Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar interacted with Indian media for the first time after winning Miss World title on Monday in Mumbai. During media interaction, Manushi stated that Indian women don’t feel persecuted for who they are and face challenges head-on.
When asked Manushi what does she feel about actress like Deepika Padukone who has worked in international films receives dead threats from fringe elements of India, she said, “I feel one thing that all Indian women in common are that we don’t feel persecuted for who we are and we actually face our challenges head-on and that’s what we need to do. We need to be confident about who we are and definitely, we will face lot discrimination and sometimes we feel that it is not a woman-friendly society but as an individual, we should set an example and make women feel confident that you can do things as well”
Manushi Chhillar is student of medicine so when asked Manushi after winning Miss World crown whether she will complete her studies, she said, “I did take one year’s break when I was crowned Miss India as I wanted to give my 100% to Miss World pageant but of course I will be completing my studies”
When asked Manushi whether she has inclination towards Bollywood as most of beauty pageant winners take that popular route in their career, she said, “When I entered into medical college, my father told me a joke that doctor translates to an actor because irrespective of how difficult the situation might be, you need to make sure that patient is comfortable and he/she feels good about treatment so I am kind of doing both”
When asked Manushi about the immediate plan of action after becoming Miss World, she said, “I am very excited about my next year that I’ll be traveling. We will be visiting four continents. I am really happy because we will be working on spreading awareness about menstrual hygiene and I’ll be joined by my other Miss World sisters. We have six continental queens as well so that is what about I am excited right now. Bollywood is something which is not in mind as of now”
When asked Manushi, which Bollywood actor or actress is beautiful and she admires the most, she said, “I feel all actor and actresses are beautiful so I will not be able to choose one but definitely, I want to work in Aamir Khan movie. I think he does challenging work and at the same time, his movies give message and have connections with the society so that will be interesting to do and in actresses, my personal favorite is Priyanka Chopra.”
When asked about how Indians have perceived abroad, Manushi said, ”They thought I was a Bollywood actress. They are all very similar, we don’t have pre-conceived notions. I went with a suitcase full of food. People knew me because they came asking food. People come with fresh minds. They are curious and they want to know.”
How has her victory inspired women in Haryana? ”When I won the pageant in my State, I had girls coming and asking me. They wanted to know, and it’s good to see people trying,” added Manushi.
Talking about the contributions she wants to make to her State, she said, ”I am very excited to go to Haryana and meet people because they have been very kind. I would love to contribute to Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao Andolan.”
