Manushi Chhillar is taking home the title 17 years after Priyanka Chopra did the same.
It’s been a bit of a wait, but India is bringing home the Miss World trophy yet again.
Manushi Chhillar claimed the crown at this year’s annual beauty pageant, which was held in China over the weekend.
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The 21-year-old beat 108 other contestants to the title, and was brought to tears when her name was announced as the winner on the night.
India last claimed the crown in 2000, when now-Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra was named Miss World, with the nation now boasting six Miss World winners in total.
Chhillar, a medical student, later revealed she was stunned with her win, and thanked her fans for “the wishes”.
“I am so happy that I have done my nation proud and I am very excited to begin a new journey!” she wrote on Instagram.
Miss Mexico Andrea Meza came in second place, followed by Miss England Stephanie Hill, who took out the third spot.
Chhillar also won the Beauty with Purpose award on the night, and revealed “the feeling is still sinking in and I am very excited to make India proud too”.
She made headlines for her reply in the pageant’s question and answer segment, where she was asked which profession deserved the highest salary.
Which profession deserve the highest salary and why? Check out #ManushiChillar winning answer!😍😍#MissWorld2017 #MissWorld pic.twitter.com/vJ4weUjkue
— itimes (@itimestweets) November 18, 2017
“It is the mother’s job that deserves the biggest salary,” she replied. “It’s just not about cash but also the love and respect that you give to someone. My mother has been a huge inspiration.”
Chhillar was congratulated on her win by Chopra, who told the student to “cherish and learn, and most importantly enjoy” her title.
And we have a successor!Congratulations @ManushiChhillar on becoming #MissWorld2017.. cherish and learn, and most importantly enjoy it.Bravo
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) November 18, 2017
Muslim model Esma Voloder, who competed as Miss Australia, failed to make the top three, though she did win a place in the top 20 finalists for the Beauty with Purpose award.
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“You’re a beautiful and very deserving girl,” the 25-year-old—who experienced some Islamophobia when she won her national title earlier this year—said of winner Chhillar.
“It has been so wonderful sharing this special experience with 119 countries, a few who have become such dear people to me in this time.”
Images: Manushi Chhillar/Instagram
