Miss World 2014: Aishwarya Rai honoured as 'most successful' winner in pageant's history

Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai was honoured at the finale of the 64th Miss World pageant held in London.

Rai was congratulated by the Miss World Organisation for being the most successful Miss World so far.

"I stand here overwhelmed by this honour. I thank Miss World Organisation for such an incredible honour that I have received," Rai, who is celebrating 20 years of having won the coveted title, said in her acceptance speech.

"To have the opportunity to hold the title, to wear the crown with pride... that was my one time to go out there and experience beauty with a purpose," she added.

The 41-year-old Bollywood actress was accompanied by her husband Abhishek Bachchan and their three-year-old daughter Aaradhya at the event.

She thanked her husband and mother for their support throughout her career.

Rai looked striking in a shimmery Roberto Cavalli gown. She let her tresses loose in soft waves and wore bold red lipstick, adding to her glamorous look for the evening.

The actress, an international goodwill ambassador of UNAIDS, is one of Bollywood's highest-paid stars, and has appeared in films including Dhoom 2, Sarkar Raj and Guzaarish.

A regular face at Cannes Film Festival, Rai was crowned Miss World in 1994. This year's pageant saw an Indian contestant making it to the top 10 finalists. Rolene Strauss of South Africa took the top prize and was crowned Miss World 2014.