Post by : Meena Ariff

The prestigious Miss Universe pageant concluded its 74th edition in Bangkok, Thailand, where Mexico's Fatima Bosch was crowned as the winner. India's representative, Manika Vishwakarma, reached the Top 30, maintaining the country's strong legacy in beauty pageants.

Bosch's triumph underscores a remarkable display of beauty, grace, and talent, affirming Mexico’s impressive status in the realm of international pageants and setting a new standard for future contestants.

India's Impact at Miss Universe

India has seen three winners of the Miss Universe crown, each transitioning into successful careers within the Hindi film industry. Their experiences highlight the intertwined relationship between international beauty contests and Bollywood.

Sushmita Sen: Pioneer of Indian Miss Universe (1994)

Sushmita Sen made her mark in 1994 as India’s inaugural Miss Universe. Winning the Miss India title at a young age of 18, she made headlines by outshining Aishwarya Rai in the national competition, a topic still debated among pageant fans. She redefined expectations for Indian participants on the global platform.

Following her victory, Sushmita ventured into acting, making her debut in Mahesh Bhatt’s Dastak (1996) and later rising to fame in popular films like Biwi No. 1, Main Hoon Na, and Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya.

Lara Dutta: Miss Universe Success in 2000

Lara Dutta's journey commenced with a Miss Intercontinental win in 1997. By 2000, she proudly wore both the Miss India and Miss Universe crowns, impressing judges with a remarkable interview score and leading in the swimsuit category.

She made her Bollywood debut in 2003 with Andaaz alongside Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra. Lara subsequently appeared in a variety of notable films, including Kaal, Partner, and Don 2, establishing herself as a dynamic actress.

Harnaaz Sandhu: A New Era in 2021

Harnaaz Sandhu marked a significant milestone for India by winning Miss Universe 2021. Having won titles in the Miss Chandigarh and Miss Diva pageants, she showcased grace on the global stage.

Harnaaz is also entering the film industry carefully. She appeared in Baaghi 4 with Tiger Shroff and is involved in Punjabi cinema, balancing her emerging actress career with her title's prestige.

Highlighting Manika Vishwakarma in 2025

In 2025, Manika Vishwakarma earned applause with her standout performances, notably in the swimsuit and evening gown segments. Her vibrant blue swimsuit and elegant black lehenga garnered significant attention on social media, earning her a dedicated fan base despite not moving past the Top 30. Manika's experience continues the trend of strong Indian contestants on the world stage, reflecting India's lasting engagement in global beauty pageants.

With Fatima Bosch's crowning, the 2025 Miss Universe event affirmed its role as a celebration of diversity, talent, and beauty. India's legacy remains significant in this arena, with former winners making impactful strides in both international pageantry and Indian cinema. The outlook is optimistic as new talents uphold the nation's rich legacy in beauty contests worldwide.

#Global News #fashion