The countdown has officially begun for the 71st Miss World pageant, which is set to culminate in a grand finale at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on March 9, 2024. After a long gap of 28 years, India is once again hosting this prestigious event, and the excitement is palpable as the nation eagerly awaits to see who will be crowned this year.
As this moment occurs let’s take a glance towards the former Miss World of our India.
Reita Faria (1966)
Reita Faria Powell, born in 1943, made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the Miss World title in 1966. Her groundbreaking victory not only shattered societal barriers but also paved the way for future generations of Indian women in beauty pageants and beyond. Born in Bombay, Reita pursued her medical studies at Grant Medical College. She first gained recognition by winning the Miss Bombay contest, followed by the Eve’s Weekly Miss India competition in 1966.
Aishwarya Rai (1994)
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan won the Miss World title in 1994, becoming the second Indian to do so. Born in Mangalore, Karnataka, on November 1, 1973, Aishwarya initially pursued architecture studies but left them incomplete to follow her passion for modelling and acting. She won the Femina Miss India World title in 1994, and her global recognition as Miss World launched a stellar career in Bollywood.
Diana Hayden (1997)
Diana Hayden was crowned Miss World in 1997, the third Indian woman to win the title. Born on May 1, 1973, in Hyderabad, Diana completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the London School of Economics. She began her career as a model and participated in various beauty contests, eventually winning the Femina Miss India World title in 1997.
Yukta Mookhey (1999)
Yukta Mookhey became the fourth Indian to win the Miss World title in 1999. Born on November 2, 1979, in Mumbai, Yukta attended St. Joseph’s Convent High School and holds a certificate in Computer Science and a degree in Zoology. Following her win, Yukta pursued a career in show business and became an advocate for women’s rights and education.
Priyanka Chopra (2000)
Priyanka Chopra won the Miss World crown in 2000, making her the fifth Indian woman to achieve this honour. Born on July 18, 1982, in Jamshedpur Priyanka’s victory marked the beginning of a remarkable career in Bollywood and Hollywood.
Manushi Chhillar (2017)
Manushi Chhillar brought the Miss World title back to India in 2017, 17 years after the last win. Born on May 14, 1997, in Rohtak, Haryana, Manushi completed her early education at St. Thomas School in New Delhi and earned her MBBS from Bhagat Phool Singh Medical College. Her win highlighted her dedication and intelligence, and she has since transitioned into a career in modelling and acting. Manushi made her film debut opposite Akshay Kumar.