Four years ago today, a young girl who was studying to be a doctor brought a laurel back to India that the country had been waiting for since the year 2000. I remember yelling in excitement on TV when on November 18, 2017, Manushi Chhillar was crowned Miss World, 17 years after Priyanka Chopra Jonas bagged this title for our country. The achievement made Manushi a star and a loved celebrity all across the country and now she is set to foray into the Hindi film industry with Akshay Kumar’s Prithviraj.

Here’s what Manushi posted while remembering that special day:

Manushi portrays the part of Princess Sanyogita in the film that captures the life of the Rajput warrior Prithviraj Chauhan, played by Akshay, who fought valiantly against the merciless invader Muhammad of Ghor. Just a few days ago, the teaser of the film was shared by the makers and the timing of the release just strengthens Manushi’s belief in the special connection she has with the month of November.

Here’s what she has to say:

“November has always been my lucky month. So, it is an amazing coincidence that the teaser of my debut film Prithviraj has also happened in the same month, in fact just a few days before I was crowned Miss World on November 18 in 2017. While I’m nostalgic about my achievement in 2017, I’m also very excited for my launch and the journey that lies ahead of me. November will forever be special in my life. I’m feeling emotional, elated, thrilled, nervous, curious—all at the same time because I have waited for this moment for over a year.”

Manushi feels privileged to have gotten her first role opposite an established actor like Akshay and all she hopes is that her parents feel proud of her performance in it.

She has this to say about the film:

“I’m extremely positive about Prithviraj and I know that it will entertain audiences worldwide with a story of iconic love, legendary valour and unflinching courage. I hope I can make my family proud with my work and I’m looking forward to their reaction when they get to see my film.”

Prithviraj is produced by Yash Raj Films and directed by Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi, who is known for the TV epic Chanakya and the film Pinjar. The film will release on January 21, 2022, and Manushi is sure that it will find a place in the audience’s hearts.

Having followed Manushi’s journey since her days in Miss India, I cannot be prouder of how beautifully she has shaped up her journey since and I am sure that she will create the same magic on screen that she has been creating in her personal life till now.