Miss World commitments are keeping Manushi Chillar busy but the pageant winner says she has not shut the doors to Bollywood.
Chillar was crowned Miss World in China last year. The title was last won by Priyanka Chopra for India in 2000, a year after Yukta Mookhey. Both of them soon made their entry into Bollywood.
“I sense an actor in me. Being a doctor and an actor is very similar. My father would always tell me, to be a good doctor you have to be a good actor because fifty per cent of the patients are cured by the way you make them feel,” Chillar said.
“You do have role playing to do when you’re a doctor. Even as a Miss World you have to role play sometimes, when you look at some people you feel like breaking down but you’ve to smile and spread happiness. So of course I know I am a good actor,” she added.
When asked how many film offers she has refused so far, Chillar said: “I haven’t said no to any opportunity. It’s more of a wait. I need to fulfil certain responsibilities right now. I’ll take the Bollywood decision when it’s the right time.”
Almost half a year after being crowned Miss World, there have been several changes in her life — a lot of travelling, learning, and an added sense of responsibility.
“For a girl behind specs, in her room reading books, to coming in front of the camera, expected to have opinion about things, a lot has changed. But I’m enjoying,” Chillar said.
For Chillar, winning the pageant is not just about having a beautiful face.
“It takes a lot of self belief to be Miss World. As Miss World, you are a face for beauty with purpose. You can’t just be beautiful. You have to have the zeal and courage to pursue the purpose. It is not easy to visit an area which is, say, hit by a natural calamity. You have to be with the people, not break down but empathise,” she added.
Chillar is now gearing up to be a judge for Miss India 2018, scheduled to take place on June 19.
“I felt so nostalgic when I spoke to the contestants, I realised I was one of them. I can understand what’s going on their mind when they’re giving a particular answer. As a judge, I can see through them. Now that I’m here, I’m also looking at them through the eyes of the Miss World organisation,” she added.
