Adline Castelino, who represented India in the Miss Universe 2020 pageant, was crowned as the third runner-up in the beauty contest quite recently. Although the beauty queen and model is currently based in Mumbai, she hails from a Mangalorean Catholic family.
Adline’s hometown is situated in a town called Udyavara in Udupi, Karnataka. The 22-year-old had already become the pride of Udupi upon being crowned as the Miss Diva Universe 2020.
However, it is to be remarked that several other notable women originate from the coastal regions of Udupi and Mangalore. Some of these coastal beauties are as follows:
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – One of the Original Coastal Beauties From Karnataka
The Bollywood actress had made her mark when she bagged the title of Miss World 1994. She was born in a Tulu-speaking Bunt family in Mangalore. She achieved commercial and critical success through films such as Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Chokher Bali, Mohabbatein, Jodhaa Akbar, and Guru.
Aishwarya Rai has been honored with two Filmfare Awards, the Padma Shri in 2009 and the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government in 2012. In the media, she has often been quoted as “the most beautiful woman in the world.”
She is probably the most famous of the coastal beauties from Karnataka.
Deepika Padukone
Being one of the highest-paid actresses in the country, Deepika Padukone is indeed a prominent figure in Bollywood. She was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, to a Konkani-speaking Saraswat Brahmin family.
She made her acting debut with a Kannada film called Aishwarya. She went on to gain widespread recognition through movies like Om Shanti Om, Cocktail, Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, and Chhapaak, amongst many.
TIME named her as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2018.
Shilpa Shetty
This Bollywood actress graced the silver screens in the 90s and 00s era. Shilpa Shetty was born in Mangalore to a Tulu-speaking Bunt family.
Apart from attaining popularity through successful films such as Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Dhadkan, Rishtey, Phir Milenge, and Life in a…Metro, she was the winner of the fifth season of UK’s Celebrity Big Brother.
Besides, Shilpa has also been engaged in off-screen work such as curating fitness programs, being a member of PETA, and hosting various dance reality shows. She is one of the original coastal beauties from Karnataka.
Frieda Pinto
Her breakthrough in the industry began with the Academy Award-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire. Freida Pinto was born in Mumbai to Mangalore Catholic parents.
Before pursuing acting, she took up various modeling assignments. She has appeared in mainly American and British films and has never been featured in any Bollywood production.
Apart from her film career, Frieda has actively advocated for humanitarian causes and women’s empowerment.
Anushka Shetty
This actress is predominantly well-known in Tollywood, and Kollywood industries, often referred to as the Lady Superstar of South Indian cinema.
Anushka Shetty is an ethnic Tuluva who hails from Mangalore. She was widely recognized in movies such as Arundhati, Singam, Vedam, Vaanam, Size Zero, Baahubali: The Beginning, and Baahubali: The Conclusion, amongst several films.
She has garnered numerous accolades, including three Filmfare awards and a Kalaimamani, the highest civilian honor from the Tamil Nadu government. Presently, Anushka Shetty is one of the highest-paid actresses in the South Indian film industry.
Pooja Hegde
Before she ventured into cinema, Pooja Hegde was crowned the second runner-up in Miss Universe India 2010 pageant. She was born in Mumbai to parents who originate from Mangalore. She has primarily appeared in Telugu films, apart from making her debut in Tamil and Hindi films.
Her notable performances include Mukunda, Duvvada Jagannadham, Mohenjo Daro, Maharishi, and Housefull 4.
Erica Fernandes
This popular television actress is renowned for her titular roles in Hindi serials like SET’s Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi and Star Plus’s Kasautii Zindagii Kay.
Erica Fernandes was born in Mumbai to Konkani-speaking Mangalorean Catholic parents. Initially, she had participated in pageants like Femina Miss Maharashtra 2011, among other titles. She has also acted in a few films.
These are some of the remarkable women who have earned widespread acclaim country-wide.
However, the list does not end here as the Tulu Nadu region has produced some of the most eminent figures in Indian history, be it in arts, science, business, sports, and politics.
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