Miss India World Nandini Gupta, who is going to represent India on Miss World 2025 pageant, talks about her journey
All eyes in the beauty world are on Telangana, as the state prepares to host one of the most prestigious beauty pageants in the world — Miss World 2025. As representatives from all over the world land on the southern stage, we catch up with Miss India World 2023 Nandini Gupta, who will be India’s face on the global stage. The 21-year-old, who is in love with Hyderabad’s Irani chai and diversity, tells us about what makes her tick.
How did Miss India happen to you?
I was 10 years old when I saw Aishwarya Rai in Devdas. When I asked my mom who she was, she said that she was Miss World. It was then that I decided I wanted to be Miss World too. My mother was also crowned Miss Madhya Pradesh when she was 21. However, she was unable to pursue her dreams because of family constraints. So, I am now living both my mom’s dream and mine.
Tell us about ‘Project Ekta.’
It’s my social initiative which was inspired by my uncle, who has polio and experienced certain developmental delays. All my life, I have seen people treating him in a derogatory manner. Witnessing him being treated that way pained me, and I decided to raise awareness about people like him.
Do you think beauty pageants are losing relevance in the social media age?
Relevance gets lost if an individual is unable to connect to us. But many girls have come to me and said that they want to be like me. They want the same wings that this title has given me. It’s not only about the public image but the personal transformation that you go through in this process.
Any beauty mantra you swear by?
The best mantra was passed on to me by my mother. She always tells me to eat what I apply on my skin. Rather than applying haldi (turmeric) on your face, eat haldi ki sabzi, which is a delicacy in my state (Rajasthan). Eat a spoonful of ghee after you wake up and then drink hot water after some time. Sleeping and waking up on time is very important.
How do you deal with the pressures of being under the spotlight?
I am a very rooted person because I come from a farming background. My foundation is not built under the arc lights but on firm soil. My grandfather once said that success without integrity is of no value. My values help me stay rooted in the face of challenges.
