From Reita Faria to Manushi Chillar: Miss World winners from India

She defeated 80 other participants in the event held in Israel. 21 years after Lara Dutta was crowned Miss Universe, the 21-year-old Punjabi won the famed title. But do you know there is another beauty pageant where Indians have performed exceptionally well? Yes, we are talking about Miss World – the world’s oldest-running beauty pageant. Miss World is one of the ‘big four’ international beauty pageants, along with Miss Universe, Miss International, and Miss Earth.

Miss World is one of the most prestigious titles in the fashion business for a woman. It is also the world’s oldest international beauty pageant. Eric Morley created it in 1951 in the United Kingdom. Julia Morley, Morley’s widow, has co-chaired the pageant since his death in 2000. Miss World is awarded based on a variety of factors including vision, intelligence, hard work, sensitivity, wit, and charisma.

Along with many other attractive women from around the world, many Indian women have also achieved the title of Miss World. India, together with Venezuela, has won the most Miss World titles, with a total of six. The following is a list of Indian women who have earned the title of Miss World by representing their country.

1. Reita Faria

In 1966, Reita Faria became the first Indian woman to win Miss World. She became the first Indian woman to win an international title by winning this competition. After her one-year reign as Miss World, Reita received numerous offers to act in films, but she declined and instead focused on her medical education.

2. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

After a 28-year wait, Aishwarya Rai became the second Indian woman to win the crown. She won the title in 1994 and made her acting debut in Mani Ratnam’s Tamil film ‘Iruvar’ in 1997. She then made her Bollywood debut with ‘Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya,’ and her performance has since garnered her many fans.

3. Diana Hayden

Miss World 1997 was won by an Anglo-Indian model – Diana Hayden. Miss World – Asia and Oceania, Miss Photogenic, and Spectacular Swimwear were also among the sub-categories she won. She moved on to do a few Bollywood films, but she was unable to build a name for herself.

4. Yukta Mookhey

Yukta Mookhey was the fourth Indian to win the Miss World title. She was crowned the famed title in 1999. Miss World-Asia and Miss World-Oceania were also awarded to her during the competition.

5. Priyanka Chopra

The term ‘Desi Girl’ is self-explanatory. In 2000, Priyanka was crowned Miss World, and she has since become a global icon. With Priyanka’s victory, India became the second country to win the title for two years in a row, following the United Kingdom in 1964 and 1965. And she’s been aiming for the moon ever since. She is a well-known actor, producer, and one of the highest-paid performers in India.

6. Manushi Chhillar

Manushi Chillar, another Indian beauty queen, was crowned Miss World in 2017. She is the sixth Indian woman to win the Miss World competition.