Recognition comes with sheer hard work and Pooja Chopra has proved this, time and again. Pooja, former Miss India and Miss World semifinalist, never imagined during her childhood that she would ever become a model.

Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and brought up in Pune, Pooja grew up with her mother and sister in trying circumstances. Having been brought up single-handedly by her mother, Pooja has imbibed great family values and has fiercely stood up for her as well as her sister.

Till today, she makes it a point to consult her mother before taking any personal or professional decision. As a collegian, Pooja participated in an inter-collegiate festival, where she got picked up by a well-known designer and got approached for modelling.

Soon, her face was splashed on all 'IDEA' cellular hoardings throughout the country.

Around the same time, Pooja decided that she wanted to participate in the Miss India pageant. However, her mother advised her to complete her graduation before taking part in the prestigious event. So for the next few years, along with completing her education, Pooja began preparing for the big opportunity by watching Miss India videos, undergoing grooming sessions, undertaking fitness regimes, the works!


Once she got done with studies, Pooja began this journey towards the biggest beauty pageant in the country. She automatically got through to the final round of Miss India, as she had bagged the Miss India (East) title.

At the pageant, the gorgeous diva, who impressed one and all, was crowned 'Miss India-World'. She also bagged Miss Perfect 10, Miss Catwalk, Miss Beautiful Smile, Talwarkars Best Body and Nakshatra Miss Sparkling Beauty.

Post the big win, she was innundated with modeling and acting offers. Although, she diligently coasted through her modelling assignments, the persevering girl wanted to wait it out before taking up film projects.

Up next, the Miss World pageant beckoned for the lovely lady. Chopra had the time of her life at Johannesburg, South Africa, during the preparation phase and the initial part of the pageant. Pooja ended up being selected as one of the top sixteen finalists. She won the 'Beauty With a Purpose' title at Miss World', based on her charitable work in the 'Nanhi Kali' project in India.


Yet again, the strong-willed girl chose to wait for her opportunity and her patience paid off with Vipul Shah's 'Commando'. She will play the female lead opposite Vidyut Jammwal in this high-octane, action-packed thriller, which is set to release on April 12, 2013. Being a level-headed individual, Pooja still prefers calling herself as an underdog. Well, the journey has just begun!