The eagerly awaited 71st edition of the Miss World 2024 pageant is set to captivate audiences, marking a significant return to India after a 28-year hiatus. Originally planned for the United Arab Emirates, this prestigious beauty competition is set to take place at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on Saturday, March 9. Sini Shetty, the winner of Femina Miss India 2022, is representing India at the Miss World 2024 pageant.
But, before the grand ceremony unfolds, let's take a look at the winning moments of previous Miss Worlds from India and the answer they gave at the question-answer round that won them the crown.
Manushi Chillar (2017):
Manushi looked breathtaking in a Swarovski-embellished off-shoulder pastel gown. The flowy silhouette highlighted her radiant presence, with minimal accessories reflecting a modern look. As a top 15 semi-finalist, she was asked by Karan Johar: "The government is considering to ban surrogacy in India. What is your opinion regarding this?"
"I feel everyone in the world should have a right to be a parent. So, instead of banning surrogacy in India, the government should focus on preventing its exploitation," Manushi had said.
During the final question and answer round of Femina Miss India 2017, the top 5 delegates were asked the same question - "You have spent 30 days with 30 fellow contestants at Femina Miss India. What lesson will you take back with you?"
To this Chhillar responded: "These days that I have spent with my fellow contestants has been the most dynamic period of my life. The only thing that was certain during the whole experience was uncertainty. The one belief that I would take back with me is that, yes...I can change the world. When I entered Miss India, there was only passion. However, through this journey, I acquired a vision in life. That vision and the belief that I can change the world, is something I'm going to take back with me."
Priyanka Chopra (2000):
Dazzling in a pastel pink strapless high-slit gown, Priyanka added a regal touch with a stole. With a dark lip colour and stunning ornaments, she became a diva on the global stage.
Before Priyanka was crowned, she was asked a question in the final round, customary to the beauty pageant format. It was host Rahul Khanna who asked her, "If you were a police officer in the garden of Eden, who would you punish for the original sin — Adam, Eve or the Serpent?"
To this, Priyanka said, "If I was a police officer in the garden of Eden, I would punish Satan, the Serpent, because I believe that evil is instigated, not created. Eve thought Satan was right, she believed him. Let us get a moral from this, to decipher between good and bad without being biased."
She ended up winning the pageant that year.
- Yukta Mookhey (1999):
Making a statement in a halter-neck light blue velvet gown, Yukta accessorized her outfit with a heavy necklace, bracelet, and subtle earrings. Her dramatic attire complemented her vivacious personality and confidence.
In the semifinal round during the grand finale, she was asked a question from the judge Viv Richards - "How do you define a true sports person?", to which she answered: "I would define a true sports person as the one who welcomes defeat as well as success with a healthy attitude and with a smile."
Mookhey proceeded to the succeeding round, where all her fellow Top 5 delegates were asked the same question - "In the context of the recent controversy, if you were Chelsea Clinton, what is the single most important advice, you as a daughter would you give to your parents Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, and why?"
To this, Mookhey answered: "If I was Chelsea Clinton, I would tell my parents that in the values that you have taught me, I still stand by you no matter what. And I hope we can set an example for the rest of the world to see what family values and ethics are all about. Thank you."
Diana Hayden (1997):
In a sleek strapless white gown during her crowning moment, Diana showcased elegance and poise. Minimal shimmer and clean lines accentuated her beauty, with subtle makeup and golden accessories adding to her charm.
During the question and answer segment of the competition, Hayden was asked - "Why do you want to become Miss World?"
To this she replied: "I draw inspiration from a famous writer and poet, William Butler Yeats, who once wrote - 'With Dreams Begin Responsibility.' Well for me, this title is that dream and the responsibility it brings, I cherish that in a small way I could make a difference and help the dreams of others. Thank you."
Aishwarya Rai (1994):
Crowned Miss World, Aishwarya wore a one-shouldered white gown adorned with embellishments and shiny gloves. Her chic top bun, statement earrings, and red lips set a high fashion standard in the 90s.
Her answer to the judges’ final question – "What are the qualities Miss World should embody" – established her as a combination of beauty and brains.
"The Miss Worlds that we have had up to date, have been proof enough that they have had compassion. Compassion for the underprivileged and not only for the people who have status and stature. We have had people, who can look beyond the barriers that man has set up – of nationalities and colour. We have to look beyond those and that would make a true Miss World. A true person, a real person," 21-year-old Aishwarya had replied, that eventually won her the crown.
Reita Faria Powell (1966):
Breaking stereotypes, Reita Faria, the first Indian woman to wear a swimsuit at a beauty pageant, exuded grace and confidence. Emphasizing substance over style, she looked stunning with her hair up-do, subtle makeup, and gorgeous dangling earrings.
At the grand finale, Reita, a medical student at that time, was questioned - Why she wanted to become a doctor, to which she replied that India needed more obstetricians and gynecologists. An amused jury then added that India already has a lot of babies. Reita quickly retorted and said, that was something we needed to discourage! Her startling reply was received with loud applause, and she was crowned Miss World 1966 at the event finale.
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