Tanushree Dutta reveals how her father helped her fight back for the Miss India crown while mom helped her score well academically

As a child my mom used to reward me with new Barbie dolls in lieu of good grades in class.

I was always a rebellious child, my mother would not allow me to go out unless others were going, but my father would support me and say that I was special and I could have my way.

I owe my academic achievements to my mother and her "strictness" about studies. But my co-curricular achievements are courtesy father dear. His lenient attitude helped me develop into a confident individual by participating in camps, sports, music, etc.

When I didn't get through Femina Miss India 2003 and I was really upset, but dad consoled me saying that I was a born fighter and that I would surmount all odds. I went back the next year with a renewed resolve and won the crown.

I have seen my mother as a dutiful wife, a doting mother and a great homemaker. Patience is her biggest virtue, and it is one that I have inherited from her.

Both my parents are strong individuals who have protected me from wrong influences and stood by me through my moments of trial. When I gave up studies to get into modelling, I received flak from a few people, but my parents backed me and told me to go ahead.

My parents are also my biggest critics and I value their opinion immensely. Their praise means everything to me. I am a cleanliness freak because of my mom and an avid cook thanks to my dad.

Both my parents are highly educated and since childhood they have inculcated the habit of acquiring knowledge about the world and life in general. As a result, I am a well-read person with a large perspective towards life.

My parents have imbibed two virtues in life: forgiveness and giving unconditional love. These virtues help me to have a stable personal life.