MANUSHI CHHILLAR - THE BEAUTY QUEEN'S BOLLYWOOD BREAKTHROUGH

SWAPPING HER STETHOSCOPE FOR STILETTOS, THIS DYNAMO DITCHED A MEDICAL CAREER TO CONQUER THE WORLDS OF MODELLING AND MOVIES. CROWNED MISS WORLD AND LIGHTING UP THE SILVER SCREEN, SHE'S ALL ABOUT AMBITION, GRIT AND KEEPING IT REAL. AS OUR RADIANT COVER STAR TELLS HELLO!, LIFE BECOMES MORE ENJOYABLE WHEN YOU DARE TO DEFY EXPECTATIONS

- ANANYA SHANKAR

Seven years ago, on November 18, 2017, every Indian was riveted to the screen as history was made — the prestigious Miss World crown returned home after 17 long years. And stepping into the footsteps of the iconic Priyanka Chopra Jonas was none other than Manushi Chhillar, a then 20-year-old pursuing her MBBS degree. And today, this former Miss World is a movie star — all set to extend her reign into the realm of Bollywood.

Debunking the diva stereotype that often accompanies one of her calibre, Manushi is right on time for our shoot. We sit next to her in her vanity room and notice that despite a busy schedule ahead of her film release, the actress shows no signs of fatigue. As she greets us with her million-dollar smile and begins to answer our many questions with unmatched passion, we realise her story isn’t just about the glimmer of crowns and stacks of accolades; rather a testament to her fearless spirit as she constantly challenges herself by venturing into uncharted territories.

Born to Dr Mitra Basu Chhillar, a scientist at Defence Research and Development Organisation, and Dr Neelam Chhillar, an associate professor and departmental head of neurochemistry at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, Manushi stepped into medical school with the same fervour as her parents, aiming to follow in their footsteps. But fate had other plans, and a chance encounter at a college fest would set her on a trajectory that would ultimately redefine her destiny.