Memories of a Miss World

Three years since Manushi Chhillar won the Miss World title on November 18, 2017, the debutant actress reminisces about her transition from the world stage to the Bollywood sets.

Manushi, who makes her debut in Bollywood with the historical Prithviraj, opposite Akshay Kumar, talks about how it felt for her to bring back the Miss World crown to India, seventeen years after Priyanka Chopra had won the honour.

“It was a really proud and humbling moment for me to win the title for my country. And I’m glad I made so many friends there despite how competitive the event is,” she tells us. “My favourite highlight from the night would be hearing everyone scream India on the final night.”

Manushi had wowed everyone with her classical dancing skills on the world stage as she danced on Nagada sang dhol from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2013-film Ram Leela. “I love that song and wanted to perform on something folk with a hint of movies because Bollywood is recognised internationally. It was amazing to see the other participants dance to my country’s song,” she states.

Manushi, who always loved the arc lights, points out how while she loved being on the Miss World stage, that period was also about what happened throughout the month, making friends, lending her voice to matters she felt closely for, participating in events such as fundraisers and marathons and celebrating the feeling of being one world.

From those stage lights to the spotlights of the movies, Manushi is elated with the change. “I’m fortunate not only about being one of the lucky few who brought my country glory, but also to debut in a big film,” she adds.