In a dazzling turn of events for the global entertainment stage, the Miss World Organization has officially entrusted EndemolShine India with the production of the 71st Miss World Festival. This global extravaganza is poised to captivate audiences worldwide, marking a significant milestone as the Miss World pageant returns to India after a hiatus of 28 years. The upcoming event promises a grand celebration of female achievement and empowerment.
HISTORICAL ECHOES: INDIA’S STINT AS A HOST
The last time India graced the Miss World stage as a host was in 1996, in the vibrant city of Bengaluru. India holds a storied history within the pageant, with Reita Faria Powell claiming the crown in 1966—the inaugural victory for an Indian woman. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Diana Hayden, Yukta Mookhey, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas continued this legacy in subsequent years, each securing the prestigious title. In 2017, Manushi Chhillar added another jewel to India’s crown by winning the Miss World title.
PASSING THE TORCH: KAROLINA BIELAWSKA TO CROWN THE SUCCESSOR
The current titleholder, Karolina Bielawska of Poland, will pass on the coveted crown to her successor during the 71st Miss World pageant. Scheduled to unfold between February 18 and March 9, the event will grace various iconic venues, including the G-20 site, Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, and the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.
MONTH-LONG EXTRAVAGANZA: CELEBRATING FEMALE ACHIEVEMENT
The festivities will commence with “The Opening Ceremony” and the “India Welcomes the World Gala” on February 20, hosted by the India Tourism Development Corporation at Hotel Ashok in New Delhi. The grand finale is set to dazzle spectators on March 9 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. Julia Evelyn Morley CBE, the Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organization, expressed that the event transcends mere competition—it’s a month-long festival celebrating female achievement.
SHOWCASING INDIA’S RICH TAPESTRY: BEYOND TRADITION
Munish Gupta, advisor to the Miss World Organization in India, emphasized that the pageant aims to showcase India’s rich cultural tapestry, traditions, heritage, arts, crafts, textiles, cuisine, and tourism to a global audience. Departing from tradition, each contestant will have their own media channel on MissWorld.com, allowing them to articulate why they deserve a spot in the coveted Top 20 finals.
BEYOND BEAUTY: A PLATFORM FOR POSITIVE CHANGE
Founded in 1951, the MissWorld event distinguishes itself by transcending conventional beauty contests, focusing on the ability and intelligence of participants to drive positive change through humanitarian service. Throughout the event, various competitions and challenges will unfold, including the World Top Designer Award, MissWorld Sports Challenge, Miss World Talent Final, Multi-Media Challenge, Head To Head Challenge Final, and Continental Beauty With A Purpose Challenge.
ENDEMOL SHINE INDIA TAKES THE HELM: A PROUD PRODUCTION MANDATE
Endemol Shine India, under the leadership of Rishi Negi, Group COO- Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India, expresses pride in securing the television production mandate for the 71st MissWorld Final. The grand finale, a momentous occasion for India, is scheduled to be telecast live on March 9 from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. As India steps back into the spotlight of the global beauty pageant scene after nearly three decades, the world eagerly awaits the resplendent return of the Miss World spectacle.
INDIAN MISS WORLD WINNERS
1994: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
1997: Diana Hayden
1999: Yukta Mookhey
2000: Priyanka Chopra Jonas
2017: Manushi Chhillar
WHO IS THE FIRST MISS WORLD OF INDIA?
The first MissWorld from India was Reita Faria Powell. She won the Miss World title in 1966, making her the first Indian woman to achieve this prestigious honour.
WHICH COUNTRY HAS THE MOST MISS WORLD?
The United States has won the most beauty pageant titles overall, with 61 wins. The US has won the Miss Universe title nine times, including in 1954, 1956, 1960, 1967, 1980, 1995, 1997, 2012, and 2022.