Once confined within the four walls of the house, Indian woman has battled hard to break the fetters of misogynist conservative society and take the flight of her dreams. The crowning of Indian women in the world beauty pageants is the celebration of not only their elegant beauty but their resolve and conviction.
REITA FARIA
It was 17 November, 1966, an elegant dusky beauty mesmerized the world with her unfailing charm and grace. It was our Dr. Reita Faria, the first Indian, nay, the first Asian to win the Miss World crown. And the first Miss World winner to qualify as a doctor. Yes, a perfect beauty with brains!
Her single winning stroke shattered many stereotypes surrounding Indian woman, home and abroad. Later, she resisted the glitz and glamour of the fashion and film industry and insisted on pursuing her medical education.
Today, she enjoys her peaceful life with her family in Dublin, Ireland.
ZEENAT AMAN
The original diva of the Indian film industry, Zeenat Aman left the world spellbound and grabbed the crown of Miss Asia Pacific 1970. With her unconventional roles and glamorous persona, she dazzled amongst the well known actors of the age.
TARA ANNE FONSECA
Three years later, the history repeated itself and Tara Anne Fonseca won the title of Miss Asia Pacific in 1973.
SUSHMITA SEN
The first Indian to win the Miss Universe title, Sushmita Sen is much more than a gorgeous face and a remarkable actress. A strong headed woman, Sen is a true inspiration. She became a single mother to an adopted girl at the age of 25 and ten years later, to another, Alicia, in 2010. Her 'I AM SHE- MISS UNIVERSE INDIA project' with the Tantra Entertainment Private Limited selected and sent Indian contestants in the Miss Universe pageant.
AISHWARYA RAI BACHCHAN
The enchanting Aishwarya needs no introduction. Winning the Miss World 1994 crown was just the beginning of her sparkling and heartening journey. A supermodel first, then she reigned the Hindi Film Industry with her exquisite acting and dancing skills. A beloved celebrity world over, she has been decorated with many national and international awards, including Indian Padma Shri and the Ordre des Arts et des Letters from France.
DIANA HAYDEN
Crowned Miss World in 1997, Diana though has been part of many international film projects, her acting career could not do well. In 2012, she wrote a book called A Beautiful Guide which is an "encyclopedia on grooming and also deals with personality development and confidence building".
YUKTA MOOKHEY
Beating 93 other contestants, Yukta Mookhey won the Miss World 1999 title in London. She could not replicate the success of her seniors in films, but she is well known for her social and charitable work.
LARA DUTTA
The scintillating beauty was already an accomplished model before winning the Miss Universe crown. She had won the 1997 Miss Intercontinental pageant after becoming India's Gladrags Megamodel.
At the Miss Universe pageant, her interview in the final round enthralled one and all and she won the contest hands down. Later, she was appointed as the UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador in 2001. She is an Indian actress, model and film producer.
PRIYANKA CHOPRA
Miss World 2000, the sultry beauty has carved a niche' for herself in the Indian film industry. Her stupendous acting skills are decorated with the National Award for the movie 'Fashion'. Her singing debut "In My City"in 2012 was a smashing international hit and another single "Exotic" also charted in countries like USA and Canada. Chopra is noted for her philanthropic activities, and was appointed as aUNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Child Rights in 2010. She promotes various causes such as environment, girls' education, women empowerment and women's rights, and is particularly vocal about women's issues.
DIA MIRZA
The electrifying smile girl won the Miss Asia Pacific 2000 crown and making the history of Indian girls bagging the all three top most pageant titles in the same year! Her stint in films has not been so successful, but she has earned accolades for her spirited philanthropic work well appreciated by the IIFA with the Green Award in 2012. She has done various awareness campaigns on prevention of female foeticide, HIV awareness, the Cancer Patients Aid Association, PETA, ADAPT, CRY. She also co-owns a production house Born Free Entertainment with partner and now husband Sahil Sangha.
ADITI GOWITRIKAR
Model and doctor, Aditi became the first Indian to be crowned Mrs. World in 2001. Where married women are expected to devote themselves in nurturing their families in India, her feat inspired all to still pursue their passions and dreams.
NICOLE FARIA
The first Indian to win the Miss Earth pageant since its inception in 2001. As the spokesperson of the UNEP and other environmental organizations, she promoted awareness on environmental issues at many platforms.Now, an actress in the Indian film industry.