The Miss World crown has given India some of its most unforgettable stars, but not every fairy-tale victory led to a smooth Bollywood journey. From Aishwarya Rai’s dream debut and stormy personal life, to Yukta Mookhey’s failed tryst with films and troubled marriage, and Priyanka Chopra’s meteoric rise followed by a dramatic shift to Hollywood — these beauty queens saw fame, failure, love, heartbreak, and controversy in equal measure. Their lives remind us that behind the crown often lies a story far more dramatic than a film script.
How did Aishwarya Rai’s journey unfold?
In 1994, Aishwarya Rai brought home the Miss World crown, becoming the second Indian woman to win the prestigious title. The victory made her an instant global icon. She entered Bollywood in 1997 with Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya opposite Bobby Deol. The film, however, failed to create an impact.
Her real breakthrough came with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), followed by Taal the same year, both of which cemented her status as a rising star. But alongside her career, her personal life took centre stage, particularly her much-publicised relationship with Salman Khan. By 2002, the couple had parted ways, and Aishwarya openly accused Salman of troubling her. The controversy affected her career as she was dropped from multiple projects.
A new chapter began in 2006 when she starred opposite Abhishek Bachchan in Guru. Their chemistry blossomed off-screen as well, and after Abhishek’s broken engagement with Karisma Kapoor in 2003, he proposed to Aishwarya during the film’s shoot. The two tied the knot in 2007, marking one of Bollywood’s most high-profile weddings.
What happened to Yukta Mookhey after her Miss World win?
Yukta Mookhey, who won Miss World in 1999, was the fourth Indian to claim the crown. Her victory put her in the limelight, and Bollywood seemed like the natural next step. In 2002, she made her debut with Pyaasa, but the film flopped miserably.
Despite appearing in films like Memsaab, Love in Japan, and Dil Mein Jaanam, Yukta failed to leave a mark in the industry. She later stepped away from films and, in 2008, married New York-based businessman Prince Tuli. Unfortunately, the marriage turned turbulent. Yukta accused her husband of domestic abuse and dowry harassment, even alleging that he “beat her like an animal.” The couple eventually divorced in 2014, ending their tumultuous chapter.
How did Priyanka Chopra’s career take shape?
Priyanka Chopra, crowned Miss World in 2000, entered Bollywood with Andaaz (2003) alongside Akshay Kumar. The film was a commercial success and gave her the platform to rise quickly. Hailing from Bareilly, Priyanka soon starred in hits like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Krrish, Don, Dostana, Agneepath, Barfi, Krrish 3, and Bajirao Mastani.
While her career soared, her personal life remained in the constant spotlight. She was linked to several actors, and whispers of her closeness with superstar Shah Rukh Khan dominated industry gossip. Rumours suggested that Gauri Khan’s disapproval and alleged lobbying caused Priyanka to lose several big projects.
In 2018, Priyanka surprised fans by marrying American singer-actor Nick Jonas, who is ten years younger than her. Soon after, she shifted her base to the US, building a successful international career while balancing visits to India.
What connects these three Miss Worlds?
Though Aishwarya Rai, Yukta Mookhey, and Priyanka Chopra came from different backgrounds, their journeys had striking similarities: beauty pageant glory, Bollywood fame, and turbulent personal lives that often overshadowed their professional milestones.
Their stories highlight the pressures of fame and the personal sacrifices that often accompany stardom.
Highlights:
- Aishwarya Rai faced a major career setback after her breakup with Salman Khan, but later found stability with Abhishek Bachchan.
- Yukta Mookhey’s Bollywood dreams never took off, and her marriage ended in a bitter divorce.
- Priyanka Chopra moved to Hollywood after losing projects in Bollywood, later marrying Nick Jonas in 2018.
