Nandini Gupta, who was crowned Miss India World 2023, opens up on her Miss World journey, Bollywood dreams, Gen-Z views, modelling myths and Mumbai cravings

Aanchal Chaudhary

Hailing from the vibrant city of Kota, Rajasthan, Nandini Gupta, who was crowned Miss India World 2023, is proudly representing the country on the global stage of the 72nd Miss World pageant, currently taking place in Hyderabad, Telangana. In an exclusive chat with The Free Press Journal, the 21-year-old opens up about her inspiring journey from a small-town dreamer to an international role model.

Keep reading as Nandini talks about everything from her aspirations in Bollywood, her business goals, views on Gen-Z stereotypes, busting myths in the modelling industry, and her undeniable love for Mumbai’s street food! Excerpts:

Q. You started from Rajasthan and now you are representing India at a global level. How has this journey shaped you professionally and personally?

A.  Professionally, I have had the chance to work for various Indian designers and had the privilege and the honour. Well, I have also done a lot in commercial jobs, but apart from that, I have also found my Beauty with a Purpose project, which is “Ekta” for differently-abled individuals. Personally, I have evolved as a person—360. A girl who used to have a child-like demeanour to now a woman who is 21 and representing India with so much pride and love and warmth. I have come a long way.

Q. You just spoke about beauty with a purpose, so what cause are you advocating and why at Miss World 2025?

A. I am advocating for differently-abled individuals. My project is “Ekta” which means “oneness,” and it’s my way of building a community which is incredible and inclusive. It has been inspired by my uncle, who has polio in his tongue and goes through developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. So, I saw that growing up he wasn’t allowed or welcomed into society. People were scared, and they felt pity for him.

They were empathetic. Well, the one thing for sure is that they don’t need our help, they don’t need our sympathy, and we do not need to bring inclusivity out of sympathy or charity, but simply out of justice. Even in our constitution, it is said—human rights—they are not acknowledged and they have not been fulfilled. To be able to call them by their name and not be fearful of them, and to not feel pity for them, and to know that they also have the same calibre as we do and they can outshine anyone, irrespective of their disabilities, irrespective of where they come from and who they are.

Q. You’ve spoken about pursuing business management. Do you see yourself working in a corporate firm or want to stay in glamorous professions like modelling or acting?

A. I have just completed my graduation degree and while I am looking forward to working in Bollywood and even in the South industry with veteran actors. And one thing that I want to tell all the audiences is that since I know the numbers, I am a finance geek! I love numbers, so why not put that number knowledge into use? I want to have my sustainable, lab-grown diamond business that reflects not just beauty but ethical values too.