Post by : Meena
Hassan
The 74th Miss Universe pageant wrapped up in Bangkok, Thailand, where Mexico’s Fatima Bosch took home the prestigious crown. Representing India, Manika Vishwakarma secured a place in the Top 30 but did not progress further in the competition.
Bosch's triumph adds another noteworthy highlight to the ongoing celebration of beauty, skill, and grace, showcasing her outstanding performance throughout the contest. This victory reinforces Mexico’s strong standing in the international pageantry arena, setting a high standard for future aspirants.
India’s Rich Miss Universe Legacy
Over the years, India has produced three Miss Universe winners, all of whom have transitioned into successful careers in the Hindi film industry. Their stories demonstrate the link between global pageantry and Indian cinema.
Sushmita Sen: Breaking Ground in 1994
In 1994, Sushmita Sen made history as India’s first Miss Universe. Winning the Miss India title at just 18, she notably edged out Aishwarya Rai in the national contest, a result that continues to generate discussions among pageant aficionados. Sushmita’s calm and confident presence during the international competition established a new benchmark for Indian representatives on the world stage.
Post-crowning, Sushmita ventured into films with Mahesh Bhatt’s Dastak (1996), portraying a character reflecting her public image. Over the years, she became a Bollywood icon, featuring in popular films like Biwi No. 1, Aankhen, Main Hoon Na, and Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya.
Lara Dutta: Miss Universe 2000
Lara Dutta began her journey by winning the Miss Intercontinental title in 1997. By 2000, she had achieved both the Miss India crown and the Miss Universe title in Cyprus. Lara wowed the judges with one of the highest interview scores in pageant history as well as a top score in the swimsuit round.
She made her Bollywood debut in 2003 with Andaaz, starring alongside Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra. Lara has since showcased her versatility in both commercial and critically acclaimed films, such as Kaal, No Entry, Partner, and Don 2.
Harnaaz Sandhu: A New Era in 2021
In 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu ended a long wait for another Miss Universe title for India. Rising through the Miss Chandigarh and Miss Diva contests, she represented India with elegance and confidence on the global stage.
Harnaaz is also establishing her acting career, with appearances in the Bollywood action film Baaghi 4 featuring alongside Tiger Shroff and Sanjay Dutt, as well as in Punjabi films like Yaaran Diyan Poun Baaran (2023) and Bai Ji Kuttange (2022), balancing her pageant success with an emerging acting portfolio.
Manika Vishwakarma’s 2025 Journey
India’s representative for 2025, Manika Vishwakarma, impressed audiences with her spirited performances in the swimsuit and evening gown rounds. Her striking electric blue swimsuit and elegant black lehenga garnered extensive praise on social media, earning her admiration from fans despite not advancing further than the Top 30. Manika carries forward India’s tradition of strong representation on international platforms, showcasing the nation’s ongoing involvement in global pageantry.
With Fatima Bosch’s victory, the 2025 Miss Universe pageant came to a close, celebrating talent, beauty, and cultural diversity. India’s legacy in this competition remains significant, represented by its three past winners, all of whom have left their mark both globally and within Indian cinema. As new contestants emerge, the future looks bright for India’s continued excellence in international pageantry.
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