Mumbai, July 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Actress and former medical student Manushi Chhillar has opened up about the emotional pressure and mental challenges she faced after having to retake the medical entrance examination following the 2015 paper leak controversy.
Speaking on the latest episode of Soha Ali Khan’s YouTube talk show All About Her, Manushi discussed the intense pressure surrounding competitive examinations, academic burnout and the importance of emotional resilience. The episode also featured psychiatrist Dr. Anjali Chhabria.
During the conversation, Manushi recalled how she had prepared for months, secured a good rank and performed well in the examination before learning that the test had been cancelled and she would have to prepare again.
She said the experience was difficult despite having family support and an understanding of the process. Manushi shared that she had to put aside activities she enjoyed, including Kuchipudi dance and painting, to dedicate an entire year to exam preparation.
The actress said that while the period was among the toughest phases of her life, she also recognised that many other students faced greater hardships. She recalled meeting aspirants whose families had taken financial loans for coaching, while others had relocated to different cities and lived in difficult conditions while preparing for a single examination.
Reflecting on the additional preparation period after the paper leak, Manushi said it was emotionally challenging to continue after months of hard work, though she acknowledged the privilege of having strong support from her family.
She credited her parents for helping her maintain balance during the stressful period, particularly by encouraging her to exercise daily. She said activities such as playing basketball or going to the gym helped her remain connected with life outside the examination process and supported her mental well-being.
Manushi also spoke about her decision to move away from medicine after entering medical college. She said it was not a sudden choice but a gradual realisation, as the demanding nature of medical education led to exhaustion among many students.
She said students often believed clearing the entrance examination was the biggest challenge, only to discover that medical college brought another set of demanding experiences.
Manushi Chhillar, who was crowned Miss World in 2017, holds an MBBS degree. She later entered the film industry and made her Bollywood debut with Samrat Prithviraj in 2022. She has also appeared in films including The Great Indian Family, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Operation Valentine.
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