This Saturday, we are bringing you a beautiful blast from the past. A rare video has surfaced on social media that shows Bollywood star and former beauty queen hanging out with kids. While the post did not mention when the video was shot, it appears to be from a few days after she was crowned Miss World 1994.

A blast from the Miss World past

The video shows Aishwarya in her early 20s, fresh off the win. She is in a white kurta-pyjama and a blue dupatta, playing with little kids as more people gather around them. She is also seen with a tika on her forehead and her thick, long hair left loose and unstyled.

In the vintage video, Aishwarya smiled brightly as she played with kids. A portion of the video also shows her wearing an orange paper crown while a child wears a yellow one, perhaps recreating her crowning moment on the Miss World stage.

Aishwarya won the crown during a ceremony in South Africa’s Sun City in 1994. She was the first runner-up in the Miss India pageant, losing the top spot to another contestant. While Aishwarya won Miss World, Sushmita also nabbed the Miss Universe crown in her respective competition.

Fans loved the video. “Indian Diana,” wrote a fan. “No wonder she is an amazing mother,” commented another fan. “Her face, her giggles, her aura,” read a comment. A person also thought that Aishwarya looked a lot like Rashmika Mandanna in the video.

Rivalry rumors with Sushmita Sen

Over the years, both Sushmita and Aishwarya have spoken about their winning moments and rumored rivalry. Sushmita once clarified in an interview that they were neither enemies nor friends.

Sushmita said that she and Aishwarya “never had enough time to be enemies, rivals or friends,” adding, “We were always people who knew each other from a distance. We minded our own business, did our thing. We were not the best of friends, who’d say, ‘No, you first.’ We always wanted to be the best in our own ways — which we have proven to be. I went ahead and won Miss Universe; she went ahead and won Miss World. Neither of us was second to anybody. We did our job, and we did it well.”

She added, “People should keep one thing in mind — if we ever had any rivalry, it was in our own work. To ensure that I am good at what I do. You only compare people against one another when both are perfect. None of us is perfect. We both started a new career and have to work really hard to make a place for ourselves before any comparisons can be made. There is no such thing as rivalry. The sad part is that people don’t understand that. There will come a day when, after all that’s been said and done, Aishwarya and I will have the last laugh.”

Aishwarya was last seen in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan I and II. She has not announced her next project yet. Aishwarya is married to Abhishek Bachchan and has a daughter, Aaradhya, with him.

Miss World 1994

Miss World 1994 was the 44th edition of the Miss World pageant, held on November 19, 1994, at the Sun City Entertainment Centre in South Africa. The winner was Aishwarya Rai from India, who later became a globally recognized Bollywood actress and a prominent cultural icon. This pageant marked a significant moment in beauty pageant history, as Rai’s victory brought widespread international attention to Indian representation in global beauty competitions.
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Sun City

Sun City is a luxury resort and casino complex in South Africa’s North West Province, developed by hotel magnate Sol Kerzner and opened in 1979. It was built in the former homeland of Bophuthatswana during the apartheid era, allowing gambling legally in a region not subject to South Africa’s strict laws at the time. Today, it is a major tourist destination known for its entertainment, golf courses, and the Palace of the Lost City hotel.

South Africa

South Africa, located at the southern tip of Africa, has a complex history marked by indigenous civilizations, European colonization, and the apartheid system of racial segregation that lasted until 1994. It is known for its diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and as the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, whose leadership helped end apartheid and establish a multiracial democracy. Today, South Africa is celebrated for its vibrant heritage, wildlife, and status as the “Rainbow Nation.”

Miss World

Miss World is one of the longest-running international beauty pageants, founded in the United Kingdom in 1951 by Eric Morley. Originally created as a bikini contest to promote the Festival of Britain, it evolved into a major global event emphasizing philanthropy and social causes. The pageant has faced controversies over the years, including criticisms of objectifying women, but it continues to be held annually with participants from over 100 countries.

Miss India

“Miss India” is a prestigious national beauty pageant in India that selects representatives for international competitions like Miss World and Miss Universe. Launched in 1963 by the Times of India Group, it has evolved into a major cultural event celebrating Indian beauty, talent, and empowerment. The pageant has launched the careers of iconic winners such as Sushmita Sen and Priyanka Chopra, who went on to win global titles.

Miss Universe

Miss Universe is an annual international beauty pageant founded in 1952 by the clothing company Pacific Mills. The competition began after a “Miss USA” winner was not crowned Miss America, leading to the creation of a separate global contest. Over the decades, it has grown into a major cultural event, known for celebrating diversity and empowering women from around the world.

Ponniyin Selvan I

“Ponniyin Selvan I” is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language epic historical action drama film directed by Mani Ratnam, adapted from Kalki Krishnamurthy’s 1955 novel of the same name. The story is set in the 10th century during the Chola dynasty and follows the early life of Prince Arulmozhi Varman, who later becomes the great emperor Rajaraja Chola I. The film explores political intrigue, power struggles, and the royal family’s dynamics as they work to protect their kingdom from internal and external threats.

Ponniyin Selvan II

“Ponniyin Selvan II” is not a physical place or cultural site but the second part of a celebrated historical novel by Kalki Krishnamurthy, set in 10th-century South India. The story follows the power struggles and adventures of the Chola dynasty, focusing on the young prince Arulmozhivarman, who later becomes the great Rajaraja Chola I. The novel is a cornerstone of Tamil literature, deeply influencing modern perceptions of Chola history and culture.

Bollywood

Bollywood is the informal name for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, India, and is one of the largest centers of film production in the world. Its history dates back to the early 20th century, with the release of India’s first sound film, *Alam Ara*, in 1931, which sparked a vibrant cinematic tradition. Today, Bollywood is known globally for its colorful musicals, dramatic storylines, and its significant cultural impact on Indian society and diaspora communities.