The world of Bollywood has always been fascinated by beauty queens, especially those who have won international titles like Miss World. Several Miss Worlds have successfully transitioned into Bollywood, achieving varying degrees of success. Here's a look at three such Miss Worlds whose journeys have been particularly noteworthy, partly due to controversies surrounding pregnancies before marriage and the buzz they created in the media.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Crowned Miss World in 1994, Aishwarya Rai is perhaps one of the most iconic examples of a beauty queen who conquered Bollywood. Her ethereal beauty and captivating presence made her an instant sensation. She made her Bollywood debut in 1997 with "Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya". While the film wasn't a massive success, Aishwarya's talent was undeniable. She went on to star in numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam," "Devdas," and "Jodhaa Akbar". Aishwarya's success extends beyond Bollywood; she has also appeared in international films and is a global brand ambassador for L'Oréal, and a regular at the Cannes Film Festival. She is considered a timeless beauty and remains one of Bollywood's most influential actresses.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Priyanka Chopra won the Miss World title in 2000 at the young age of 18, marking the beginning of a remarkable career. She made her Bollywood debut in 2003 with "The Hero: Love Story of a Spy". Priyanka quickly rose to prominence, showcasing her versatility as an actress in films like "Bajirao Mastani," "Don," and "Mary Kom". She then ventured into Hollywood, starring in the TV series "Quantico" and several films, becoming a global icon. In 2018, Priyanka married American singer Nick Jonas and has a daughter named Malti Marie. Priyanka's journey is an inspiring story of ambition, hard work, and breaking boundaries.
Alia Bhatt: While not a Miss World, Alia Bhatt's situation sparked considerable public discussion, fitting the theme due to the media attention surrounding her pregnancy. Alia, a successful Bollywood actress, married Ranbir Kapoor in April 2022. Just two months later, she announced her pregnancy, leading to speculation about whether she was pregnant before the wedding. Their daughter, Raha Kapoor, was born in November 2022. Alia handled the situation gracefully, emphasizing that marriage and motherhood were personal choices. Several other Bollywood actresses like Neha Dhupia, Dia Mirza, Konkona Sen Sharma, Ileana D'Cruz, and Natasa Stankovic have also faced similar situations.
These women represent different facets of the entertainment industry. Aishwarya Rai set the standard for Miss Worlds transitioning into Bollywood stardom. Priyanka Chopra broke barriers and achieved global success. Alia Bhatt, though not a Miss World, stirred conversations about societal expectations and personal choices. Their stories highlight the evolving landscape of Bollywood and the changing attitudes towards women in the industry and society.