Miss World 2025: Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand wins; Bollywood's Sonu Sood calls judging experience unforgettable

Dubai: Stepping into the judge’s seat at the Miss World 2025 finale in Hyderabad, Bollywood actor, producer, and philanthropist Sonu Sood knew he wasn’t signing up for an easy gig.

“Imagine trying to pick one winner out of 140 dazzling, driven, articulate women. It was emotional, exciting, and honestly? Pretty exhausting,” he told Gulf News exclusively.

Held at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad in South India, the global beauty pageant brought contestants from every corner of the world to India’s doorstep.

“It was a proud moment for the country,” Sonu added. “To host such a massive international event right here in Hyderabad was history in the making.”

But even in the sea of sequins and spotlights, Sonu stood tall—especially when he was honoured with the Youngest Humanitarian Award in the history of Miss World.

“That moment hit differently,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting it, and I wasn’t ready. It made me reflect on the journey I’ve had—the migrant workers I helped, the mothers I met, the students I supported. I dedicate it to every single one of them. They’re the real stars.”

And let’s not forget—Sonu also delivered the final question that determined the winner. His thoughtful query on truth and personal responsibility was thrown at Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri, who went on to snatch the crown with a heartfelt answer about leading by example.

“She answered with so much heart and conviction. You could feel the room shift,” he said.

With Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje and Poland’s Maja Klajda rounding out the top three, the night was a true celebration of global beauty, brains, and purpose.

“Of course, it broke our hearts to see some contestants go. They were all extraordinary. But in the end, that’s the nature of competition—it makes you shine under pressure.”

Between asking the million-dollar question, collecting an award, and serving humanitarian realness, Sonu Sood proved once again that he’s more than just a leading man—he’s a man with a mission. And as he put it, “If even one person feels inspired by what happened that night, I’ll consider my job done.”