Manushi Chhillar’s journey evolved from aspiring to be a doctor to becoming Miss World and eventually stepping into the world of acting — a transition from stethoscopes to spotlights. Miss World 2017 discusses with Tanisha Saxena her upcoming Tollywood film Operation Valentine, Miss World 2017, and everything in between.
Resilience stands as the cornerstone of Manushi’s success, as the crowned Miss World 2017 attributes her current position to this unwavering quality. She holds the belief that irrespective of one’s current life stage, the key is to persistently move forward, embracing continuous learning along the way.
Simultaneously, Manushi’s first feature in the southern film business, Operation Valentine, directed by Shakti Pratap Singh Hada, is slated for release on March 1, 2024, and it pays cinematic tribute to the largest airstrike in Indian history.
In an exclusive conversation with us, Manushi shares, “I have gained extensive insights over the period of time. Having debuted in 2022, this marks my third film. And I continue to absorb valuable lessons.”
Manushi skillfully overcame the obstacles on her way across uncharted territory by devoting a significant amount of time and energy to them. “Starting with Samrat Prithviraj, my first film, it took eight to nine months from the time I signed the project until we started shooting,” she explains, adding, “I worked long hours at Yash Raj Studios, attending acting workshops for four hours and dancing instruction for an extra four hours. I purposefully cut myself off from outside distractions during this time and focused entirely on perfecting my craft.”
She continues, “In my general approach to preparing for a role, I tend to isolate myself from the outside world. Each film offers a unique experience, as every character has distinct demands on me as an actor. When I committed to The Great Indian Family, we had one to two months, during which we collaborated with the director and engaged in workshops. In Operation Valentine, I had to learn a new language and portray an Air Force officer, requiring me to immerse myself in the character. Every film has taught me that the preparation process varies, especially when there’s no predefined backstory for a character. In such cases, I delve deep into brainstorming and explore various dimensions the character can embody in the film.”
Manushi’s journey unfolds from an idyllic childhood in Delhi, surrounded by the warmth of her doctor’s parents and siblings. Excelling academically, she seamlessly blended her studies with her love for dance and art! Unexpectedly winning Miss India at 20 during medical school, her authenticity triumphed over glamour. Despite initial self-doubts, she went on to conquer Miss World, emphasising that substance mattered more than superficiality in the world of pageantry.
Characterised by self-awareness and honesty, she acknowledges that Miss World is a title, not a profession. However, she candidly states, “This title has revealed to me that I am a humanitarian leader. Many women who have won the pageant in the past have made significant contributions to society. I, too, aspire to make a difference, and this title provides me with the platform to initiate that journey.”
Manushi, who supported menstrual hygiene through Project Shakti even before winning, officially started the campaign in her home state in 2017. She keeps raising awareness and doing her part.
The 67th Miss World exuded pride as part of the pre-launch event of the 71st Miss World Festival. The occasion was graced by the captivating presence of reigning Miss World, Karolina Bielawska, alongside past winners including Manushi Chillar, Toni Ann Singh, Vanessa Ponce De Leon, and Stephanie Del Valle, marking a historic gathering.
Emphasising the essence of beauty with a purpose, she eloquently expressed, “Miss World is more than just an international beauty pageant. I fondly remember how that one night transformed my life, but it’s the entire journey and the month spent with fellow contestants that truly shaped me. Now, as the Miss World extravaganza returns to my homeland, let’s showcase our renowned hospitality and make this event unforgettable.”
“Engaging with diverse individuals through my Miss World travels has enriched my understanding of various perspectives. This constant learning has bolstered my confidence, proving invaluable as I transitioned into the world of cinema. Looking back on my debut, I now feel a sense of belonging, acknowledging that my journey has only just begun, with much more ahead,” asserts the young beauty.
Coming back to films, acting is a skill that improves over time, and Manushi credits those around her for that growth. Reflecting on her debut film, she warmly recalls, “When I played Princess Sanyogita in Samrat Prithviraj, I had no idea what that world would be like. But, having grown up listening to that story, it was exciting.” She further states, “I trust the director’s vision.” Expanding on this, she adds, “The director helped me understand that each individual is different. If we can’t relate to the character, we have to imagine and build it all from scratch. So, while preparing for the role, I had to imagine a lot about that world and how this princess would have thought while fighting with her father for someone she had never met.”
Manushi has previously done three action movies, and now she says she wants to try her hand at a love narrative. Before we ended the chat, though, we had to ask her about her experience shooting in the South. She grins and says, “Hyderabad has amazing hospitality. I was incredibly liked. Everyone is treated with great respect, including technicians and actors. There, the fan club scene is enormous, and the fans are incredibly loving. I really enjoyed the cuisine, too. Everything in the South is fantastic overall.”
Simultaneously, Manushi’s first feature in the southern film business, Operation Valentine, directed by Shakti Pratap Singh Hada, is slated for release on March 1, 2024, and it pays cinematic tribute to the largest airstrike in Indian history.
In an exclusive conversation with us, Manushi shares, “I have gained extensive insights over the period of time. Having debuted in 2022, this marks my third film. And I continue to absorb valuable lessons.”
Manushi skillfully overcame the obstacles on her way across uncharted territory by devoting a significant amount of time and energy to them. “Starting with Samrat Prithviraj, my first film, it took eight to nine months from the time I signed the project until we started shooting,” she explains, adding, “I worked long hours at Yash Raj Studios, attending acting workshops for four hours and dancing instruction for an extra four hours. I purposefully cut myself off from outside distractions during this time and focused entirely on perfecting my craft.”
She continues, “In my general approach to preparing for a role, I tend to isolate myself from the outside world. Each film offers a unique experience, as every character has distinct demands on me as an actor. When I committed to The Great Indian Family, we had one to two months, during which we collaborated with the director and engaged in workshops. In Operation Valentine, I had to learn a new language and portray an Air Force officer, requiring me to immerse myself in the character. Every film has taught me that the preparation process varies, especially when there’s no predefined backstory for a character. In such cases, I delve deep into brainstorming and explore various dimensions the character can embody in the film.”
Manushi’s journey unfolds from an idyllic childhood in Delhi, surrounded by the warmth of her doctor’s parents and siblings. Excelling academically, she seamlessly blended her studies with her love for dance and art! Unexpectedly winning Miss India at 20 during medical school, her authenticity triumphed over glamour. Despite initial self-doubts, she went on to conquer Miss World, emphasising that substance mattered more than superficiality in the world of pageantry.
Characterised by self-awareness and honesty, she acknowledges that Miss World is a title, not a profession. However, she candidly states, “This title has revealed to me that I am a humanitarian leader. Many women who have won the pageant in the past have made significant contributions to society. I, too, aspire to make a difference, and this title provides me with the platform to initiate that journey.”
Manushi, who supported menstrual hygiene through Project Shakti even before winning, officially started the campaign in her home state in 2017. She keeps raising awareness and doing her part.
The 67th Miss World exuded pride as part of the pre-launch event of the 71st Miss World Festival. The occasion was graced by the captivating presence of reigning Miss World, Karolina Bielawska, alongside past winners including Manushi Chillar, Toni Ann Singh, Vanessa Ponce De Leon, and Stephanie Del Valle, marking a historic gathering.
Emphasising the essence of beauty with a purpose, she eloquently expressed, “Miss World is more than just an international beauty pageant. I fondly remember how that one night transformed my life, but it’s the entire journey and the month spent with fellow contestants that truly shaped me. Now, as the Miss World extravaganza returns to my homeland, let’s showcase our renowned hospitality and make this event unforgettable.”
“Engaging with diverse individuals through my Miss World travels has enriched my understanding of various perspectives. This constant learning has bolstered my confidence, proving invaluable as I transitioned into the world of cinema. Looking back on my debut, I now feel a sense of belonging, acknowledging that my journey has only just begun, with much more ahead,” asserts the young beauty.
Coming back to films, acting is a skill that improves over time, and Manushi credits those around her for that growth. Reflecting on her debut film, she warmly recalls, “When I played Princess Sanyogita in Samrat Prithviraj, I had no idea what that world would be like. But, having grown up listening to that story, it was exciting.” She further states, “I trust the director’s vision.” Expanding on this, she adds, “The director helped me understand that each individual is different. If we can’t relate to the character, we have to imagine and build it all from scratch. So, while preparing for the role, I had to imagine a lot about that world and how this princess would have thought while fighting with her father for someone she had never met.”
Manushi has previously done three action movies, and now she says she wants to try her hand at a love narrative. Before we ended the chat, though, we had to ask her about her experience shooting in the South. She grins and says, “Hyderabad has amazing hospitality. I was incredibly liked. Everyone is treated with great respect, including technicians and actors. There, the fan club scene is enormous, and the fans are incredibly loving. I really enjoyed the cuisine, too. Everything in the South is fantastic overall.”
