Published By: Sayan Paul

Birthday Special: Manushi Chhillar's Lesser-Known Aspects - MBBS, Social Work, Entrepreneurship

With both her parents being doctors, Manushi Chhillar initially aspired to follow in their footsteps — but fate had other plans.

There’s a long-standing myth that beauty and brains don’t go hand in hand — and let’s be honest, that idea is deeply rooted in patriarchy. Society has long put women into tidy little boxes: either you're smart or you're stylish. And even when it admits that yes, women can excel in serious fields like science, it adds a caveat that “Oh, they probably didn’t care about beauty.” But my question is: who decides what counts as intelligence? Choosing the perfect outfit, pairing it with the right accessories, knowing which lipstick flatters which skin tone — isn’t that also a form of intelligence? It takes observation, precision, creativity, and skill. Just because society has labeled certain interests as “frivolous” doesn’t make them any less valid. In fact, it says more about society than about women.

And if you’re still thinking, “Okay, but show me someone who is all about fashion or beauty and has also proven herself in other serious fields,” well — say hello to Manushi Chhillar. She is not just a pretty face who wore the crown of Femina Miss India World 2017 or a rising star in Bollywood. She is a shining example of how beauty and brains can thrive together. On her birthday today, let’s take a moment to explore her lesser-known sides that break stereotypes. 

The Medical Student Who Chose a Different Path

Before the global spotlight, Manushi was studying medicine. Yes, you read that right. She was pursuing an MBBS degree at Bhagat Phool Singh Medical College for Women in Sonipat, Haryana. A topper in school, she even scored 96% in her Class 12 board exams and cleared the competitive medical entrance exam on her very first attempt.

Her plan was to become a cardiac surgeon.

(Credit: manushi_chillar)

But fate had something else in store. In 2017, while still a student, she participated in Femina Miss India and ended up winning not just the national title but also Miss World, bringing the crown back to India after 17 years. With her life suddenly taking a completely different turn, she had to pause her medical studies. While she hasn't resumed them since, her foundation in medicine still strongly influences her work in other areas—especially social causes.

Fighting for a Cause: Social Work

One of the most impactful initiatives Manushi is known for is Project Shakti. Her campaign aims to break taboos, educate young girls, and improve access to women's products in rural India.

Her work was so influential that the Haryana government came and provided her with support. And she didn’t stop there—during her ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ tour, she traveled to countries like South Africa, where she helped empower young women in villages. 

In May 2018, she joined hundreds of women in a 3 km walk through the streets of Delhi to create social awareness. She is a strong advocate for vegetarianism and often expresses her views on the subject through various platforms. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she collaborated with UNICEF to distribute hygiene essentials to migrant women across India.

Making Waves in Business: The Entrepreneurial Side 

While many pageant winners stick to modeling or acting, Manushi decided to dip her toes into the world of entrepreneurship as well. In 2023, she co-founded Dweep, a sustainable swimwear brand with her friend and stylist Sheefa J Gilani. The brand aims to make women of all shapes, sizes, and skin tones feel confident and celebrated—while keeping the planet in mind.

(Credit: ET Retail)

She is also associated with Soma, a wellness brand that brings her medical background and holistic wellness beliefs together. 

Also, she is the brand ambassador of various companies. 

Lights, Camera, Evolution: Manushi's Entry into Bollywood

After years of public appearances and brand endorsements, Manushi made her big Bollywood debut in 2022 opposite Akshay Kumar in 'Samrat Prithviraj'. While the film may not have set the box office on fire, it marked the beginning of her cinematic journey. In 2023, Chhillar appeared in ‘The Great Indian Family’, and in 2024, she portrayed a wing commander opposite Varun Tej in the Hindi-Telugu bilingual, 'Operation Valentine'. 

(Credit: manushi_chillar)

With multiple projects in the pipeline, she is gradually making her space in the film industry.

In a world quick to put women into boxes, Manushi Chillar refuses to fit into any. On her birthday, here’s to celebrating not just the beauty queen we see on the outside, but the powerhouse of ambition, purpose, and intellect that she truly is.