From a small-town girl in Rajasthan to India’s face at the 72nd Miss World pageant, Nandini Gupta has lived a journey filled with ambition, grit, and charm. At just 21, the Miss India World 2023 titleholder is representing the country in Hyderabad with confidence—and a clear vision of who she wants to be.
In an exclusive interaction, Nandini opens up about her pageant transformation, her “Beauty with a Purpose” project, Bollywood dreams, business goals, misconceptions about modelling, and her very relatable love for Mumbai street food.
‘A 360-Degree Evolution’: Nandini on Her Journey
Nandini describes her rise from Kota to the Miss World stage as both grounding and uplifting.
Professionally, she has worked with multiple designers and built her signature advocacy project “Ekta”, focused on empowering differently-abled individuals.
“From a child-like girl to a woman representing India with pride and warmth—I’ve evolved 360 degrees,” she says.
Beauty With a Purpose: Why ‘Ekta’ Matters
Her project, inspired by her uncle who faces developmental challenges, stands for inclusion without sympathy.
“They don’t need our pity. They need justice,” Nandini asserts.
Her goal is to build a community where differently-abled individuals are acknowledged as equals with the same potential and capability as anyone else.
Bollywood, Business & Beyond
With a degree in business management freshly completed, Nandini sees her future in a blend of glamour and entrepreneurship.
Dream Collaborations
“I’d love to act in a story like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.
And yes—working with Ranbir Kapoor is on my wishlist!”
Entrepreneurial Vision
A self-declared “finance geek,” she also dreams of launching a sustainable lab-grown diamond business aligned with ethical values.
Authenticity in a Gen Z World
How does she stay grounded in a world driven by trends?
“Trends come and go. Belief in yourself is evergreen. Don’t follow—lead,” she says.
On Gen Z stereotypes, she softens the divide:
“There’s a gap between generations, sure. But Gen Z knows how to voice opinions. And from the older generation, we must learn work ethic. Let’s combine both and move forward together.”
Misconceptions About Models—and Herself
Nandini laughs off the idea that pageant queens maintain regal poise 24×7.
“I’m bubbly, talkative, sometimes a professional yapper! I love street shopping and street food.”
She also addresses modelling myths:
“No, models don’t walk the ramp in real life. And you don’t need one body type in this industry anymore. The fashion world is finally inclusive—and it’s beautiful.”
Mumbai Street Food Love
Her enthusiasm lights up when she talks about her favourites:
- Bombay sandwich (“Thoda kam kanda daalna hai bhaiya!”)
- Pani puri, sev puri, dahi puri, ragda puri… “I love all the puris!”
Diet & Fitness: Balance Over Extremes
Nandini stresses that skipping meals isn’t the way to stay fit.
“I exert myself mentally and physically, so I eat balanced meals. I work out, meditate, and maintain a healthy mind-body equation.”
If She Wins Miss World?
Her priority is simple and heartfelt:
“Hug my mother. I haven’t met her in three months.”
And afterward?
“A long, peaceful sleep. Then I hope to honour the Miss World legacy with radiance and purpose.”
