The Real Definition of Beauty: A Look at the 20 Most Beautiful Women in India

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine

We see them everywhere, on our screens, in magazines, and on billboards. They are the women celebrated for their beauty, often held up as the gold standard in India. But what does it truly mean to be one of the most beautiful women in India? Is it just about symmetrical features, flawless skin, and a perfect smile? Or is there something more to the story? In a country as diverse as ours, can a single list really capture the essence of what it means to be beautiful?

This isn’t just another list. We’re not just ranking faces of women. Instead, we are taking a deep dive into the lives of some of India’s most admired women. We will take a look at the achievements of the most beautiful women in India. We’ll explore their journeys, their challenges, and their successes to understand that true beauty is not just about what you see on the surface; it’s a feeling that radiates from within.

Who are the Most Beautiful Women in India and what do They Do?

Here is the list of the most beautiful women in the country. These women have enchanted us with their beauty and made a name for themselves. We made this list based on the beauty, impact, and appeal of these women.

Here’s the complete list:

Sr. NoNameAgeOccupation
1Aishwarya Rai Bachchan51Actress, Model
2Amrita Rao44Actress
3Sushmita Sen49Actress, Model, Social Worker
4Katrina Kaif42Actress, Model
5Manushi Chhillar28Actress, Miss World
6Priyanka Chopra Jonas43Actress, Producer
7Kajal Aggarwal40Actress
8Asin39Actress, Model
9Vimala Raman43Actress, Model
10Dia Mirza43Actress, Producer, Model
11Madhuri Dixit58Actress, Model
12Ameesha Patel50Actress, Model, Producer
13Anushka Sharma37Actress, Producer
14Alia Bhatt32Actress
15Shraddha Kapoor38Actress, Singer
16Kriti Sanon35Actress, Model
17Kajol51Actress
18Divyanka Tripathi40Actress
19Sonam Bajwa36Actress, Model, Former Air Hostess
20Rubina Dilaik38TV Actress, Model

1. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source – vogue.in
  • Age: 51
  • Profession: Actress, Model
  • Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m)
  • State: Karnataka

Aishwarya Rai, widely considered one of the most beautiful women in India, first gained international fame after winning the Miss World pageant in 1994. She transitioned to a prolific acting career, making her debut in the Tamil film Iruvar before gaining critical acclaim in Bollywood with films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas. A regular at the Cannes Film Festival, her global presence extends beyond cinema as she is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS and a Padma Shri recipient.

2. Amrita Rao

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source – wikimedia.org
  • Age: 44
  • Profession: Actress
  • Height: 5’3″ (1.62 m)
  • State: Maharashtra

Amrita Rao is recognized for her work in Hindi and Telugu films. She rose to fame with Ishq Vishk, released in 2003. She won the IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year-Female. Her career is highlighted by her roles in successful films like Main Hoon Na and the blockbuster hit Vivah. She has also received a Stardust Award for her role in Welcome to Sajjanpur.

3. Sushmita Sen

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source – mid-day.com
  • Age: 49
  • Profession: Actress, Model, Social Worker
  • Height: 5’7″ (1.71 m)
  • State: Telangana

Sushmita Sen’s historic 1994 Miss Universe win was just the beginning. She made a mark in Bollywood with memorable roles in films like Biwi No. 1 and Main Hoon Na. Admired as one of the most beautiful women in India, she is a true trendsetter, an independent single mother who lives life on her own terms. Her recent, powerful comeback in the web series Aarya proves her enduring and versatile talent.

4. Katrina Kaif

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source-southindiafashion.com
  • Age: 42
  • Profession: Actress, Model
  • Height: 5’5″ (1.69 m)
  • State: Born in Hong Kong (British)

Katrina Kaif’s journey to stardom is marked by a blend of charisma and business acumen. Despite a rocky debut, she found her breakthrough with ‘Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?’ and went on to deliver blockbusters like Namastey London and the Tiger franchise. Beyond her on-screen success, her exceptional dancing skills and versatile acting in films like ‘New York’ have solidified her status. Her beauty brand, Kay Beauty, makes her one of the most successful entrepreneurs among the most beautiful women in India.

5. Manushi Chhillar

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source-brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com
  • Age: 28
  • Profession: Actress, Model, Miss World
  • Height: 5’7″ (1.75 m)
  • State: Haryana

Manushi Chhillar’s life is the perfect example of the most beautiful woman in India. A medical student turned beauty queen, she took a break from her studies to pursue her passion for pageantry. In 2017, she brought immense pride to India by winning the Miss World title. Her journey then led her to Bollywood with her debut film, ‘Samrat Prithviraj.’ She recently ventured into entrepreneurship with the launch of a wellness brand.

6. Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source-thevoiceoffashion.com
  • Age: 43
  • Profession: Actress, Producer, Miss World
  • Height: 5’4″ (1.65 m)
  • State: Jharkhand

Priyanka Chopra’s journey is a powerful narrative of a woman who conquered multiple industries. Crowned Miss World at 18, she was celebrated as one of the most beautiful women in India. Her talent led her to Bollywood stardom with films like Fashion and Barfi!. Making a bold move to Hollywood, she became the first South Asian actress to headline a U.S. network drama with Quantico. A successful producer, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and Padma Shri recipient, she is a true global icon.

7. Kajal Aggarwal

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source-news18.com
  • Age: 40
  • Profession: Actress
  • Height: 5’4″ (1.65 m)
  • State: Maharashtra

Kajal Aggarwal’s career is a testament to her versatility, from a small Hindi film role to becoming a top star in South Indian cinema. Kajal found her breakthrough with S. S. Rajamouli’s fantasy film Magadheera. Her success has led to multiple commercially successful films and a wax figure at Madame Tussauds Singapore, a first for a South Indian actress.

8. Asin Thottumkal

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source-wallpaperflare.com
  • Age: 39
  • Profession: Actress, Model
  • Height: 5’3″ (1.63 m)
  • State: Kerala

Asin is an Indian actress who gained fame in the Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi film industries. Her career began with a breakthrough in the Telugu film Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi. After starring in hits like A.R. Murugadoss’s Ghajini and Dasavathaaram, she made a successful transition to Bollywood with the Hindi remake of Ghajini (2008). She retired from acting in 2015, leaving a legacy as one of the most beautiful women in India.

9. Vimala Raman

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source-indulgexpress.com
  • Age: 43
  • Profession: Actress, Model
  • Height: 5’5″ (1.68 m)
  • State: Born in Australia

Vimala Raman, an Australian actress and former model, holds her place among the most beautiful women in India. Her career began after she was crowned Miss India Australia in 2004. A trained Bharatanatyam dancer, Vimala is known for her work in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu cinema. She made her debut in the Tamil film Poi and has since starred in a blend of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.

10. Dia Mirza

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source-thestatesman.com
  • Age: 43
  • Profession: Actress, Model, Producer
  • Height: 5’5″ (1.68 m)
  • State: Telangana

Dia Mirza’s career beautifully blends artistry with activism. After winning the Miss Asia Pacific International title in 2000, she debuted in ‘Rehnaa Hai Tere Dil Mein’. Her recent roles in web series like ‘Kaafir’ have earned critical acclaim. She is a leading voice for environmental causes, serving as a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador for India. She uses her platform to advocate for wildlife and sustainable living.

11. Madhuri Dixit

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source-thestatesman.com
  • Age: 58
  • Profession: Actress, Model
  • Height: 5’3″ (1.63 m)
  • State: Maharashtra

Madhuri Dixit, one of the most beautiful women in India, is a Bollywood legend celebrated for her timeless grace and talent. A trained Kathak dancer, she earned the title “Dhak Dhak Girl” for her captivating dance moves in iconic films like Tezaab and Beta. Her acting prowess and charismatic screen presence continue to captivate audiences, solidifying her status as a superstar of Indian cinema.

12. Ameesha Patel

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source-bollywoodhungama.com
  • Age: 50
  • Profession: Actress, Model, Producer
  • Height: 4’9″ (1.52 m)
  • State: Maharashtra

Ameesha Patel, one of the most beautiful women in India, made a spectacular debut with the blockbuster Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000) became the highest-grossing film of the year. Her next major success was the historical romance Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001), an all-time box office record-breaker. After a brief hiatus, her comeback in the sequel Gadar 2 proved her enduring popularity and appeal.

13. Anushka Sharma

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source-entrepreneur.com
  • Age: 37
  • Profession: Actress, Producer, Entrepreneur
  • Height: 5’7″ (1.75 m)
  • State: Uttar Pradesh

Anushka Sharma is one of the most bankable stars in Bollywood, a title she earned after a stellar debut in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Known for her powerful performances in films like PK and Sultan, she also stands out as one of the most beautiful women in India for her trailblazing spirit. At just 25, she co-founded her own production company, Clean Slate Filmz, which has produced acclaimed films and web series, including NH10 and Paatal Lok.

14. Alia Bhatt

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source-bollywoodshaadis.com
  • Age: 32
  • Profession: Actress
  • Height: 5’0″ (1.54 m)
  • State: Maharashtra

Alia Bhatt is a highly versatile actress of her generation. She debuted with Student of the Year and quickly proved her acting prowess with powerful roles in films like Highway, Udta Punjab, and Raazi. She continues to impress with her work in Gangubai Kathiawadi and the Hollywood film Heart of Stone, solidifying her status as a top-tier performer and a successful entrepreneur. 

15. Shraddha Kapoor

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source-entrepreneur.com
  • Age: 38
  • Profession: Actress, Singer
  • Height: 5’3″ (1.62 m)
  • State: Maharashtra

Shraddha Kapoor has charmed her way into the hearts of audiences with her versatile career. After a strong debut in Teen Patti, she gained widespread fame with the musical drama Aashiqui 2. She solidified her position with leading roles in hits like Ek Villain and Stree. Beyond acting, she is also a talented singer, with her song “Galliyan” becoming a chartbuster. Her sweet persona and strong connection with fans have made her one of the most beautiful women in India.

16. Kriti Sanon

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source-elahe.in
  • Age: 35
  • Profession: Actress, Model
  • Height: 5’7″ (1.74 m)
  • State: New Delhi

Kriti Sanon’s journey from model to National Award-winning actress is a testament to her talent and hard work. After a successful debut in Heropanti, she proved her versatility with films like Bareilly Ki Barfi and Mimi, for which she won the National Film Award for Best Actress. She is also an entrepreneur, a producer, and a true representation of the most beautiful women in India.

17. Kajol Devgan

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source – vogue.in
  • Age: 51
  • Profession: Actress
  • Height: 5’2″ (1.61 m)
  • State: Maharashtra

Kajol, an iconic actress with a no-nonsense personality, made her debut in 1992 and rose to fame with the cult classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Known for her expressive eyes and powerful performances, she went on to star in numerous blockbusters like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…. Her immense talent has earned her a record number of Filmfare Awards and the Padma Shri, cementing her status as one of the most beautiful women in India.

18. Divyanka Tripathi

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
  • Age: 40
  • Profession: Actress, TV Host
  • Height: 5’4″ (1.65 m)
  • State: Madhya Pradesh

Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya, counted among the most beautiful women in India, is a prominent television actress. Her career started as an anchor, and after winning “Miss Bhopal,” she gained fame with her dual role in Banoo Main Teri Dulhann. She became a household name with her iconic character Dr. Ishita Bhalla in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, for which she won numerous awards. She has also showcased her versatility by winning the dance reality show Nach Baliye and hosting several television shows.

19. Sonam Bajwa

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source – elahe.in
  • Age: 32
  • Profession: Actress, Model, Former Air Hostess
  • Height: 5’7″ (1.69 m)
  • State: Uttarakhand

Sonam Bajwa is a leading actress in Punjabi cinema, known for her captivating screen presence. She began her career as an air hostess and a pageant participant before making her film debut in Best of Luck (2013). With a string of blockbusters, she has become one of the most bankable stars in the industry. Beyond Punjab, she has also starred in Tamil and Telugu films, showcasing her versatility and broad appeal.

20. Rubina Dilaik

Top 20 Most Beautiful Women in India | Business Viewpoint Magazine
Source – imdb.com
  • Age: 38
  • Profession: Actress, Model
  • Height: 4’9″ (1.50 m)
  • State: Himachal Pradesh

Rubina Dilaik is a popular TV actress celebrated for her powerful roles. She gained fame with Chotti Bahu and earned critical acclaim for portraying a transgender woman in the groundbreaking series Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki. Her resilient spirit was showcased when she won Bigg Boss 14. Rubina has also expanded her career to Hindi films and has been a part of reality shows like Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi.

Read More:

Conclusion:

After looking at these incredible women, it’s clear that beauty is so much more than what meets the eye. From actresses to activists, singers to producers, each woman on our list has a unique story of struggle, success, and resilience. They have used their fame to break barriers, challenge norms, and inspire millions. True beauty, as they show us, is about talent, intelligence, and the courage to be yourself.

So, when we ask, “Are these the most beautiful women in India?” the answer is a resounding yes, and not just because of their looks. Their beauty is in their achievements, their passion, and their power to influence. These are the most beautiful women in India because they represent the spirit of a modern, confident, and unapologetic India.

FAQs

1. How have Indian beauty standards changed over time? 

Historically, fair skin, long hair, and soft features were idealized. The colonial era further reinforced a preference for fair skin. However, in recent decades, influenced by globalization and a focus on inclusivity, the standard has broadened to appreciate diverse skin tones, body types, and features.

2. What is the role of beauty pageants in shaping Indian beauty standards?

Beauty pageants have been influential by showcasing a blend of traditional and international beauty. The success of queens like Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai brought global recognition and also promoted intelligence and philanthropy as part of the beauty ideal, moving beyond just physical appearance.

3. What are some key features considered beautiful in traditional Indian culture?

Traditionally, key features included large, expressive, almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, a symmetrical or round face, and thick, lustrous black hair. A slightly curvier body type was also often preferred, symbolizing health and fertility.