Up close with Miss World Karolina Bielawska on her love for Indian food, Bollywood and more | Exclusive

By Medha ChawlaMiss World 2022 Karolina Bielawska is an ardent fan of Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The reigning beauty queen expressed her admiration for Priyanka in an exclusive interview with India Today at the Miss World 2023 press conference held in New Delhi where it was announced India will turn host for the 71^st edition of the Miss World Final.

Karolina will crown her successor at the Miss World 2023 Final, which is tentatively scheduled to take place in November/December 2023.

Clad in a sparkling blue gown teamed with the glorious bejewelled crown, Miss World 2022 Karolina spoke fondly about her love for India, Bollywood and Indian food in an exclusive chat. When asked which Indian actor she would like to work with for a movie, the diva took her role model Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ name while adding that she is an icon to her.

BOLLYWOOD DREAMS

“I am a true fan of Priyanka Chopra. Not only because of her acting skills, but she is an icon to me. When I was learning for the competition and aspiring to be the Miss World, I was really looking up to her for what she has done for her career, how she not only handles her acting life but also how she is truly continuing the mission of beauty with purpose and supporting children while working with UNICEF. She is an amazing person and working with her would be an honour,” Karolina said.

When asked which male Indian actor she would like to work with, Shah Rukh Khan was her answer. The Polish model also added that she would love to be a part of Bollywood. “Bollywood is something I would really love to be part of because it is so vibrant and passionate,” she said.

INDIAN FOOD

Karolina loves spicy food and finds Indian cuisine amazing. “I love the naan breads, chicken tikka masala and butter chicken. These are my three favourites,” she told India Today. “But I am sure there is so much more to try. And, I love spicy food so I am very happy over here,” she added.

EXPLORING INDIA

Miss World 2022 Karolina’s wishlist to explore India is pretty vast as she expressed her desire to visit an array of places during her month-long stay here. “I would love to visit Goa because I love the beach life and swimming. I would, of course, see Taj Mahal and go to Agra. I would like to go to the mountains and also to Manipur to see the beauty of nature. I would also like to see more of Delhi and Mumbai, and also Bengal… there are too many,” she said.

FITNESS MANTRA

Being Miss World, Karolina said, it is really difficult to follow a proper diet. “I love food and also it is very difficult to be on a diet when you are Miss World because you are travelling around the world and I try local cuisine wherever I go,” she said.

The diva also admitted to being a foodie and revealed that she is addicted to chocolates. However, she maintains fitness by indulging in an array of physical activities such as martial arts, boxing and horse riding. “Lately, I started doing martial arts and a little bit of boxing. I also started to learn horse riding. I like to be active,” she said.

Karolina, who has visited India before as well, lauded the country’s diverse yet united spirit. “This is my second visit (to India) and every time, I am learning something new. The first time I came to India, I saw the vibrant, colourful and very diverse country which, of course, it is. However, the second time that I am here, I am learning more from the people here. I am in different cities. I have learnt that even though it is very diverse, you stand for unity. Because your values are the same everywhere – you stand for family, love, kindness and respect,” she said.

Poland’s Karolina Bielawska was crowned 70th Miss World in Puerto Rico on March 17, 2022.