Miss World 2024: Manushi Chillar To Reita Faria Powell- Indian Women Who Were Crowned In The Past

Miss World Pageant 2024: India is hosting the prestigious Miss World pageant this year after a span of three decades, the last one being in the year 1996. Scheduled to take place from February 18 to March 9, the event has begun to unfold in various venues, including the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Miss World 2024 will see 120 contestants from countries across the globe as they participate in various competitions and charitable initiatives. For the 71st Miss World Pageant, India will be represented by Femina Miss India World 2022 winner Sini Shetty.

While the competition is underway, let’s have a look at all the incredible women who won the legendary crown in the past and made India proud.

Manushi Chillar: A young medical student hailing from Haryana was crowned Miss World in 2017. She stood tall amidst a global stage, competing not just for beauty but also advocating for the unseen heroes of society. When she was asked “Which job deserves the highest salary?”, her response — “a mother’s profession”— resonated deeply with the audiences and earned her the coveted Miss World crown.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Priyanka won the Miss World title at the age of 18 in 2000. Her confidence, grace, and unwavering ambition set her apart from the other 94 delegates. She demonstrated strong opinions and intelligence throughout the competition’s Question and Answer rounds. The Miss World title led to a successful career in Bollywood and Hollywood, inspiring young girls to break through the glass ceiling and shine.

Yukta Mookhey: Yukta, a computer science graduate from Mumbai was crowned Miss World in 1999. Her infectious smile and confidence captivated the audience not only with her beauty, but also with her poise and intelligence. Yukta’s views on ‘inner beauty and compassion’ were praised by the judges, earning her the crown and making her the fourth Indian woman to win the Miss World title. Her reign wasn’t just about appearances; she actively advocated for AIDS awareness and education, becoming the brand ambassador for ‘UNFPA: Delivering a World Where Every Pregnancy is Wanted.’

Diana Hayden: A trained classical dancer with a degree in civil engineering, Diana was crowned Miss World in 1997. Unlike many contestants, she wasn’t groomed for pageantry, but her simplicity and genuine desire to contribute to society and inspire others won her the crown.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: 21-year-old Aishwarya Rai wowed the world with her ethereal beauty and confidence as was crowned Miss World in 1994. Her beauty, expressive blue eyes, lustrous black hair, and grace throughout the competition propelled her through various rounds, earning her several titles. Her confidence and wit under pressure stole the show. Her final answer about Miss World having compassion, ability to make positive change and touch people’s lives was well appreciated, earning her the crown.

Reita Faria Powell: Reita, a doctor by profession, defied expectations when she became the first Asian woman to be crowned Miss World in 1966. She also won titles like ‘Best in Swimsuit’ and ‘Best in Evening wear’ in the international competition. Her grace, intelligence and bold response about population control stunned everyone.