‘It’s been transformational; enjoying the roller coaster ride’: Nandini Gupta on her journey as Miss India World 2023

Last year, in April, Nandini Gupta was crowned Femina Miss India World 2023. Almost a year later, the 20-year-old says that the experience and the journey — during which she learned and unlearned many things — have transformed her as a person.

At present, with her target set on representing India on the Miss World 2025 stage, the beauty pageant winner from Rajasthan is “prepping up on all aspects to polish” herself.

She recently turned showstopper for Sahil Kochhar — looking resplendent in a vibrant red “bold and elegant” outfit from the designer’s ‘Amulya’ collection at the Festival of Hope Season 16. It is a fundraiser runway dedicated to supporting cancer patients by entrepreneur Shalini Vig.

During the event, indianexpress.com reached out to her to learn more about her year, her inspiration, her take on beauty pageants, her biggest learnings so far, and how she managed the instant limelight her win put her under. Read the excerpts below:

It’ll soon be a year since you were crowned Miss India World 2023. How has the experience been?

Oh, well, yes! I can’t tell you how beautifully this year has transformed me. It has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I have unlearnt, relearnt, and in all, learnt so much. By meeting new people every day, I have created an amazing book of memories where every chapter unfolds a memory close to my heart.

What new things did your journey as Miss India World introduce you to?

As I always say, this transformational journey introduced me to many life skills. I have also been fortunate enough to touch lives and get the chance to give my one bit to society, especially to the girls from my hometown, Kota, who look up to me as an inspiration. In all, I am enjoying this beautiful roller coaster ride.

How are you preparing for Miss World 2025? Anything specific you are working on/honing any skills?

Well, I am prepping up on all the aspects to polish myself from walking, communication, voice modulation, and fitness. And I would like to convey a big thank you to the Miss India Organisation for arranging every session seamlessly.

 

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If you were to be crowned Miss World, what changes would you want to bring within your capacity?

Just the thought of being crowned Miss World gives me comfort that I will be able to do so much for the people of the world. I would be able to live my dream of giving back as much as possible. To hug children who have no one but god and tell them that they have a sister to always count on. If I can do this then I would achieve my life motive.

At present, what does your diet, fitness, and beauty regime comprise?

I always try to keep it simple and less complex. As such, my diet is always a balance of everything in proper proportion. My workouts majorly comprise Pilates and dance. And beauty regime entails eating well and always letting aloe vera and rose water do the magic.

Beauty pageants have often been criticised — for favouritism, perpetuating unrealistic body and beauty standards, and also objectification. What is your take? I think beauty pageants focus on all the aspects. In simple words, they empower you. If Miss India wasn’t a dream come true for me then I don’t think I would have been able to communicate well with people (considering my personality) or learn the art of giving and living.

 

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How was the experience of walking the ramp at the Festival of Hope?

Festival of Hope was one of the most beautiful experiences I have encountered. Since I lost my aunt to cancer when my team told me that it was a cancer fundraising and Sahil Kochhar was doing it — it was an instant yes from my side.

What has been your biggest learning in the past year?

The day the crown sat on my head I promised it and to myself that I would be generous, humble, and be an open vehicle to learn. And, I think, that my biggest learning from the past year has been from all the things that were already around me — my crown just made me realise their value.

Who inspired and motivated you to enter the world of pageantry?

My mother. She won a local pageant when she was 21 and was crowned Miss Madhya Pradesh. But the situations during her time didn’t allow her to join Miss India. So she has always been my inspiration; I am her creation and I always work hard to be her art.

 

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Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe 2021, has been extremely vocal about her journey, including about being body-shamed and bullied. Did the instant limelight also put you through any untoward experiences?

The limelight made me realise that not every day can be a good day, and vice versa. You have to live the days with a smile and an optimistic attitude. You can always change, so it’s better to change for good and let go of the thoughts that don’t make you feel better.

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