Fatima Bosch Crowned Miss Universe 2025, India’s Manika Shines in Top 30

Post by : Mina Rahman

The 74th Miss Universe pageant concluded in Bangkok, with Mexico's Fatima Bosch taking the prestigious crown. India’s own Manika Vishwakarma reached the Top 30, showcasing her talent but falling short of advancing further in the contest.

Bosch's triumph contributes to the ongoing celebration of beauty and talent on a global scale, emphasizing her outstanding performances throughout the competition. Her victory highlights Mexico's continuing influence in international pageantry and sets a new standard for future contestants.

India's Miss Universe Tradition

India has earned the Miss Universe title three times, with each winner making waves in the Hindi film sector, underscoring the link between global beauty contests and Bollywood.

Sushmita Sen: Breaking Barriers in 1994

In 1994, Sushmita Sen became the first Indian to clinch the Miss Universe title. Winning the Miss India title at just 18, she famously triumphed over Aishwarya Rai in the national pageant, a topic still debated among enthusiasts. Renowned for her grace and poise, she set a new benchmark for future Indian representatives.

Post-win, she ventured into cinema with Mahesh Bhatt's film Dastak (1996), portraying a character inspired by her public image. With notable roles in blockbusters like Biwi No. 1 and Main Hoon Na, Sushmita solidified her status in Bollywood.

Lara Dutta: Triumph in 2000

Lara Dutta's journey began with her Miss Intercontinental win in 1997, and by 2000, she had captured both the Miss India crown and the Miss Universe title in Cyprus. Impressively, she achieved one of the highest interview scores in the pageant's history along with leading points in the swimsuit competition.

Lara's Bollywood debut was in 2003 with Andaaz, sharing the screen with Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra. Her career boasts a mix of popular and critically acclaimed films like No Entry and Don 2, establishing her as a versatile actress.

Harnaaz Sandhu: A Historic Win in 2021

Harnaaz Sandhu ended a long wait for India by winning Miss Universe in 2021. After triumphing in the Miss Chandigarh and Miss Diva contests, she showcased elegance and confidence on the global stage.

Gradually, she has ventured into acting, appearing in Bollywood’s Baaghi 4 alongside Tiger Shroff and has participated in Punjabi films like Yaaran Diyan Poun Baaran (2023), balancing her pageant success with a budding film career.

Manika Vishwakarma's Miss Universe Journey in 2025

Representing India in 2025, Manika Vishwakarma captivated audiences with her strong performances in the swimsuit and evening gown segments. Her stunning electric blue swimsuit and elegant black lehenga received widespread acclaim on social media, earning her admiration, even though she did not progress beyond the Top 30. Manika personifies India's ongoing legacy in global pageantry, contributing to the country’s proud tradition.

The Miss Universe 2025 edition, marked by Fatima Bosch's crowning, was more than just a contest; it was a celebration of beauty, talent, and cultural diversity, honoring India’s notable legacy through its three former winners, whose influences resonate in both pageantry and cinema. The future looks bright as new representatives continue to uphold this proud tradition in international beauty contests.