Manushi Chhillar's moment of glory at the Miss World pageant is tempered by one tiny post-win regret - she now wishes her reaction when she was announced as the new Miss World had been more 'ladylike.' Pictures from the pageant show Manushi was standing flanked by Miss Kenya and Miss France - when her name was called, she responds with open-mouthed surprise. And she still can't believe it as she walks up to the outgoing Miss World Stephanie Del Valle to receive her crown and sash. Hard to remember to stay 'lady-like' at such a moment, one imagines - here's a picture of her moments before she was crowned in China's Sanya city:
Nevertheless, Manushi Chhillar feels like she could have done better. "I won't deny that I've seen the video several times. It still gives me goosebumps. (But) I do wish I had given more lady-like reactions. It was something which came out naturally. Now I like to look at it and laugh," she told news agency PTI.
The newly-crowned Miss World, all of 20, certainly responded with more grace than most to politician Shashi Tharoor's tweet punning on her name. A girl who has just won the world isn't going to be upset over a tongue-in-cheek remark. 'Chhillar' talk is just small change - let's not forget the 'chill' within Chhillar," Manushi tweeted from China.
Mr Tharoor was trolled for posting this: "What a mistake to demonetise our currency! BJP should have realised that Indian cash dominates the globe: look, even our Chhillar has become Miss World!" He responded warmly to Manushi Chhillar's tweet exonerating him and posted an apology.
"Miss World victory is something very personal to me. But everyone has their own sense of humour and you've social media where everyone has their own opinion. I was happy I could give people an insight into my sense of humour," Manushi told PTI.
Manushi Chhillar, who was studying medicine before competing for the titles of Miss India and then Miss World, will focus on raising awareness about menstrual hygiene. The Haryanvi native believes her triumph will help bring improvements in her state. "There is already so much positive change that has been happening. The khap panchayat in my ancestral village has abolished the practice of firing at weddings. I am just a 20-year-old normal girl but knowing that I can do such things, it's very enriching for me," she told PTI.
Manushi has already revealed that were she to become an actress, a film with Aamir Khan would be a dream come true. For now, though, she's not at home to Bollywood. "There have been offers from Bollywood but as of now I've not really committed to anything. I really want to explore my life as a Miss World and live that moment first. After this one year, I have to complete my education. But I am not really thinking about it. I would never rule out any opportunity completely. I'd be a fool to do that," Manushi told PTI.
Manushi Chhillar flew home to India from China on Monday and addressed the press in Mumbai. She is currently in New Delhi.
(With inputs from PTI)
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