It was the 44th edition of the Miss World pageant, where 87 contestants from around the world competed for the title.
They say Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is "the most beautiful woman in the world". However, as far as her beauty is concerned, it's not limited to her green-blue eyes, lustrous hair, and all. The 'Devdas' actress's true beauty lies in her grace, and more importantly, her intelligence. Yes, she is unbelievably sharp, which is evident in each of her interviews. Whether it is the sheer confidence in her voice, the precision with which she speaks, or the incredible depth in her words - her brain precedes her appearance, and not the other way around. And that's exactly what earned her the prestigious Miss World Crown in 1994.
A recipient of several accolades, including the Padma Shri by the Government of India and the Order of Arts and Letters by the Government of France, Aishwarya celebrates her 51st birthday today. On this occasion, let's have a look at her Miss World answer that conquered the hearts of millions.
The Miss World 1994 (the 44th edition of the pageant) was held on November 19, 1994, in Sun City, South Africa. 87 contestants from across the world took part here, and 21-year-old Aishwarya Rai from India emerged as the winner.
She looked gorgeous in a one-shouldered white gown with embellishments during the final round. She wore a pair of white gloves and styled her hair in a top bun.
Miss World 1994, Aishwarya Rai alongside her mother having lunch with her Miss World Crown on. pic.twitter.com/sNaDrRPDNJ
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(Credit: Historic Vids)
At the end of the event, Aishwarya was crowned by Lisa Hanna of Jamaica, the Miss World 1993, as her successor. Basetsana Julia Makgalemele of South Africa emerged as the first runner-up, while Irene Esther Ferreira Izquierdo of Venezuela was the second runner-up.
While introducing herself at the event, Aishwarya said, "Hi, I am Aishwarya Rai and I am from India. What I would say is really beautiful about India, besides the culture that we have, is that it is like we have the world in India. It is cosmopolitan, and we have so many religions in India. We have got so many races. So, it is an amalgamation of so many cultures, and so people have learned to live together. And that in itself, I think, is incredible and beautiful."
In the finals, she was asked by the judges, "What qualities should Miss World 1994 embody?” And she responded, “The Miss Worlds that we have had up to date have been proof enough that they have had compassion. Compassion for the underprivileged, and not only for the people, who have status and stature. We have had people, who can look beyond the barriers that man has set up – of nationalities and color. We have to look beyond those and that would make a true Miss World. A true person, a real person.”
(Credit: Universal Crowns)
Her emphasis on humanity, empathy, and inclusivity impressed one and all. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Aishwarya became Miss World in the same year as Sushmita Sen was crowned Miss Universe.
Contrary to popular belief, she was incredibly popular across India even before her Miss World victory. In fact, she had already received four film offers, including 'Raja Hindustani', which she declined.
Aishwarya Rai with family after winning the miss world in 1994 pic.twitter.com/IBt7siDFhD
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(Credit: Film History Pics)
Besides the Miss World pageant, she also won the titles Miss Catwalk, Miss Miraculous, Miss Photogenic, Miss Perfect Ten, and Miss Popular.
Happy Birthday, Aishwarya. Best Wishes For All Your Upcoming Endeavors!
