Born on October 7, 1977, Yukta Mookhey was born and raised in Mumbai. Yukta's father Inderlal was the former Managing Director of Ragz Clothing Company, while her mother Aruna used to run a grooming salon in Santacruz. (All photos/AFP)
Yukta Mookhey studied in U.A.E. for seven years, as her family moved to the country. However, later her family moved back to Mumbai.
In picture: Miss India Yukta Mookhey, 20, takes the throne after winning the Miss World title in London December 4, 1999.
Yukta Mookhey studied at V.G. Vaze College, Mulund. She has a degree in Zoology.
In picture: Yukta Mookhey poses after winning the Miss World title. Miss Venezuala Martina Thorogood (R) was runner-up and Miss South Africa Sonia Raciti (L) was the second runner-up. Yukta Mookhey beat 93 other contestants from around the world.
She is the right example of beauty with brains as Yukta has a diploma in computers from Aptech and has also studied Fine Arts for 3 years.
In picture: Nigerian first Lady Stella Obasanjo receives Indian beauty queen and Miss World Yukta MooKhey at Abuja presidential villa May 30, 2000. Miss Mookhey accompanied by her chaperone and International President Miss World Organisation Julia Morley (2nd R) and Guy Murray-Bruce (2nd L) came to Nigeria to support Stella Obasanjo's Child Care Trust pet project to raise funds for the purchase of echo-cardiogram machine to be used for Nigerian children for the early detection of heart disease.
In 1999, Yukta Mookhey also participated in Femina Miss India, where she was announced as the 1st runner-up and Miss Photogenic.
In picture: Yukta Mookhey arriving after her Miss World win, on December 15, 1999, at Bombay International airport. Large crowds gathered at the airport to catch a glimpse of the beauty.
In 2002, Yukta Mookhey made her Bollywood debut with Pyaasa, starring Aftab Shivdasani and Zulfi Syed.
In picture: Smriti Irani (L), Apra Mehta (2L) former Miss World Yukta Mookhey (2R) and Poonam Dhillon (R) pose for photographers during a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) election campaign launch in Mumbai, March 25, 2004.
Yukta also starred in films such as Katputtli, Love In Japan and Memsahab - Lost In A Mirage, however, none of the films worked at the Box Office. Yukta's Bollywood career could never take off.
In picture: Newly crowned Miss World, Yukta Mookhey, is greeted by orphan children at the Mankhurd Children's Home on December 15, 1999, in Bombay following her return from London.
In 2008, Yukta Mookhey married Prince Tuli, a Nagpur-based businessman. The couple, who are now divorced, has a son Ahhrein Tulli, who was born in November 2010.
In picture: Miss World Yukta Mookhey (R) meets India's main opposition leader Sonia Gandhi at her residence in New Delhi on December 23, 1999. The 20-year-old Mookhey said she would work for underprivileged children.
Here's a look at some more candid photos of Yukta Mookhey:
18-year-old Priyanka Chopra (R) being crowned by Miss World 1999, Yukta Mookhey (L) after winning the Miss World 2000 final at the Millenium Dome in London, November 30, 2000.
Former Miss World winner Yukta Mookhey (R) and film actress Namrata Shirodkar (L), both members of the jury, watch the Mr India 2001 competition in Calcutta, February 24, 2001.
After winning the crown, Miss World Yukta Mookhey poses for journalists December 5, 1999, in London.
Newly crowned Miss World, Yukta Mookhey, is greeted by children at the Mankhurd Children's Home December 15, 1999, in Mumbai following her return from London. A euphoric India celebrated the victory of the 20-year-old Mookhey who became the fourth Indian to win the Miss World title.
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