As India Hosts 71st Miss World 2024, Celebrating The Country’s Past Pageant Winners

Gear up for Glitz, Glamour and Global Impact! India is back in the spotlight after 28 years, hosting the prestigious Miss World 2024 pageant, a legacy of Beauty with a Purpose. This year, the pageant will highlight India’s diversity, welcoming delegates from over 120 countries to experience the warmth and inclusivity of Indian hospitality. The Miss World platform is much more than the crown; it is about empowering women to become the agents of change. In the 71st Miss World, Miss India Sini Shetty is representing India on the global stage.

While the competition is underway, it is a great opportunity to give an ode to all the incredible women who won the legendary crown and made India proud.

Manushi Chillar

A young medical student hailing from Haryana etched her name into history in 2017. She stood tall amidst a global stage, competing not just for beauty but also advocating for the unseen heroes of society. She was asked “Which job deserves the highest salary?”, and her response to it — “a mother’s profession”— resonated deeply with the audiences and earned her the coveted Miss World crown. Her victory celebrated intelligence, empathy, and a voice for the often-undervalued. She promoted various initiatives for menstrual hygiene and menstrual equality for women across the globe. Her triumph was a powerful reminder that beauty is not just about appearance but also the depth of one’s heart and strength of their convictions.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka, also fondly known as PeeCee, won the Miss World title at the age of 18 in 2000. Her confidence, grace and unwavering ambition distinguished her from the 94 other delegates. She exhibited strong opinion and intelligence across the Questions and Answers’ rounds throughout the competition. Her win was a moment of national pride and a testament to her determination and ability to advocate for herself and her nation. The Miss World title opened doors to a successful career in Bollywood and Hollywood, inspiring young girls to break that glass ceiling and outshine.

Yukta Mookhey

A computer science graduate from Mumbai, Yukta, rose to the pinnacle of global beauty in 1999. Her infectious smile and confidence captivated the audience not just with her appearance but also with her poise and intellect. Yukta’s views on ‘inner beauty and compassion’ were applauded by the judges, which earned her the crown and made her the fourth Indian woman to claim 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. She competed with 86 delegates on the global platform and was the third Indian woman to win the title. 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. She is truly a role model for many young women who aspire to bring a positive change in society through beauty, impact and empowerment.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

On a November night in 1994, the 21-year-old Aishwarya Rai captivated the world with her ethereal beauty and confidence. She was embodying the hopes and dreams of the nation. Her beauty, expressive blue eyes, lustrous black hair and grace throughout the competition effortlessly glided her through various rounds winning her several titles. Her poise and wit under pressure stole the show. Her final answer about Miss Worlds having compassion, ability to make positive change and touch people’s lives was well appreciated. Her reign ushered in a new era of Indian beauty on the world stage, paving the way for future generations to dream big and challenge stereotypes.

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” (wearing a saree) in the international competition. Her grace, intelligence and bold response about population control stunned audiences. She rose above convention to claim the crown. Her triumph proved beauty is beyond your looks; it is about your thoughts, beliefs, and courage.