India's Manushi Chhillar won the coveted Miss World 2017 pageant here, 17 years after Priyanka Chopra won the title in 2000. Chhillar competed against 108 contestants from various countries at a glittering event held at Sanya City Arena here. Miss World 2016 winner Puerto Rico's Stephanie Del Valle gave away the coveted crown to the winner.
Chhillar, who is from Haryana, had earlier this year won the Femina Miss India 2017. India, England, France, Kenya and Mexico grabbed the top five spots at the pageant. Manushi, born to doctor parents, studied in St. Thomas School in New Delhi and Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women in Sonepat. Her entire family including brother and sister were present and they looked excited watching Manushi grabbing top five spot.
In question and answer round post getting the top five spot, Manushi was asked: "Which profession deserves the highest salary and why?" She replied: "I think a mother is of highest respect. I don't think its just about cash but love and respect she gives to someone. She is the biggest inspiration in my life. Mother should get highest respect." As many as 108 beauty queens from different parts of the world participated in the prestigious pageant.
She is a medical student and sacrificed one whole year of her education to participate in the beauty pageant, Miss India. She grew up idolising Reita Faria, the first Indian and Asian to win the Miss World crown in 1966.
Earlier in an interview when asked if she had similar plans and considered the Miss India title as the stepping stone to Bollywood, Chhillar said, "I disagree with the notion. I feel that Miss India is a stepping stone for anything you want to do, not just Bollywood.
