the 'Harvard AIDS Institute' that conduct events throughout the year. Lara is also the UN Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund.