Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Reflects on 1994 Miss World Pageant and Addressing Misconceptions About India's Wildlife and Culture

Before the official opening of the Red Sea Film Festival on December 4, Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan emerged as one of the most celebrated attendees. As she took the stage for a conversation with the audience, she was greeted with enthusiastic chants of We love you! and Youre so beautiful!

During the discussion, which drew frequent applause, Rai Bachchan shared memories of winning the Miss World crown in 1994 at just 21 years old. That achievement not only launched her onto the international stage but also paved the way for her film career. As Indias sole representative in the competition, she became acutely aware of global perceptions of her country.

I was surprised by how little many people outside India knew about Indian culture and the lives of Indian women at the time, she explained. Some of the questions asked seemed outdated, covering topics like our education system, the geography of India, or even whether tigers and snake charmers were still a common part of life.

Rai Bachchan emphasized the core lesson she drew from her Miss World experience: the pageants motto of Beauty with a purpose. I felt grateful to have the chance to use that title as a platform to drive positive change, she said. Real change doesnt happen overnight, but having such a platform allows you to engage with a wider audience and make a meaningful contribution.

Author: Grace Ellison