Aishwarya Rai, Sushmita Sen to Juhi Chawla: Prominent beauty queens who conquered Indian cinema

To say that winning the crown of Miss World 1994 was only the starting point for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan — she became a global icon. With her stunning beauty and screen presence, she entertained and dazzled in films including 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,' or 'Devdas.' Internationally, she also ended up as a global icon with 'Bride & Prejudice' and 'The Pink Panther 2.' Aishwarya's journey from beauty pageant queen to one of the world's most respected actresses is unmatched in versatility and longevity.

Winning Miss Asia Pacific in 2000, Dia Mirza captivated viewers with her graciousness and inviting aura. With charisma she developed cult status with her debut in 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein', particularly with our younger viewers. Dia Mirza has carved out a place as an activist and environmentalist and even received an appointment as a UN Goodwill ambassador. Dia's journey taking her from pageant queen to actress and onto the eco-crusader position demonstrates how beauty and a sense of purpose intersect and can inspire generations of women to find ways to connect.

Winning Miss India 1984 was the jump-off point for Juhi Chawla, who soon after became one of Bollywood’s most popular leading ladies during the late 80s and 90s. Juhi enjoyed an illustrious career with her effusive energy and infectious smile, appearing in films like 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' and 'Darr'. Juhi could transition between romantic leads, quirky comedies, and emotional dramas. Juhi Chawla continues to enjoy a robust following because of her unstoppable charm and breadth as an actress, securing her place in India's history as a fan-favourite.

In 2000, Lara Dutta became the first Miss Universe contestant after winning Miss Intercontinental pageant in 1997. Her debut movie "Andaaz" earned her acclaim and she won a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Comedies like "No Entry" secured her place as a lead actress in Bollywood. Lara has glamorously delved into other areas of interest like fitness, production and entrepreneurship showing how pageant winners can diversify their careers. She still retains a reliable following as a figure in the entertainment industry and in public life, glamorous with substance.

In 1981, Meenakshi Seshadri was crowned Miss India, and with her looks and raw acting talents, she was quickly whisked away into the acting limelight. Her film career involved several famous and impactful films, including 'Hero' and 'Damini', where she was committed to performing and wowing audiences in a powerful way. Seshadri became known as a classy and elegant actress who depicted strength of leading female characters. She was one of the most-regarded female actors of her time. She did not last long in acting, leaving the film industry at its height, but continues to echo of grace, depth, and artistry, as she is accepted as an acting icon.

As the first Indian woman crowned Miss Universe in 1994, Sushmita Sen represents sophistication and confidence. After several successful films, she transitioned smoothly into Bollywood. Her performance in "Main Hoon Na", among others, was marked by her style and on-screen presentations. After several years, Sushmita resurrected her career through the digital space, as part of the acclaim of "Aarya", establishing her versatility as an actress who can grow with time. Sushmita’s journey signifies bravery, reinvention and the way to honour oneself.

As the first Indian woman crowned Miss Universe in 1994, Sushmita Sen represents sophistication and confidence. After several successful films, she transitioned smoothly into Bollywood. Her performance in "Main Hoon Na", among others, was marked by her style and on-screen presentations. After several years, Sushmita resurrected her career through the digital space, as part of the acclaim of "Aarya", establishing her versatility as an actress who can grow with time. Sushmita’s journey signifies bravery, reinvention and the way to honour oneself.

Zeenat Aman, Miss Asia Pacific 1970, went against the grain of conventional roles offered to women in Indian cinema, redefining tradition, style and cinema. At a time when most Indian cinema was associated with predictable roles for women, the veteran actress forged a new foreign face, and perspectives in screen presence, and progressive roles in films like 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' and 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram', and became the most influential actress of her time, and the definition of a fuh-shuh-nee female face... Aman was revolutionary. No longer submissive in society or screen roles, she contested traditional views of women, opened the door for other actresses to explore characters with more detailed diversity and provoke them further. Aman's legacy is treasured and remains revered, even today.