7 beauty pageant winners who ruled the silver-screen

Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu (Miss Universe 2021)

Harnaaz represents the newest wave of Gen Z pageant winners entering cinema. With her growing interest in acting projects, she is viewed as a promising new face

Lara Dutta (Miss Universe 2000)

Lara`s debut film Andaaz earned a Filmfare Award. Her articulate presence and versatility helped her balance commercial success with performance-driven roles

Manushi Chhillar (Miss World 2017)

Manushi made her Bollywood debut opposite Akshay Kumar in Samrat Prithviraj and continues to expand her cinematic journey

7. Pooja Hegde (Miss Universe India 2010 – Second Runner-Up)

She became the second runner-up at Miss Universe India 2010. She debuted in Bollywood with Mohenjo Daro and established a strong presence in South Indian Cinema

Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Miss World 2000)

From acclaimed performances in Fashion and Barfi! to becoming a major international star, Priyanka Chopra redefined the trajectory for Indian beauty queens

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Miss World 1994)

Aishwarya remains the gold standard of pageant-to-cinema success, from landmark films like Iruvar and Devdas to representing India on international red carpets

Sushmita Sen (Miss Universe 1994)

A true pioneer, Sushmita Sen was the first Indian woman to win Miss Universe. Known for her bold choices and commanding screen presence, she redefined success