Following the achievement of the prestigious beauty pageant title, the subsequent journey of the winner is closely monitored. These titles often pave the way for new opportunities, frequently regarded as a gateway to fame and various prospects. This is particularly true in India, where many winners of Miss India find that Bollywood is the logical next step. Over the past few decades, numerous beauty pageant victors have transitioned into acting in Bollywood, including notable figures such as Sushmita Sen, Lara Dutta, Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, and Manushi Chhillar.

Let us reflect on a remarkable response during a beauty pageant that questioned this prevailing notion. Shruti Sharma, who was awarded the title of Miss India World 2002, articulated her belief that entering Bollywood should not be the primary option following the victory in such competitions.

The Great Pageant Community's Instagram account shared a portion of her response from the event on April 8, when a judge posed the question to Shruti regarding whether pursuing a career in Bollywood after winning a beauty title represented 'a step forward or backwards'.

Designer Anand Jon Alexander asked Shruti, “It seems that for a lot of Indian winners, Bollywood seems to be the final frontier. Is that moving backward or forward? I mean, you are in a very powerful position. What do you feel about this?”

What did Shruti Sharma say?

Shruti expressed, "I believe that after achieving a distinguished title such as Miss Universe or Miss World, individuals of beauty should refrain from pursuing careers in Bollywood. I feel they are regressing, as they possess numerous opportunities to work internationally, become global models, and bring pride to our nation."

Shruti contested the idea that acting is the inevitable path following a beauty pageant victory in India. She argued that this perspective restricts global prospects, rendering Bollywood a ‘step backwards’. By limiting themselves to the film industry, titleholders of beauty pageants forfeit their international potential and the chance to represent India on broader global stages, as per her view.

How did the internet react?

The comments on the Instagram post were, however, polarized, with some individuals supporting her viewpoint and emphasizing how a pageant title enhances the opportunity to represent India on international stages, while others voiced contrasting opinions.

One Instagram user remarked, “I agree! Pageantry transcends mere beauty—it embodies the representation of your nation with intention. It serves as a platform for travel, international connections, and fostering positive change. We need not confine our journey solely to the realm of cinema. We can forge our own paths—establishing global relationships, inspiring others, and broadening our influence beyond the limelight.”

Some users found it hard to dissociate Shruti’s response from the current landscape of Bollywood, with one individual commenting, “Her response is perfectly aligned with the present condition of Bollywood, where nepotism reigns as the showstopper, thus it is advisable to seek opportunities beyond.”

Another Instagram user offered a more nuanced perspective, stating, “I believe it all hinges on perspective—whether one perceives it as progressing ‘forward’ or regressing ‘backward’. Miss World, like Aishwarya Rai, despite her entry into Bollywood, continued to engage in her projects and initiatives such as Smile Train, successfully balancing both and earning the ‘Lifetime Beauty with a Purpose Award’. From my viewpoint, she has only advanced.” Meanwhile, another user commented, “I believe it is a matter of personal choice.”

Conversely, some were unimpressed, with one user stating, “That is a dreadful response. Do not undermine or belittle Bollywood or the previous winners who transitioned into Bollywood actresses. It is not a matter of progressing or regressing when entering Bollywood. It is about perspective, the individual’s passions, where their strengths lie, and how they navigate the path they choose. In Bollywood, one can effect change through the types of films and roles they select, which can raise awareness on significant issues (provide a good example of a film that accomplishes this). Alternatively, one can entirely pursue a different route by leveraging their strengths to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Read Also: Former Miss India Manasvi Mamgai’s Glamorous Rome Moments: Meeting the Pope and Al Pacino Before Filming
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