BIOGRAPHY of AISHWARYA RAI - The MISS WORLD 1994 I

AISHWARYA RAI: ~ ₣¡☮ ηα ♥

' The MISS WORLD 1994 '

Name : Aishwarya Rai (pronounced : əjɕʋərja rəj)

Place : Karnataka, India

Date of Birth : 1 November 1973, Mangalore, Karnataka, India

Birth Name: Aishwarya Krishnaraj Rai

Height : 5 ‘ 7 ”(1.70 m)

Hair Colour : Brown

Eye Colour : Green

BIOGRAPHY

Aishwarya ,Daughter of Vrinda Rai, was born into a traditional south Indian family and started modeling at a young age.

Aishwarya Rai (Ash) is one of Bollywood's pre-eminent leading ladies. This Indian darling burst upon the world stage when her striking beauty, poise and commanding intelligence won her the Miss World crown in 1994. This former architecture major soon became one of India's most famous models landing a prestigious Pepsi campaign and appearing in Vogue Magazine.

This Indian darling burst upon the world stage when her striking beauty, poise and commanding intelligence won her the Miss World crown in 1994.

This green-blue-eyed beauty appeared in advertisements for many prestigious firms.

The ones that brought aishwarya into the limelight were the garden sari and the Pepsi ad.

Wanted to study medicine, but circumstances prevented her.

Got her education at Arya Vidya Mandir and DG Ruparel College, both in Bombay, India. She was also accepted into Raheja College of Architecture in Bombay, but never went.

While pursuing her studies in architecture, Rai began modelling on the side.

Crowned Miss India 1994 runner-up.

In the 1994 Miss India contest, she won the second place behind Sushmita Sen, and was crowned Miss India World.

Sister of Aditya Rai who is an engineer in the merchant navy and has also co-produced one of Rai's movies, Dil Ka Rishta (2003).

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Dated :-

Salman Khan
Their relationship was often reported in the media until the couple separated in 2001. Rai cited "abuse (verbal, physical and emotional), infidelity and indignity" on the part of Khan as reasons for ending the relationship.[111] In a 2009 Times of India article, Khan denied ever beating her: "It's not true that I hit a woman."

and Vivek Oberoi

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Engaged on 14th of January 2007. Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek decided to Marry around February 2007.

In January 14,2007, she announced that she has accepted a marriage proposal from current boyfriend, actor Abhishek Bachchan.

Earlier, Abhishek, proposed Aishwarya Rai to marry him, in North America while they were promoting the Movie "Guru"

Mr. Amitabh Bachchan later confirmed as “She said yes, and we are very happy for the children's decision ”

On Sunday Jan 14 in Mumbai, At Bachan's "Jalsa", Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek changed their engagement rings, which was witnesses by close relatives.

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Ms. Rai's Marriage to Junior Bachchan

About 15 kilos of henna was special ordered from Sojat in Rajasthan for the henna ceremony before her wedding.

Her wedding invitations were embossed with two entwined As and delivered along with a box of chocolate meringues. Within the invitation was also a poem about new beginnings written by Amitabh Bachchan's father and renowned poet Harivash Rai Bachchan.

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Got married on April 20, 2007 according to traditional Hindu rites of the South Indian Bunt community, to which she belongs.

Her wedding ceremony lasted a total of three days. It was the most awaited and talked about wedding in years and the press followed it like Princess Diana's wedding.

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan at Cannes Film Festival

The couple was enjoying their honeymoon but Aishwarya Bachchan was contract bound with L'Oreal, the French cosmetic giant and the official partner of the Cannes Film Festival.

After their honeymoon in Tahiti the couple went to attend Cannes Film Festival in France. Aishwarya stayed with other L'Oreal models at French Riviera resort.

The actress and model revealed to that she was still getting used to being called Mrs. Bachchan. She stated, "This is the first travel where people start calling you, 'Hello Mrs. Bachchan, good evening'. I was kind of getting used to that because it's the first time, you're being addressed by a new surname. So that has been a first and I've maybe done a double take at the time but pleasantly so, it makes us smile. So it's been good."

Rai is at this year's film festival circuit as part of L'Oreal's team of models, who descend on the event every year - an obligation she hopes won't take that long. "So we're here for the opening evening and meeting up with all of you guys. Plenty of press work between today and tomorrow and then, I'm out of here because I've been on my personal time off from my holidays. So I'll be continuing with that, pack it all into today and tomorrow," she continued.

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The Couple's Baby:

Aishwarya Rai's Baby shower :

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Aishwarya's Baby bump

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Mumbai, Nov. 20 -- Ever since her parents tied the knot in April 2007, she's been one of the most anticipated babies in the world. She finally arrived on November 16, at around 9.50 am, after proving wrong all astrological predictions and journalistic speculations.

Over the last four years, every time her mommy Aishwarya put on or lost a few kilos, there was immediately a 'pregnant pause'. This year, in June, when grandpa, Amitabh Bachchan finally confirmed the rumour, Ash's 'baby bump' came under close scrutiny as specialists and star-gazers debated on whether it was going to be one B or two.

Abhishek's assertion that his wife wasn't carrying twins fell on deaf ears. It was more romantic to believe that she'd complete the 'humdo-hamare-do' family picture in one shot. Getting the date right was tricky business but once it was public knowledge that the baby would arrive in November, popular opinion swung to the first day of the month. 1.1.11 came and went, and only Aishwarya celebrated a quiet birthday.

Next up: 11. 11. 11. This day that came once in a century was considered auspicious by 'pandits' (priests) and worthy of a C-section by a city tabloid. The normally affable Abhishek dismissed the story as a great piece of fictional writing, entertaining and wonderfully ironic given that two years ago the same paper had written that Aishwarya would never be able to conceive.

"It's preposterous to suggest that any husband or parent would induce the birth of a child on a particular day because it is considered auspicious," he argued heatedly, adding that no 'pandits' had been consulted. "I don't believe in numerology or astrology. If you do, I respect that. But I don't and you should respect that." Was anyone listening? No, because on November 11, around 11 minutes past 11 pm, my Blackberry was buzzing with news that Aishwarya had delivered a baby boy.
When I called manager, I was told she was home in her own bed. Around 11.30 pm, her father-in-law tweeted that the rumour was "incorrect and false". He went on to say that he was watching Saawariya and eulogised over Ranbir Kapoor rather than the ninth Bachchan.

Two days later, he wrote that the family was gathering in Jalsa for the 'arrival'. No one believed the baby would come on Sunday, an unlucky 13th. Bets were being laid for a Children's Day child. Aishwarya did land up at the Seven Hills Hospital on November 14 but she didn't deliver on that day or the next. It was only around 9 am that she was reportedly wheeled in for a 'normal' delivery without painkillers and epidural. And it wasn't two Bs or even a boy as had been agreed. It's a girl!!!!! Abhishek tweeted at around 9.55 am. Just five days old with her mother's fair skin and light eyes, Beti B, as her Pa has dubbed her on twitter, has silenced the know-alls. She's proved that in a country where a boy takes the family line forward, a daughter is as much-wanted by Bollywood's first family. She's shown through her 38year-old Miss World mother that a woman is never too old or too posh to push. So will the media now let the Bachchans be. Unlikely! The speculations continue uninterrupted.

A couple of hours after her birth someone insisted she'd been named Viveka because the conjunction of alphabets is lucky. A couple of days a morphed photograph of a heavily-made-up Aishwarya on a hospital bed cradling a newborn in her arms started making the rounds. On my part, I'd rather wonder if her already mesmerised grandpa will be able to introduce her to the Billy Bunter classics he read as a child. Laugh with her over fat man Hardy and thin man Laurel's antics. Share a kulfi with her and may be a gola, candyfloss and bhutta too. And one monsoon show her how to do the Paa rain dance!

Aishwarya gave birth to her first child on Wednesday morning at a private hospital in Mumbai. Abhishek announced the news through the micro-blogging site.

The electronic media gave only limited footage to the news of Ash's delivery, following a reported 10-point directive from the Broadcast Editor's Association (BEA) warning news channels against excessive coverage on TV of her childbirth.

Thanking the media, the Bachchan senior tweeted: "And once again a word of kindness to the electronic media for their non interference and dignified distance... thank you!!

"A word of appreciation too, to the print media for highlighting a few salient points... our joy in welcoming the girl child... and emphasising the commendable desire of Aishwarya in having a normal delivery without any epidural or pain killers. The often coined phrase 'too posh to push' was put to rest in her case... she was determined to do it the way she felt was correct!" he added.

The 69-year-old third-time grandfather is already receiving suggestion for the baby's name, though Abhishek has chosen to nickname her 'Beti B'.

"More time spent with the 'little one'... each and every movement sinking deep into our memory cells... to narrate to them when older! Thank you all for sending in suggestions for names for the baby... some of them really good... will run it by the parents!" he wrote

Later it was confirmed by the media that the baby girl's name is Aradhya.

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who gave birth to her first child daughter Aaradhya last November, says motherhood is her top priority and she has no immediate plans to return to the celluloid world. Making one of her rare appearances post pregnancy at the 25th anniversary celebration of Britain's MP of Indian origin Keith Vaz, Aishwarya said, "Being a mum, I love it. It is like a bliss."

The 38-year-old former beauty queen was accompanied by actor husband Abhishek Bachchan to the gala dinner at the Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel here last night.
Asked whether he shared in Aishwarya's motherhood responsibilities, Abhishek said, "I am guilty. I don't spend enough time with the baby to change her nappies. She does all the hardwork."

Aishwarya, who was last seen on the big screen in 'Guzaarish', said she is not thinking of returning to work just as yet. "We will see as things go. Right now, it is blissful (to be with the baby)."
Asked what were her dream roles, the actress said, "I have never thought about dream roles."

Answering the same question, Abhishek said, "We live our dreams on a daily basis."
Asked which was her greatest day, Aishwarya said, "The day I married Abhishek. It was a great day."

Vaz said that Amitabh Bachchan could not attend the function as per his doctor's advice. Jaya Bachchan came to London along with Abhishek and Aishwarya, but she did not attend the dinner as she was taking care of Aaradhya.
Abhishek will next be seen in the new film 'Bol Bachchan', directed by Rohit Shetty. "It was great fun acting with Ajay Devgn in the film Bol Bachchan which will be released on July 6. In India we produce a film in 100-150 days and while filming we develop a friendship. I never had any unpleasant experience," said Abhishek.

Aishwarya added, "We bond instantly. It is a natural relationship we develop. It is a blessed place to work in."

The Bollywood couple were presented with an award on the occasion and a teddy bear was given as a gift for Aaradhya

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Did You know?

AISHWARYA RAI

Was offered Rani Mukherjee's role in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

Ambassador for Longines watches since 1999

April 2003: Suffered an accident on the sets of _Khakee (2003)_ when a car driven by a

stuntman got out of control, hit her, took her down a crevice and slammed her into a

cactus plant. She broke a bone in one foot and suffered severe cuts. She was rushed to

a hospital. The incident rekindled the discussion about poor safety standards on

Bollywood film sets.

The first Indian actress to be on the jury of the Cannes International Film Festival

Has made over 50 music videos in only seven years.

Despite the fact that she is adorned in jewelry in her music videos and movies, she

is apparently not too fond of it.

Created a frenzy at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival when she arrived at the premiere of her film Devdas (2002) in a coach and wearing a beautiful yellow-orange embroidered sari.

Was originally cast in the role of Jwala in the film _1857: The Rising (2004)_ , but

dropped out before filming started due to contract problems. The role was later given to Amisha Patel.

Loves collecting watches.

Made her first commercial for Camlin pencils when she was in the 9th grade.

Was the Coca Cola Girl for the Middle Eastern countries.

Favorite subject in college was Zoology.

Has achieved icon status all over South Asia.

Is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records 2004.

In a poll conducted by Hello Magazine, she was voted number one as the most attractive woman of 2003, beating actresses such as Nicole Kidman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

In April of 2003, L'Oreal signed her as its new international brand ambassador.

The first Bollywood star to appear in Rolling Stone magazine (Issue 932, October 2, 2003)

Gained 20 pounds for _Bride and Prejudice (2004)_ because she didn't want her character to look like some super model and also felt that it would add a sense of realism to the character.

Is a Bunt, like fellow-actors Shilpa Shetty and Sunil Shetty. The Bunts are a South

Indian community who mainly speak Tulu, which is Aishwarya's mother tongue.

Turned down the lead in Munnabhai M.B.B.S. (2003). The role was given to ' Gracy Singh' .

Turned down the role of Mastani in the film Bajirao Mastani (2005).

The first movie star she ever met was Rekha. Aishwarya was still in high school at the

time and was a model. While at a grocery store with her mother, Aishwarya was tapped on the shoulder by none other than Rekha herself. Rekha recognized Aishwarya from her modeling ads. She complimented the young Aishwarya on her good looks and wished her all the best.

Is fluent in the languages English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil and Urdu.

Receives at least two movie offers every day.

Turned down the role of Priya in the film Chalte Chalte (2003).

Aamir Khan and Aishwarya Rai are the only stars to advertise for both Coca Cola and Pepsi.

Before she was famous, she auditioned for voice dubbing for a television serial, and was rejected.

Shahrukh Khan recommended her to play Kaurwaki in the film Asoka (2001). But the director wanted to cast someone who hadn't already been paired with Shahrukh as a leading lady.

After winning the title of Miss World in 1994, the host of the event, Richard Steinmetz,

actually asked Aishwarya out. But being a professional, she refused right away.

Sued the magazine 'Star and Style' for a sum of Rs 2 crores for printing an article

\claiming that actress Raveena Tandon had caught her and Akshay Kumar in a compromising position at the pool side of a five star hotel.

During the filming of the music video 'Dola Re Dola' from the movie Devdas (2002),

Aishwarya's ears were bleeding due to the heavy earrings she had to wear. But she

continued to shoot anyway.

Rai has been attending Cannes Film Festival since 2002. In 2002, her film devdas was screened at Cannes Film Festival.

Is a trained classical dancer. She learnt classical dance and music for five years

while in her teens.

Has a puppy named Sunshine, which was given to her as a gift by friend Vivek Oberoi.

Won the title of "Miss Photogenic" in the 1994 Miss World Pageant.

Has won over 50 awards since 1994 when she was 20.

Is good friends with actress Preity Zinta.

Has gained a cult following in Pakistan.

Was listed in Time magazine as one of 100 most influential people in the

world (The 2004 TIME 100).

Ran the Olympic-torch relay in June 2004.

Turned down a role in _Time Breaker (2004)_ due to her touring schedule. The role was

eventually given to Mallika Sherawat.

Has refused to work with Salman Khan after their break-up, in spite of several offers.

With over 17,000 websites dedicated to her, Ash finally launched her "Official Website" www.AishwaryaWorld.com

In 2004, Aishwarya became the first Bollywood and Indian actress to have her own statue at London's Madame Tussaud's museum

In 2011, her SECOND wax statue of was unveiled!

She won the Screen best female debutant award for her role in ...Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya (1997)

2005 started with appearances on "60 Minutes", "David Letterman Show" and the

most watched television program in the world the "Oprah Winfrey Show".

On January 2nd, 2005, she became the first Indian actress to be interviewed on "60 Minutes" (1968).

When Oprah Winfrey saw Aishwarya's interview on "60 Minutes" , she was so fascinated by her that she got a hold of Ash and invited her to be a guest on her show.

On April 25, 2005, Aishwarya became the first Indian and South Asian actress to be featured on _"The Oprah Winfrey Show"

Voted #9 in Harpers and Queen magazine's list of the 100 most beautiful women of today. (Harpers and Queen, June 6, 2005)

A tulip produced in 2005 was named for her.

Member of the jury at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival.

Turned down the role of Helen in the film Troy (2004).

Director Andy Tennant offered her a part in _Hitch (2005)_, but she turned it down because she was so busy with other films.

Turned down the role of Anna in A Sublime Love Story: Barsaat (2005).

In the summer of 2005, Mattel released limited-edition Barbie dolls inspired by Aishwarya and her costumes. They were released only in Britain and sold out within minutes. These dolls are now considered rare collectibles among fans.

Her favourite film is Casablanca.

Was voted number 12 on VH1's 50 Sexiest Actresses of the Last 20 Years. (December 2005)

Roger Ebert has said he considers her the most beautiful actress in the world.

Was voted as E's 7th sexiest celebrity in the world

The first actress from India to get signed on with the American Library Association and also have a poster made of her for schools and library's all across America.

Was originally signed on to play the part of Simmi in Bluffmaster! (2005), but was replaced without any notice by Priyanka Chopra. Director Rohan Sippy then gave Aishwarya a "special thanks" in the end credits as an apology.

Turned down the part of Sandhya in _Saamna (2006)_.

When President George W. Bush visited India in March 2006, he invited Aishwarya, along with Aamir Khan, to a luncheon. Aishwarya could not attend because she was in Brazil at the time filming for Dhoom:2 (2006).

Was considered for the role of Priya in Krrish (2006).

Turned down the lead in Corporate (2006) because she didn't have any dates available for filming. The role was given to Bipasha Basu

Was cast with a small role in Lajja (2001), but was dropped because there were already too many major stars in the film.

When Karan Johar asked Aishwarya on his talk show which film she wishes she could have been a part of, she responded _Khamoshi: The Musical (1996)_.

Is the second Indian actress to appear on the cover of TIME magazine in 2003. The first was Parveen Babi in 1976.

Is very popular in many Arab countries.

Featured in People Magazine as one of the 100 Most Beautiful People in the World. (Issue May,8,2006)

Good friends with fellow Indian superstar and icon, Madhuri Dixit. The two worked together in the super-hit and widely acclaimed Devdas.

Listed as number 3 of 'Top Bollywood Actresses' of 2006. (rediff.com, 8-25- 2006)

Caused a day long traffic jam in Dubai, United Arab Emirates while filming a soap commercial. People would stop for hours just to catch a glimpse of their favorite actress. (September 5, 2006)

Listed #3 by UK magazine Eastern Eye one of "Asia's Sexiest Women" (Sept/ 2006).

Is the most photographed woman in India.

She was the first choice for the role of Jane Smith in Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), but she turned it down due to filming conflicts.

She secured 90% marks in HSC at Ruparel college in Mumbai.

her Pepsi ad with Aamir Khan was shot in one night during the infamous Bombay riots.

Has been in six movies with Abhishek Bachchan, more than with any other actor.

Came in #1 in BollySpice.com Magazine's list of "Top 10 Actresses of 2006".

Is often referred to as "the most beautiful woman in the world".

In 2005, Hugh M. Hefner attempted to create and Indian version of Playboy for India, which would feature South Asian women and Indian pop culture articles, but no nudity.

He wanted to have Aishwarya on the cover of the first issue. The magazine was rejected.

Twice turned down the lead in the Hindi version of Chandramukhi (2005).

Was invited in 2005 to be a presenter at The 77th Annual Academy Awards (2005) (TV), but was unable to attend because she was busy filming for The Mistress of Spices (2005).

Is active in various charities and often visits orphanages.

Her favorite Western designer is Giorgio Armani.

Whenever she is in London, clothes are taken to her hotel for her to choose from.

Is the second of five Indian women to win the Miss World title. The first was Reita Faria, who won in 1966. Others include Diana Hayden who won in 1997, Yukta Mookhey in 1999, and Priyanka Chopra in 2000.

Ranked #30 in TIME magazines issue of '100 Most Influential People of the Year'. This is her second time making the list, her first being in 2004. (The Time 100, 2007).

Has appeared on more magazine covers worldwide than any other Bollywood or Indian star.

Director Brett Ratner is a fan of Aishwarya's and he wanted her to be cast in Rush Hour 3 (2007), but she turned down the offer.

Was considered for the part of Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale (2006).

Her wax statue at Madame Tussauds Museum in London was borrowed by the museum in New York for six weeks. The statue was flown to New York and made its debut on August 15, 2007, making her the first Indian actress in the American version of the museum.

The French government has bestowed the Officer Dan Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres (officer of the order of arts and letters) on Ash. This is the second highest civilian honour given by the French government.

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1994.. Miss Catwalk
1994.. Miss Photogenic
1994.. Miss Perfect 10
1994.. Miss Popular
1994.. Femina Miss India World - 1st Runner-up
1994.. Most Photogenic Face
1994.. Miss World 1994

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MISS WORLD 1994

1994 November 19

Sun City, South Africa

87 entries

Results

1 India Aishwarya Rai

Queen of Asia & Oceania

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2 South Africa Basetsane Julia Makgalemele

Queen of Africa

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3 Venezuela Irene Esther Ferreira Izquierdo

Queen of Americas

Finalists

4 Zimbabwe Angeline Musasiwa

5 Croatia Branka Bebic

Queen of Europe

Semi-finalists

Belgium Ilse De Meulemeester

Greece Evangelia "Evi" Adam

Malaysia Rahima Orchient Yayah

Philippines Caroline Subijano

United Kingdom Melanie Abdoun (International-Britain '95)

Remainder

American Virgin Islands Jessalyn Pearsall

Argentina Miriam Elizabeth Nahon (Banana '93, Coffee '94, Int'l Queen of Harvest '94, Sugar Cane '94)

Australia Skye-Jilly Edwards (winner Queen of the Year '93, winner Globe '94)

Austria Bianca Engel (Maja '95)

Bahamas Deanna Tamara North

Bangladesh Anika Taher

Bolivia Mariel Gabriela Arce Taborga (Coffee '95)

Botswana Hazel Kutlo Mmopi

Brazil Valquíria Melnik Blicharski

British Virgin Islands Khara Michelle Forbes

Bulgaria Stella Ognianova

Canada Shawna Roberts

Cayman Islands Anita Lilly Bush (Universe '95)

Queen of Caribbean Isles

Chile Yulissa Macarena del Pino Pinochet

China Pan Tao

Colombia Maria Eugenia González Ponce de León

Costa Rica Silvia Ester Muñoz Mata (International '94)

Curacao Marisa Corine Bos

Cyprus Johanna Uwrin

Czech Republic Lenka Belickova

Denmark Sara Maria Wolf (2nd RU Baltic Sea '96)

Dominican Republic Claudia Franjul González

Ecuador Diana Margarita Noboa Gordon

Estonia Auli Andersalu

Finland Mia Marianne Forsell

France Radiah Latidine

Germany Marte Helberg

Ghana Matilda Aku Alomatu

Gibraltar Mellissa Berllaque

Guam Chalorna Freitas

Guatemala Sonia Maria Rosales Vargas (Sugar Cane '94)

Holland Yoska Bon

Hong Kong Annamarie Wood Lai-Ming

Hungary Timea Farkas

Iceland Birna Bragadóttir (winner Scandinavia '95)

Ireland Anna Maria McCarthy (Universe '95, Europe '95)

Israel Shirley Schwartzberg

Italy Arianna Novacco

Jamaica Johanna Simone Ulett

Japan Shinobu Sushida

Kenya Josephine Wanjiku Mbatia (Universe '95)

Korea Chae Yeon-hee

Latvia Daina Tobija

Lebanon Lara Badawi

Macau Chen Ji-Min (Chinese International '95)

Mauritius Marie Priscilla Mardaymootoo (Universe '95)

Mexico Claudia Hernández Rodríguez (winner Maja '95)

New Zealand Shelley Jeannine Edwards (Universe '95)

Nigeria Suzan Hart (Universe '94)

Norway Anne Lena Hansen (winner International '95)

Panama Carmen Lucía Ogando Ginono

Paraguay Jannyne Elena Peyrat Scolari (Globe '94, International '94)

Peru Marcia Pérez Marcés

Poland Jadwiga Flank (SF Queen of the Year '95)

Portugal Leonor Filipa Correia Leal Rodrigues

Puerto Rico Joyce Marie Giraud Mojica (2nd RU Universe '98)

Romania Leona Dalia Voicu

Russia Anna Malova (winner Baltic Sea '94, SF Universe '98)

Seychelles Marquise David

Singapore Pickard Angela Lee Kim Mei

Slovak Republic Karin Majtanova (International '93)

Slovenia Janja Zupan

Spain Virginia Pareja Garófano

Sri Lanka Nushara Rusri Pramali Fernando (SF Asia Pacific '92, Universe '94, SF Mrs World '01)

St. Lucia Yasmine Lyndel Walcott

St. Vincent Cornise Yearwood

Swaziland Stephanie Wesselo

Sweden Sofia Andersson (winner Teen International '93)

Switzerland Sarah Briguet (Universe '95)

Tahiti Vaea Christine Sandra Olanda

Taiwan Joanne Wu Chung-Chun (Universe '94)

Tanzania Aina William Maeda

Thailand Patinya "If" Thongsri

Trinidad & Tobago Anabel Thomas

Turkey Pinar Altug

Ukraine Nataliya Vasilievna Kozitskaya (SF International '97)

U.S.A. Kristie Harmon

Awards
Miss Personality Thailand:

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Miss Photogenic India:

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Best National Costume Venezuela:

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Miss World 1994

- an amalgam of news reports -

Miss India, a 21-year-old architecture student from Bombay, was named Miss World 1994.

Folding her hands in a traditional gesture of thanks, a composed and smiling Aishwarya Rai accepted the crown. She succeeds Lisa Hanna of Jamaica, who won last year’s title.

For the second straight year, Miss South Africa was the RU. This year it was Basetsane Julia Makgalemele, 20. She was followed in third place by Miss Venezuela, Irene Ester Ferreira Izquierdo, 18, of Venezuela.

The Miss World title brings prizes and gifts worth more than $500,000 including more than $75,000 in cash.

Miss Rai, in a sparkling white evening gown, was a crowd-pleasing contestant, drawing enthusiastic cheers from partisans from her first appearance on stage.

The brown-haired, green-eyed contestant projected an aura of grace and dignity, despite confessing to enjoying the “occasional extravagance.” She also was named Miss Photogenic in a poll of photographers.

Asked her aim as Miss World, she said her first goal would be to show “compassion for the underprivileged.”

Judges included fashion model Iman; Eileen Ford of the Ford modeling agency; photographer Patrick Lichfield; Zinzi Mandela Hlongwane, daughter of South African President Nelson Mandela; actors Ron Moss and Katherine Kelly Lang from the CBS-TV soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful;” and actors Tony Leung Ka-Fai, Marsha Rae Ratcliff and Andres Garcia.

Actors Blair Underwood and Bronson Pinchot, supermodel Naomi Campbell and South African singers Johnny Clegg and Ladysmith Black Mambazo also participated.

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The pageant was held for the third time in Sun City. The fantasy gambling resort is in the former black homeland of Bophuthatswana, now reincorporated into South Africa as part of reforms that ended white-minority rule this year.

The Somalia-born Iman told the crowd she could never have imagined being able to present the beauty award in a “free South Africa.”

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Early career (1997–98)
Often cited by the media as the "most beautiful woman in the world", Rai made her acting debut with Mani Ratnam's Tamil film Iruvar (1997),

and had her first commercial success in Jeans (1998)

She tasted success in Bollywood with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) and Devdas (2002)
and eventually won two Filmfare Awards in the Best Actress category.

After a series of unsuccessful films during 2003–2005, she appeared in the blockbuster action thriller Dhoom 2 (2006)

and subsequently featured in such films as Guru (2007),

Jodhaa Akbar (2008), and Enthiran (2010).

Additionally, her performances in offbeat, independent films such as Chokher Bali (2003),

Raincoat (2004),

and Provoked (2007) were received well.

Rai has thus established herself as one of the leading contemporary actresses of Indian cinema.

Rai's off-screen roles include duties as brand ambassador for various charity organisations and campaigns

In 2009 she was honoured with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award given by the Government of India.

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Success (1999–2002)

In 1999 Rai starred in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, opposite Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan.

The film was her first box office success in Bollywood, and earned her a Filmfare Best Actress Award.

In the same year she appeared in Subhash Ghai's Taal, in which she played Mansi, a young village woman who becomes a big pop star after being hurt by her lover, played by Akshay Khanna.
The film was an average grosser in India but was a big success outside India, especially in the United States, where it became the first Indian film in the top 20 on Variety's box office list.
She received another Best Actress nomination from the Filmfare Awards for her work in the film.

In 2000 she appeared in Mansoor Khan's Josh alongside Shahrukh Khan and Chandrachur Singh, in which she plays a Catholic named Shirley who falls in love with the sibling of her brother's enemy. The film was a commercial success.

Later that year she appeared in Satish Kaushik's Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai, opposite Anil Kapoor. It was a moderate success, and her performance earned her a Filmfare Best Actress Award nomination.

Later that year she played a supporting role in Aditya Chopra's Mohabbatein, alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan. The second-highest grosser of the year, the film was a major commercial success, and earned her a Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award nomination.

Later that year, she starred in the Tamil film Kandukondain Kandukondain, alongside Mammooty, Ajith Kumar, and Tabu. Rai plays Tabu's younger sibling, a dreamer at heart, whose hopes come crashing down when she discovers she's been cheated by her lover.Directed by Rajiv Menon, the movie was a successful venture commercially.

In 2002 Rai appeared alongside Shahrukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas, an adaptation of Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel of the same name.She played the role of Paro (Parvati), the love interest of the protagonist, played by Khan.

The film received a special screening at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival.

It became the highest-grossing film of the year in India and overseas, earning a revenue of Rs 390 million domestically. Devdas won numerous awards, including 10 Filmfare Awards, and Rai received her second Filmfare Best Actress Award for her performance.

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Professional setback (2003–05)

In 2003 she acted in Rituparno Ghosh's Bengali film Chokher Bali, an adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore's novel of the same name.She portrays the character of a young woman called Binodini,who is left on her own when her sickly husband dies soon after they are married.Rai's performance in the film was well-received by critics, with "Derek Elley" from Variety writing, "Rai dominates the film with her delicately sensual presence and physical grace". The film was critically acclaimed and did well at the box office,

That year she appeared in the Bollywood film Dil Ka Rishta, with Arjun Rampal, and Rohan Sippy's Kuch Na Kaho, alongside Abhishek Bachchan, neither of which fared well at the box office.

In 2004 she appeared alongside Martin Henderson in Bride and Prejudice, Gurinder Chadha's Bollywood-style English adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. She played Lalita Bakshi, the film's version of Austen's character Elizabeth Bennet.

She played a negative role for the first time in Rajkumar Santoshi's Khakee, which also featured Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgan, and Jayapradha. The film was a box office success.

In the same year she worked with director Rituparno Ghosh for the second time, in Raincoat, where she starred alongside Ajay Devgan. The film was highly acclaimed by critics, with Rai receiving rave reviews for her performance.The Hindu commented "Raincoat can easily be Aishwarya Rai's best performance, and as Neerja, the former beauty queen appears to have shed her inhibitions about looking unglamorous. What is more, she seems to have made an earnest effort to emote, using less of her body and limbs and more of her face, and eyes in particular".

In 2005 she appeared in Shabd, a film based on a love triangle, alongside Sanjay Dutt and Zayed Khan. The film was unsuccessful at the box office; it received average reviews from critics.

Her next release was Paul Mayeda Berges's The Mistress of Spices, based on the novel of the same name by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, in which she starred alongside Dylan McDermott.The film received negative reviews from critics, and was a commercial failure.

The same year she made a special appearance in a hugely popular seven-minute dance sequence for the song "Kajra Re", with Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, in Shaad Ali's Bunty Aur Babli.

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Recent work (2006–present)

In 2006 Rai portrayed the title role in J P Dutta's Umrao Jaan, the story of a courtesan and poetess from 19th-century Lucknow. The movie is the second adaptation of the Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada (1905), by Mirza Hadi Ruswa. Rai's work received mixed reviews, and the film was a critical and commercial failure. Critics particularly felt the new version is poor when compared to the acclaimed 1981 version by Muzaffar Ali, which starred Rekha in the title role.

BBC critic Poonam Joshi wrote, "While only Aishwarya could emulate the grace and poise of Rekha, she doesn't quite capture the intensity of Umrao's abiding melancholy", commenting that "her incandescent beauty and artistry... does indeed keep the audience watching, though not necessarily emotionally engaged.

Later that year she appeared as a master thief, Sunheri, in the Yash Raj Films production of Dhoom 2, directed by Sanjay Gadhvi. The ensemble cast included Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu, and Uday Chopra.
The movie was a blockbuster, and became the highest grossing film of the year in India, earning revenues of over Rs 770 million domestically.

In 2007 she appeared in Mani Ratnam's Guru as Sujata. Speculated to be based on the life of Indian businessman Dhirubhai Ambani, it is a rag to riches story about an ambitious small-town man who ends up as the owner of the biggest corporation in India.

The film premièred at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto, Canada, the first Indian film to have a mainstream international premiere in that country.

The film was critically acclaimed, and performed well at the box office. Critical reception for Rai was mixed. Rai received her seventh Filmfare nomination for Best Actress for her performance.

In the same year she starred alongside Naveen Andrews and Miranda Richardson in Jag Mundhra's British film Provoked, as Kiranjit Ahluwalia, an Non-resident Indian woman who kills her abusive husband after facing severe domestic violence. Rai received mostly positive reviews for her portrayal.
It was screened in the Marché du Film Cannes Film Market during the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.
Ahluwalia sat next to Rai during the screening, reportedly holding her hand and sobbing during the most violent scenes.

In the same year Rai appeared as a warrior from Kerala named Mira in Doug Lefler's epic film The Last Legion, alongside Sir Ben Kingsley, Colin Firth, and Thomas Sangster. The film was a critical failure.

Rai as the feisty warrior princess Jodha Bai in the successful historical drama Jodhaa Akbar (2008).
In 2008 Rai starred alongside Hrithik Roshan in Ashutosh Gowariker's historical drama Jodhaa Akbar. The story is a partly fictionalised account of the life of Muslim Mughal emperor Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar, played by Roshan, and his Hindu wife Jodha Bai, played by Rai.
The film was a critical and commercial success, earning revenues of over Rs 590 million domestically. Rai's performance in the film was praised by critics, with Rajeev Masand writing, "Aishwarya Rai is wonderfully restrained and uses her eyes expertly to communicate so much, making this one of her finest outings on screen".
She earned her eighth nomination for Best Actress at the Filmfare Awards for her performance.

Later that year she co-starred with husband Abhishek Bachchan and father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan in Ram Gopal Verma's Sarkar Raj, a sequel to his previous film, Sarkar. She plays the CEO of a major power company that is proposing a new power plant in rural Maharashtra. The film was a critical and commercial success.

In 2009 she appeared in Harald Zwart's spy comedy film The Pink Panther 2, playing the role of criminology expert Sonia Solandres. Like its predecessor, the sequel received negative reviews from critics, and did a moderate business of $34,590,360 at the U.S box office.

In 2010 she collaborated with Mani Ratnam for a bilingual project, two films featuring Rai portraying a character based on the goddess Sita. The films were shot simultaneously, with Rai's role being one of the only roles which were played by the same performer in both versions. Upon release, the project received mixed reviews.

Though both her portrayals of Ragini were praised, the Hindi version—Raavan, alongside Abhishek Bachchan—failed commercially, whilst the Tamil version—Raavanan—was successful.

The Hindi version of the film got decent reviews in various US media, including the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, with the former saying, "Raavan has Bollywood glamour aplenty, with the lovely if occasionally dramatically challenged Aishwarya Rai Bachchan", and the latter describing Rai as a scene-stealer.

Rai paired with Rajinikanth in the science fiction Tamil film Enthiran (2010), directed by S. Shankar. The film—the most expensive ever made in India—was released worldwide in 2010, and is the highest-grossing Indian film when all its versions are totalled.

She appeared in Vipul Shah's Action Replayy opposite Akshay Kumar, which received mixed reviews from critics.

Rai's final release in 2010 was Guzaarish, her third collaboration with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actor Hrithik Roshan. The film tells the story of Ethan Mascarenhas (Roshan), a former magician who has been quadriplegic for twelve years; after years of struggle he files an appeal to the court for euthanasia. Rai played Ethan's strict, devoted, and supportive nurse Sophie D'Souza. The film opened to positive reviews, and Rai's portrayal was praised.

In 2011 she received her ninth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.

As of May 2011, she is set to appear in Rajkumar Santoshi's next film, Ladies and Gentlemen, along with Abhishek Bachchan,

and in Madhur Bhandarkar's next directorial venture, Heroine. The shooting of both films was postponed, due to Rai's pregnancy. She will not appear in Heroine, which is going forward with Kareena Kapoor.

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Social work

In 1999 Rai participated in a world tour called the Magnificent Five, along with Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Akshaye Khanna, and Twinkle Khanna. In the same year, she was appointed as Longines Ambassador of Elegance.

In 2003 she became the first Indian actress to be a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival. In 2003 she became a global brand ambassador of L'Oreal, alongside Andie Macdowell, Eva Longoria, and Penelope Cruz.

Rai is the brand ambassador for The Eye Bank Association of India's nationwide campaign to promote eye donation in India.

In 2005 she became a brand ambassador for Pulse Polio, a campaign established by the Government of India in 1994 to eradicate polio in India.

In the same year, Rai was appointed spokesperson for the International Year of Microcredit, raising awareness of the main goals and priorities of the United Nations' poverty alleviation efforts.

In February 2005 Rai performed alongside other Bollywood stars at the HELP! Telethon Concert, an event to raise money for the victims of the 2004 tsunami earthquake.

Along with other members of the Bachchan family, she laid the foundation of a special school for underprivileged girls in Daulatpur village in Uttar Pradesh in 2008. Construction is being funded by the Bachchan family, and the school will be named after Rai.

Performed to an audience of 85,000 in Melbourne, Australia at the closing ceremony of the 2006 Commonwealth Games with 800 backup dancers. (March 2006)

She appeared along with various other Bollywood actors at the closing ceremony of the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. The performance showcased Indian culture as a lead-up to India hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

In 2009 Rai was appointed as the first Goodwill Ambassador of Smile Train, an international charity that provides free Cleft lip and palate surgery to children in need. Her work with Smile Train will focus not only on India, but on 76 different developing countries around the world.