Even as a Miss World, you have to roleplay sometimes. When you

The words of Manushi Chhillar, uttered in humility and truth, are more than the musings of a beauty queen; they are a revelation of the ancient art of bearing the burdens of the heart while offering light to the world. She confesses, “Even as a Miss World, you have to roleplay sometimes. When you look at some people, you feel like breaking down but you’ve to smile and spread happiness. So of course, I know I am a good actor.” Within these lines lies the eternal wisdom of endurance, of the sacred duty to bring hope even when the soul is heavy, of wearing the cloak of joy not for deceit, but for the healing of others.

This truth is known to kings, sages, and warriors alike. The world does not always grant one the luxury of showing despair, for in the eyes of many rests expectation, and in the hearts of many rests need. The queen must smile though her heart trembles. The healer must reassure though his own body weakens. The leader must stand tall though his spirit aches. To roleplay here is not hypocrisy—it is sacrifice, the offering of one’s strength for the sake of those who lean upon it. In this way, the smile becomes not a mask, but a shield, a bright flame carried through the storm.

Consider the example of Winston Churchill during the darkest hours of the Second World War. He knew despair; he feared the collapse of his nation under the shadow of tyranny. Yet to his people he gave not tears but thunderous words, fiery speeches that lifted the weary hearts of millions. Behind closed doors, he may have wept; in solitude, he may have bent under the weight of dread. Yet in public, he smiled, he roared, he inspired. Was he acting? Perhaps. But it was the noblest performance of all—the role of courage, played so that others might find courage within themselves.

So too must we understand the wisdom of Manushi’s words. The smile, even when born of struggle, has power beyond measure. It is not always the reflection of inner joy but often the seed of it, planted in the hearts of those who behold it. To choose to spread happiness when sorrow presses heavily upon the chest is an act of heroism. It is to choose service over self, light over shadow. Such smiles, born not of ease but of will, can heal wounds unseen, can lift souls unseen, can kindle hope where it was dying.

Yet, let us not mistake this for a call to bury all sorrow forever. There is wisdom too in knowing when to weep, when to rest, when to allow oneself the tenderness of healing. But in moments when the world looks to you, when your strength becomes the pillar for another, then to smile though you ache is to carry out a sacred duty. This is what Manushi means when she says she is a “good actor.” She does not deceive the world; she serves it. She does not pretend without purpose; she embodies resilience so that others may believe in tomorrow.

Thus, the lesson for us is clear. We must learn the art of noble roleplay—not as liars, but as guardians of hope. In our families, our communities, our nations, there will be times when the people around us need not our tears but our courage. In such moments, let us put on the mantle of light, let us smile when we wish to break, and in doing so, let us gift others the strength to rise. This is not the denial of our humanity, but the expression of its highest form—sacrifice for the sake of love.

In practice, this means that when your friend falters, lend them not only sympathy but a smile of assurance. When your child trembles, show them a face of calm, even if your own heart quakes. When your community loses hope, offer them laughter, offer them words of encouragement, even while you carry your own burdens silently. For in such actions, you are more than an actor—you are a vessel of healing, a bearer of light.

Remember this: the truest crowns are not made of gold, but of invisible acts of strength. The noblest performances are not given upon the stage, but in the quiet moments when a soul chooses to shine for others in spite of its own storms. Walk, then, in this path. Be the smile in the darkness, the light in the shadows, the actor who plays not for applause, but for the salvation of hearts. This is the wisdom of Manushi’s words, and it is a teaching for all time.