Manushi Chhillar

Our cover girl and Miss World 2017 (India’s first since 2000) tells Shradha Shahani about shooting with Sabyasachi and how her travels have changed.

- Shradha Shahani

You just shot for the cover with Sabyasachi—what was that like?

This was my first time in Seychelles. I am always up for the beach and I am happiest under the sun—beaches over mountains any day. We stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, and what I loved about the place was that wherever we looked, we could see nothing but the sea. It’s the best feeling—to be cut off from the world, especially when you live such a busy life. And Sabyasachi has always been very special for me. Like so many Indian girls, I have fantasised about getting married wearing one of his creations, and this shoot was like a trial for my dream wedding. Also, he is such a perfectionist; every time I work with him, I learn something new. I’m so glad I got to do this shoot with him.

How has travel changed for you since 2017, when you won the Femina Miss India and Miss World titles?

During Miss India, there were times I’d be in seven cities in a week. During Miss World, I travelled to so many different kinds of places, from Des Moines, a small town in Iowa, to Belem in Brazil. Travel has really opened my eyes. The more I see of the world, the more I realise how little I have seen.