Manushi Chhillar

Manushi Chhillar (born 14 May 1997) is an Indian model, actor, and social activist, best known for winning the title of Miss World 2017, becoming the sixth Indian woman to achieve this global honour. Recognised for her intelligence, compassion, and advocacy for women’s health, Chhillar has since emerged as an influential public figure promoting education, menstrual hygiene, and gender equality. She has also established a successful career in the Indian film industry, balancing artistry with social responsibility.

Early Life and Education

Manushi Chhillar was born in Rohtak, Haryana, India, to a family of medical professionals. Her father, Dr. Mitra Basu Chhillar, is a scientist at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and her mother, Dr. Neelam Chhillar, is a professor and departmental head at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS). Growing up in an academically driven environment, she developed a keen interest in science, literature, and performing arts.
Chhillar completed her schooling at St. Thomas’ School, New Delhi, where she excelled in academics and extracurricular activities, serving as the school’s cultural prefect. She later enrolled at Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women, Sonipat, pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. Her medical background later informed her commitment to health-related social initiatives, particularly in women’s hygiene and reproductive awareness.

Pageantry Career and Miss World Title

Manushi’s journey in pageantry began when she participated in the Femina Miss India 2017 competition. Representing the state of Haryana, she impressed judges and audiences with her poise, intellect, and articulate responses, ultimately winning the Femina Miss India World 2017 title.
At the Miss World 2017 pageant, held in Sanya, China, she competed among contestants from over 100 countries. Her performance stood out for her grace, confidence, and empathetic approach to global issues. During the final question-and-answer round, she was asked, “Which profession deserves the highest salary and why?” Her thoughtful answer — “A mother deserves the highest respect and salary for her selfless love and service” — resonated deeply, earning her the crown.
Manushi Chhillar became the sixth Indian to win Miss World, following in the footsteps of Reita Faria (1966), Aishwarya Rai (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukta Mookhey (1999), and Priyanka Chopra (2000). Her victory was celebrated nationwide, with widespread admiration for her intellect and humanitarian ideals.

Social Initiatives and Advocacy

As part of her Miss World duties, Chhillar actively promoted the “Beauty with a Purpose” campaign, an initiative encouraging titleholders to engage in social work. Her project, “Project Shakti,” focused on menstrual hygiene awareness and education for women in rural India.
The project aimed to:

• Break taboos and social stigma surrounding menstruation.
• Provide affordable and accessible sanitary products to underprivileged women.
• Educate communities on menstrual health and hygiene.

Project Shakti reached more than 20 villages across Haryana, impacting thousands of women and adolescents. For this effort, she received international recognition and was invited to speak at global forums, where she emphasised the importance of health education and gender equality as fundamental human rights.
Beyond her Miss World responsibilities, Manushi has collaborated with various organisations, including the UNICEF and Smile Train, to support causes related to child health, education, and empowerment. She continues to serve as an ambassador for health and social reform initiatives in India.

Transition to Acting

After completing her tenure as Miss World, Chhillar transitioned to acting, seeking to blend creativity with meaningful storytelling. She made her Bollywood debut in 2022 with “Samrat Prithviraj,” directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi and produced by Yash Raj Films. She portrayed Princess Sanyogita, opposite actor Akshay Kumar, in a historical epic based on the legendary Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan.
While the film received mixed reviews, Chhillar’s performance was appreciated for its elegance and screen presence, marking her as a promising newcomer in Indian cinema. She continued to work in film projects exploring diverse genres, aiming to establish herself as a versatile actor while maintaining her engagement with social advocacy.

Personal Philosophy and Public Image

Manushi Chhillar is often celebrated for her blend of intellect, compassion, and discipline, traits that reflect her medical background and pageant experience. She has articulated a belief in the empowerment of women through education and self-awareness, often stating that true beauty lies in empathy and service to others.
Known for her calm demeanour and articulate communication, Chhillar has represented India at numerous international platforms, discussing issues related to health, sustainability, and youth leadership. She has been featured in publications such as Vogue India, Femina, and Harper’s Bazaar, and frequently participates in motivational talks and university events.
Her lifestyle and advocacy work promote a message of balance between career ambition and social responsibility. Through her interviews and social media presence, she continues to inspire young Indians — particularly women — to pursue education, leadership, and community service.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Chhillar has received several honours acknowledging both her pageant achievements and humanitarian contributions, including:

• Miss World 2017 – Beauty with a Purpose Award for Project Shakti.
• *Femina Miss India 2017 – Miss World India Titleholder.
• Times Most Desirable Woman 2018 recognition.
• Inclusion in Forbes India’s 30 Under 30 (2020) list.

She is also associated with leading brands as an ambassador, including L’Oréal Paris, Fashion Big Bazaar, and Audi India, symbolising grace and youth empowerment.

Continuing Work and Influence

Manushi Chhillar remains actively involved in philanthropic initiatives focusing on public health, women’s safety, and education. She has expressed plans to establish long-term foundations to expand her health awareness campaigns, aiming to reach underserved communities in India’s rural regions.
Her approach to fame emphasises purpose-driven engagement rather than celebrity culture. Through her career in cinema and public life, she has sought to redefine the role of women in the media as intelligent, socially aware, and globally connected individuals.