We all know and believe in the maxim ?A thing of beauty is joy for ever?. Beauty rules every heart. The term ?Beauty contest? has become a household name not only for the people of the developed countries for also for the people of India


We all know and believe in the maxim ?A thing of beauty is joy for ever?. Beauty rules every heart. The term ?Beauty contest? has become a household name not only for the people of the developed countries for also for the people of India, particularly those who are keen about the news and views of the glamour industry. It was P.T. Barnum who first organised the modern Beauty Contest in 1854. But due to protests from various quarters it had to be stopped. But as we know that every cloud has a silver lining, similarly Eric Morley in 1951 organised the first Miss World Beauty Contest. Since then its popularity is on the increasing trend. The viewers of this popular programme would certainly be elated to know that this programme attracts a lot of viewership. 2.3 billion people witnessed this Contest in their television sets in the year 2005.


The Indian sub-continent is also very keen about this contest and has a large viewership. Though Fleur Ezekiel was the first women to represent India in the Miss World Contest, however, popularity of this event gained ground in post-1994, when the European developed countries were left far behind as India won both the Miss World and Miss Universe titles. After Aishwarya Rai, Daina Hayden won the title in 1997, Yukta Mookhey in 1999 and Priyanka Chopra in 2000. Since then, it has become a dream for millions to wear that coveted crown.


Aishwarya Rai:
Though Aishwarya Rai became the runners-up of the Miss India contest 2004, yet the perfect synthesis of her beauty and brains won her the coveted title of Miss World. Since then, she did not have to look back and started ruling Bollywood as the most gracious lady. The heart throb of millions, Ash seemed to grow beautiful in outlook and matured in acting day by day.


Diana Hayden- Miss World 1997:
Starting her career as a model by doing fashion shows in Bangalore and Mumbai, Secunderabadi girl Diana Hayden won the Miss World title in 1997. Miss World title gave her the credentials and she was signed up as the brand ambassador by L?Oreal and Child Relief and You (CRY). However, she failed to make it up to Bollywood following the footsteps of her predecessor Aishwarya Rai.


Yukta Mookhey- Miss World 1999:
Born in Mumbai, the dream of Yukta Mookhey was to win the beauty pageant. Her hopes became brighter when she watched Sushmita Sen win the Miss Universe title. Though Yukta too tried her luck at Bollywood but ultimately she failed to make a place there amid the galaxy of stars.


Priyanka Chopra- Miss World 2000:
Priyanka Chopra became the Miss World in the year 2000. Since then she made a place for herself in the glamour world and has acted in a number of films. Her latest film Krrish was a real hit in the box office. Priyanka has gained great popularity and a huge fan gathering.


The popularity of the Miss World Contest is, however, not above criticism. This contest was opposed by many when it was held in India for the first time by Amitabh Bachchan?s ABCL. Those against it were of the view that real beauty cannot be quantified. Many even raised eyebrows over the swimsuits worn by the contestants in one such round. However, these criticisms failed to deter the generation X to dream of being in the global stage of such beauty contest. Whatever may be the pros and cons of this concept of beauty contests, we hope that many others will earn similar laurels for India.





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