Before becoming Miss World 2017 and establishing herself in the film industry, Manushi Chhillar had a very different dream—studying medicine. Years later, the actor has opened up about one of the most emotionally demanding chapters of her life, recalling how the 2015 medical entrance exam paper leak forced thousands of aspirants, including her, to begin their preparation all over again.
Speaking during a recent podcast conversation, Manushi reflected on the personal sacrifices, emotional exhaustion, and determination that defined that period, offering a perspective that has resonated with many students preparing for highly competitive examinations.
“I Had to Give Up Everything”
Looking back on the experience, Manushi said she had already dedicated months to preparing for the medical entrance examination when the cancellation disrupted her plans.
Instead of moving forward, she found herself restarting the preparation process.
The additional weeks of study demanded complete focus, leaving little room for anything beyond academics.
She shared that she temporarily stepped away from activities she enjoyed, including Kuchipudi dance and painting, to concentrate entirely on her studies.
“I had to sacrifice everything and begin preparing again.”
She described the experience as one of the most difficult phases of her life.
More Than Just an Examination
For Manushi, the challenge extended far beyond revising textbooks.
She explained that competitive entrance examinations test emotional endurance as much as academic knowledge.
The uncertainty created by unexpected changes can leave students feeling mentally drained after months of disciplined preparation.
She noted that while additional preparation time may appear manageable from the outside, the emotional fatigue often goes unnoticed.
The Reality Faced by Thousands of Students
During the conversation, Manushi also reflected on the experiences of fellow aspirants.
She remembered meeting students who had made significant sacrifices in pursuit of a medical career, including:
- Relocating to unfamiliar cities for coaching.
- Living away from their families.
- Managing financial pressures.
- Devoting months—and sometimes years—to preparation.
She acknowledged that many families invest considerable resources in helping students achieve their academic goals, making any disruption particularly difficult.
A Conversation That Continues Today
Manushi’s reflections arrive at a time when conversations around examination systems, student well-being, and academic pressure remain an important public issue.
She believes it is easy to suggest simply taking an examination again, but much harder to understand the emotional commitment required to prepare for one of the country’s most competitive entrance tests.
Her comments highlight the importance of recognising the psychological impact such situations can have on students.
From Medical Aspirant to Miss World
Although her original ambition was to pursue medicine, Manushi’s journey took an unexpected turn after she entered the world of pageantry.
In 2017, she won the Miss World title, becoming the sixth Indian woman to earn the prestigious international crown.
The achievement paved the way for a successful acting career.
She made her Bollywood debut with Samrat Prithviraj and later appeared in films including:
- The Great Indian Family
- Bade Miyan Chote Miyan
- Tehran
Resilience That Shaped Her Journey
Reflecting on those challenging years, Manushi believes the experience strengthened her resilience.
The discipline required during her academic preparation continues to influence her professional life, helping her approach every opportunity with determination and focus.
While her career ultimately followed a different path, she says the lessons learned during that demanding period remain an important part of her personal story.
