Manushi Chhillar Returns to Miss World as Judge, Calls It a ‘Full Circle Moment’
Manushi Chhillar, who made India proud by winning the Miss World crown in 2017, has now come full circle — from being a contestant to taking the judge’s seat at the Miss World 2025 competition. The 26-year-old actor and youth icon reflected on her inspiring journey, emphasizing how the pageant's mission continues to influence her life.
In an exclusive interaction with IANS, Manushi said,
“‘Beauty with a purpose’ is the soul of Miss World. And I remember, during my year I was a 20-year-old who had this vision. I had a project and I took it to the Miss World competition as a contestant. And I still remember Gem's words: ‘Isn't it better to light one candle in the dark, than not to see at all?’ So, all I have to say is that this is the mission of Miss World. And as we see all these wonderful women on stage, they're not here just to be admired. They're here to ignite change.”
A Full-Circle Moment on a Global Stage
Taking to Instagram, Manushi posted heartfelt glimpses from the pageant’s final night, where she was part of the esteemed judging panel. Her caption read:
“From once being crowned to now judging the competition, honoured to return to the Miss World stage. It’s tough being on either side but felt so nervous and excited for the contestants! Reminded me of my days. An unforgettable night of beauty, purpose, and power.”
The post, tagged with #MissWorld2025, #FullCircleMoment, and #BeautyWithAPurpose, has since garnered widespread admiration, especially from young Indian fans who look up to her as a symbol of elegance, resilience, and intellect.
From Haryana to the World: Her Inspiring Rise
Manushi Chhillar’s rise to global recognition began when she represented Haryana in the Femina Miss India 2017 competition and won the Femina Miss India World title. Later that year, she went on to clinch the Miss World 2017 crown in Sanya, China — becoming the sixth Indian woman to win the prestigious global pageant after a 17-year gap, following the footsteps of Reita Faria, Aishwarya Rai, Diana Hayden, Yukta Mookhey, and Priyanka Chopra.
Her Miss World campaign focused on menstrual hygiene awareness, a cause she championed under the “Beauty with a Purpose” initiative. Her project was not just a winning factor but also brought real impact to underserved communities in India.
Manushi’s Acting Career: From Queen to Screen
Following her pageant victory, Manushi transitioned into the Indian film industry, debuting in the historical epic “Samrat Prithviraj” alongside Akshay Kumar, where she played the role of Princess Sanyogita. The film opened the doors to more roles, including:
- “The Great Indian Family” – a light-hearted comedy-drama that explored themes of identity and belonging.
- “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan” – an action-packed commercial entertainer where she shared screen space with leading Bollywood stars.
Though her film career is still in its early stages, Manushi has already earned praise for her screen presence and versatility.
Impact Beyond the Glamour
Beyond the red carpets and runways, Manushi has remained active in humanitarian causes, particularly women’s health and education. Her work with various NGOs and global platforms has solidified her status not just as a beauty queen but as a change-maker with a clear sense of purpose.
She continues to speak at international forums, including United Nations-backed panels on gender equality, where she shares her experiences as a young leader from India.
Miss World 2025: A Night of Purpose and Power
The Miss World 2025 competition, held earlier this week, brought together contestants from over 120 countries. The event was themed around “Redefining Global Impact”, with a renewed focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and social responsibility. Manushi’s presence as a judge added a deeper emotional resonance for many Indian fans, marking a moment of national pride and continuity in India's legacy on the global pageant stage.
As Manushi continues to evolve — from student to queen, actress to activist, and now mentor — her journey exemplifies what the Miss World platform truly stands for: beauty rooted in compassion, intelligence, and impact.