In 2017, India woke up to a historic moment when Manushi Chhillar became the sixth Indian woman to win the Miss World pageant, bringing the crown home after 17 years. But what made her story extraordinary wasn’t just the crown—it was that she was pursuing MBBS at Bhagat Phool Singh Medical College in Sonipat when she conquered the world stage. At 28, this Haryana girl has transitioned from beauty pageants to Bollywood, proving that dreams don’t have to follow conventional paths.
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Manushi Chhillar: Quick Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manushi Chhillar |
| Date of Birth | May 14, 1997 |
| Age | 28 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Rohtak, Haryana, India |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Parents | Dr. Mitra Basu Chhillar (Mother), Dr. Neelam Chhillar (Father) |
| Education | MBBS (Incomplete), St. Thomas School, Delhi |
| Miss World | 2017 (Sixth Indian Winner) |
| Debut Film | Samrat Prithviraj (2022) |
| 7M+ followers | |
| Dance Training | Kuchipudi (Classical) |
From NEET Topper to Miss World
Born into a family of doctors in Rohtak, Haryana, Manushi seemed destined for medicine. She cleared the All India Pre Medical Test (now NEET) in her first attempt and enrolled in the prestigious BPS Medical College. Her academic excellence was evident—she scored 96% in CBSE class 12, topping in English.
But beyond textbooks and hospital corridors, Manushi harbored artistic dreams. A trained Kuchipudi dancer, she possessed grace that eventually led her to beauty pageants. The decision to participate in Femina Miss India 2017 while being a second-year MBBS student required courage—it meant pausing medical studies for a wildly uncertain path.
When she won Miss World 2017 in China, competing against 108 contestants, India erupted in celebration. The last time an Indian wore this crown was Priyanka Chopra in 2000. Manushi’s victory wasn’t just about beauty; her answer addressing the need to respect motherhood more resonated globally, showcasing intelligence alongside elegance.
The Bollywood Journey: Learning Through Action
Her film debut came with Samrat Prithviraj (2022) opposite Akshay Kumar, where she portrayed Princess Sanyogita. While the historical drama received mixed reviews, Manushi’s screen presence caught attention. Standing at 5’10” with classical dance training, she brought regal elegance to period characters.
She followed with The Great Indian Family (2023) with Vicky Kaushal and Operation Valentine, diversifying her portfolio. Her willingness to experiment became evident when she nailed action scenes in Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024) alongside Tiger Shroff and Alaya F. Though the film bombed commercially, her commitment to physicality showcased evolution beyond traditional heroine roles.
Similar to other actresses navigating challenging debuts, Manushi faces the industry’s harsh learning curve. But her approach—choosing diverse genres rather than playing safe—reflects ambition beyond mere stardom.
Maalik (2025): The Gritty Transformation
Her 2025 release Maalik opposite Rajkummar Rao sees her playing a local gangster’s wife, marking her most dramatic departure from pageant princess image. This grounded, raw character demonstrates her willingness to shed glamour for substance—a quality that separates actors from mere celebrities.
The film’s critical reception will be crucial. At 28, Manushi is at a career crossroads where one powerful performance can redefine trajectories. Much like actresses who’ve transformed through bold choices, she understands that beauty queens need career-defining roles beyond their crowns.
The Medical Degree Dilemma
An often-asked question haunts her biography: Is Manushi Chhillar a doctor? The answer is complex. After winning Miss World, she attempted to balance both worlds. Reports suggest she sought transfer to Mumbai medical colleges to continue MBBS while pursuing films, but regulatory challenges complicated this dual path.
Eventually, cinema won. The decision to leave medicine incomplete sparked debates about privilege and opportunity, but it also highlighted the courage to choose passion over parental expectations. In a country where doctor-engineer paths are considered sacred, her choice resonated with countless young people trapped between duty and dreams.
Beyond Acting: The Influencer Economy
With over 7 million Instagram followers, Manushi has become a significant digital influencer. Her social media showcases fitness journeys, fashion collaborations, and wellness advocacy. She even launched her own swimwear brand, demonstrating entrepreneurial instincts beyond acting.
This digital presence mirrors the strategy of contemporary stars who understand that modern celebrity extends beyond screens. Her authentic engagement—sharing workout videos and skincare routines—creates relatability that pure glamour cannot achieve.
The Crown’s Long Shadow
Being Miss World is both blessing and curse. It opens doors but creates typecasting risks. Manushi’s challenge is proving she’s more than a beauty queen—she’s an actress worth investing in. Her upcoming projects, including Tehran, will determine whether she joins the ranks of successful pageant-turned-actors like Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai, or remains a footnote in Bollywood’s beauty queen archive.
At 28, with medical roots, classical training, and international recognition, Manushi possesses ingredients for lasting success. What she needs now is that one transformative role—the kind that makes audiences forget the crown and remember the performance.
What Makes Her Journey Unique?
Unlike typical star kids or industry insiders, Manushi represents achievable excellence. Her NEET success, Miss World crown, and Bollywood journey inspire millions who believe intelligence and beauty can coexist. She embodies modern Indian womanhood—ambitious, multifaceted, and unafraid to rewrite her own script.
For those following her evolution and discovering more about Bollywood’s emerging talents, Manushi’s story offers lessons in courage, reinvention, and the beautiful uncertainty of chasing multiple dreams simultaneously.
Follow her journey on Instagram to witness a beauty queen’s transformation into something perhaps more enduring—a versatile actress finding her voice in India’s most unforgiving industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Manushi Chhillar a doctor and what is her educational background?
Manushi Chhillar is not a doctor. She cleared the All India Pre Medical Test (NEET) in her first attempt and was pursuing MBBS at Bhagat Phool Singh Medical College in Sonipat, Haryana. However, after winning Miss World 2017, she paused her medical studies to focus on pageantry and subsequently transitioned to films. She scored 96% in CBSE class 12, topping in English, and comes from a family of doctors—both her parents are physicians.
Q2: What was Manushi Chhillar’s Bollywood debut and what are her recent films?
Manushi Chhillar made her Bollywood debut with Samrat Prithviraj (2022) opposite Akshay Kumar, where she played Princess Sanyogita. Her subsequent films include The Great Indian Family (2023) with Vicky Kaushal, Operation Valentine, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024) where she performed action scenes alongside Tiger Shroff. Her most recent release is Maalik (2025) opposite Rajkummar Rao, where she plays a local gangster’s wife named Shalini, marking her most dramatic transformation from beauty queen to gritty character roles.
