Miss Universe 2016: Sushmita Sen to judge beauty pageant in Philippines

Sushmita Sen was Miss Universe 1994.

Miss Universe pageant to be hosted in Manila in January
Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach will crown Miss Universe 2016 Reuters

Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen is on the judging panel of Miss Universe 2016, which will be held in the Philippines. The 65th edition of the international beauty pageant is scheduled to be held on 29 January at 7pm ET/PT on FOX.

The 41-year-old actress took to her Instagram account to share her excitement. She wrote: "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," she 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."

At the end of the ceremony, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach will hand over the crown to the winner. Meanwhile, Philippines' Maxine Medina is one of the favorites to win the contest this year. She wrote on the photo-sharing website: "I have never imagined myself walking on the halls of the Malacañang Palace. That childhood dream happened today. What's more inspiring is that the leader of the Philippines wished me good luck. Thank you, President Duterte. I'm a proud Filipino and it is a great honor to represent our country, the Philippines!"