Manushi Chhillar says becoming an actor after winning Miss World was ‘organic and expected’; ‘but internally, not that natural’

Q. How would you describe your journey, from a beauty queen to an actor?

Manushi Chhillar: It’s been about learning a lot of new things. I come from a world far removed from the limelight. Through beauty pageants, I was introduced to the media and public life. Publicly, it looks like a short stint, but preparing for Miss World was a long and intense process for me.

After winning, I worked with the Miss World Organisation for a year — and I believe that’s when my acting journey began. My debut came three years ago, and it was a complete change. I had to learn new skills, adjust to a new environment, and become part of a world that was entirely different from the one I was raised in.

While I feel very much at home in the pageant space – I recently judged the Miss World finals – acting is still new. I’m still learning and finding my footing here. In pageantry, I had already reached the pinnacle. In films, I’m just getting started.

Q. Many pageant winners become actors. Was it an organic shift for you?

Manushi Chhillar: Yes and no. From the outside, it was expected. But internally, it wasn’t natural because I didn’t grow up with those ambitions. Where I come from, education is everything. People around me became doctors, engineers, lawyers. I, too, was preparing for medical school.

Miss World was a stepping stone, but not just to acting, to life itself. I was passionate about becoming a doctor, but I also wanted more –– I wanted to travel, to explore. Winning Miss World opened that door. It wasn’t something I planned; it was a gift that changed my direction.

When Yash Raj Films offered to launch me, they didn’t just throw me in; they guided me, helped me train, and made me feel prepared. That gave me confidence. Filmmakers show interest in me today because I’m an outsider who has been recognised through Miss World. But I didn’t enter the pageant to become an actor. It became a path, not the destination.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Manushi Chhillar (@manushi_chhillar)

Q. What has been the most challenging aspect of joining the film industry?

Manushi Chhillar: Ah, everything, but especially being in the public eye. It takes time to get used to being talked about constantly, and not always reasonably. Sometimes there are things made up about you, gossip you’ve got nothing to do with, and you have to be okay with that.
This happens to everyone in some form – in school, in social circles – but as a public figure, it’s amplified. At 20, that kind of attention can be overwhelming. Not letting it affect my self-worth was a challenge.

Q. Fashion, hair, and makeup are integral to being an actor — do you enjoy that side of the job?

Manushi Chhillar: I absolutely love it. As a kid, I’d play with my mother’s shoes, clothes, and makeup. I used to dream of dressing up every day when I grew up. I’ve always enjoyed expressing myself through my appearance, so I feel like I manifested this life. It’s a big part of my job, and I truly enjoy it.

Q. What’s the secret behind your glowing skin and healthy hair? Do you rely on home remedies?

Manushi Chhillar: Not really. I don’t get time for home remedies anymore. I prefer quick fixes that work. But the real secret is lifestyle and nutrition. Once I started paying attention to what I ate and how I lived, I saw big changes in my skin and hair.

I use Wella’s Ultime Repair Miracle Hair Treatment Serum as a protectant — it’s a quick fix, especially with the styling we do for shoots. I also take supplements and stick to a healthy routine, even when I’m constantly on the go.

Manushi Chhillar during her home coming parade after winning the Miss World crown in Mumbai. (Express Photo by Nirmal Harindran)

Q. Do you follow a specific skin or hair ritual?

Manushi Chhillar: For skin, less is more. I don’t believe in 10-step routines. I only use active ingredients if a dermatologist recommends them. I wear SPF daily and keep my routine simple.

For hair, I oil it once a week, massage my scalp, and use a leave-in treatment, especially in humid weather like Mumbai’s. I don’t style my hair every time I go out. I never let anyone touch my hair without a heat protectant. That’s one thing I really do, and I think that’s made a big difference.

Q. What does your diet and fitness routine look like?

Manushi Chhillar: My father is a doctor, and he’s created personal life plans for all of us based on our needs and tolerances. I try to work out five times a week. I love lifting weights and resistance training, but I also mix it with Pilates. When I travel, I enjoy long walks.

I don’t like eating out much. I prefer knowing what’s going into my body. I make sure I’m getting the right amounts of protein, fats, and carbs. My job is physically demanding, so fuelling up properly is important.

Sleep is another big priority. Ideally, I’d like to sleep by 9 pm and wake up at 5:30 am, but that’s tough with shoots. Still, I try to prioritise it when I’m not working.

Q. How do you take care of your mental health?

Manushi Chhillar: For me, mental health hinges on three things. One is physical health — sleep, nutrition, and fitness. If I’m not eating or sleeping well, it affects how I feel.

Second is community. I’ve lived with my family for nearly three decades. Whether it’s celebrating a win or venting after a hard day, having people around you who care makes a huge difference.

Third is spending time with yourself. I love painting, cooking, and doing small things that have nothing to do with my job. Even making your bed can give you a sense of satisfaction. These simple joys matter. In chasing ambition, we shouldn’t forget the little things.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Manushi Chhillar (@manushi_chhillar)

Q. What has been the most challenging part of being an actor?

Manushi Chhillar: The whole job, honestly. It’s like learning a new language, not just the craft but also the lifestyle. You’re figuring out what you want, what you don’t. It’s like being born into a new world and taking baby steps every day.

Q. Were your parents supportive when you chose acting over medicine?

Manushi Chhillar: Absolutely. Both of them are doctors, but they never pushed me in any direction. They knew early on that I was someone who couldn’t be told what to do. They supported my decision to take the medical entrance test, and later, they supported my decision to pursue acting.

In fact, when I signed my first film, they moved to Mumbai to support me. They changed their base and adjusted their work so they could be here. They’ve given me the freedom to choose my path — not the one they wanted for me.

Q. What does this year look like for you?

Manushi Chhillar: It’s shaping up to be exciting. Professionally, my film Malik releases on July 11, and I’m really looking forward to that. This year is about growing, picking diverse roles, and pushing myself as an actor. Personally, most of my time is devoted to work, but I’m using that to grow and learn every day.

Q. One thing not many people know about Manushi Chillar?

Manushi Chhillar: I paint really well.

Q. What is your message to the winner of Miss World?

Manushi Chhillar: Enjoy the year. It will teach you so much. It comes with responsibility, but also with so many rare opportunities. Make the most of every day while carrying the crown with grace and dignity. You’re part of a legacy now. Add value to it, and enjoy the journey.