From Miss Universe to Movie Stardom: India’s Reigning Beauties on Screen

Updated: November 22, 2025 22:14

Image Source: Bombay Times

India boasts three Miss Universe winners—Sushmita Sen, Lara Dutta, and Harnaaz Sandhu—who successfully transitioned to Bollywood, carving memorable careers with notable films and performances. Each followed a distinct journey from the pageant stage to the silver screen, leaving a lasting impact on both industries.

The journey from Miss Universe crown to Bollywood stardom has been a remarkable chapter in Indian entertainment history, marked by superstar triumphs and inspirational career shifts. Over three decades, three Indian women have not only earned the coveted Miss Universe title but have also established themselves as esteemed names in Bollywood.

Sushmita Sen blazed the trail as the first Indian Miss Universe winner in 1994, winning the pageant at just 18. Her journey was defined by poise and resilience, defeating formidable competition and setting a high bar for those who followed. Sushmita made her Bollywood debut in 1996 with Mahesh Bhatt’s "Dastak," portraying a character inspired by herself. Her versatile career spans crowd-pleasers like "Biwi No. 1," "Main Hoon Na," and recent web series successes such as "Aarya," showcasing her enduring screen presence.

Lara Dutta, crowned Miss Universe in 2000, captivated audiences with her charm and grace. Following her victory, she entered Bollywood with the film "Andaaz" in 2003, starring alongside Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra. Lara’s filmography is dotted with popular hits, including "No Entry," "Partner," and "Don 2," cementing her place as a culinary blend of glamour and acting prowess, while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood.

More recently, Harnaaz Sandhu, who won Miss Universe in 2021 after an impressive run through regional and national pageants, has begun making her mark in Bollywood and Punjabi cinema. Her acting debut came with the action-packed "Baaghi 4," featuring Tiger Shroff and Sanjay Dutt, accompanied by roles in Punjabi films like "Yaaran Diyan Poun Baaran." Harnaaz represents the new generation of pageant winners poised to make an impact on Indian cinema with confidence and drive.

Key Highlights:

Sushmita Sen’s Trailblazing Path

First Indian Miss Universe winner in 1994, debut in "Dastak," notable Bollywood films across genres, and a successful OTT comeback with "Aarya."

Lara Dutta’s Cinematic Journey

Miss Universe 2000, Bollywood debut in "Andaaz," a string of hit films, along with entrepreneurial ventures and motherhood balancing acts.

Harnaaz Sandhu’s Emerging Stardom

2021 Miss Universe titleholder, Bollywood debut in "Baaghi 4," Punjabi cinema roles, and rising confidence marking her early career.

This impressive lineage showcases how Indian beauty queens have leveraged the global pageant stage as a launchpad for Bollywood success, influencing the cultural landscape profoundly. Their stories inspire many aspiring actors and beauty queens alike, reminding us of the power of grace, talent, and determination.

Sources: Indian Express, Hindustan Times, Deccan Chronicle, BollywoodShaadis, Koimoi, India TV News.

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