‘I can vouch for it, can put a stamp on it': When Aishwarya Rai said she didn't have the best beach body at Miss World — and still won; how pageants shape body image

Indian Express

06-05-2025

When it comes to beauty pageants, the idea of physical perfection often overshadows everything else. But Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, one of the most celebrated Miss World winners, has never hesitated to challenge outdated perceptions.
Reflecting on her journey during the 1994 Miss World competition during a media interaction, she said, 'When I became Miss World, I was definitely not the best beach body of all the 87 contestants. I can vouch for it, I can put a stamp on it. And yet I won the title.'
The former Miss World welcomed the Miss World organisation's 2014 decision to drop the swimsuit round. In her view, focusing solely on physical appearance overlooks the true purpose of such competitions.
She explained, 'People believe that this (swimwear round) is an imperative round, and this becomes the deciding factor. That's not true. I was told getting the 'Miss Perfect 10' title isn't about literally your physicality, it was all about how you presented yourself, your confidence, and so much else that went with it.'
How do beauty pageants impact young people's perceptions of body image?
From a psychological standpoint, beauty pageants like Miss World can create what's known as appearance-focused social comparison. This is when individuals, particularly impressionable teens and young adults, evaluate their self-worth by comparing their bodies to cultural or media ideals. As psychologist Rasshi Gurnani explains, 'These comparisons often lead to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and can trigger disordered eating behaviours.' The internalised belief that attractiveness equals value reinforces conditional self-worth — a harmful mindset where individuals feel they're only deserving of love or success if they look a certain way.
Miss World Aishwarya Rai. (Source: Express archive photo)
This is why it's critical to decouple confidence from physical appearance. 'True confidence stems from self-efficacy — the belief in one's abilities — not just physical traits,' Gurnani adds. Teaching young people to anchor their self-esteem in character, talent, and authenticity builds long-term psychological resilience.
What impact can removing the swimsuit or 'beach body' rounds have on promoting more inclusive and healthy beauty standards?
Eliminating swimsuit or 'beach body' rounds in pageants is a progressive move toward dismantling the thin ideal internalisation — a psychological construct where people believe that thinness is a prerequisite for happiness and success. 'Such segments reduce complex, intelligent women to their physical measurements,' says Gurnani. 'Removing them broadens the definition of beauty and signals that strength, intelligence, and individuality are equally valuable.' This can foster body neutrality, where individuals focus less on how their body looks and more on what it can do, promoting healthier self-image.
How can individuals develop body confidence without conforming to narrow ideals of beauty?
Aishwarya Rai emphasized the importance of presentation and confidence over physical appearance. Gurnani advises practices rooted in cognitive restructuring—actively challenging and replacing negative body thoughts with empowering ones. 'Mindful self-compassion, mirror work, journaling positive affirmations, and reducing exposure to appearance-centric media can reshape how we relate to our bodies.'