A complete list of Femina Miss India Winners 1964 - 2004
All material posted on this page is the intellectual property of Rahul Patel (1997-2003). Do not attempt to copy it or move it from this page in any form whatsoever. If significant portions of this page are seen elsewhere, the appropriate action (As has been done beforehand) will be taken. When in doubt, ask!
How did these women fare at the international rounds? Check it out at Indian Pageant Success
Foreword: Elected by the press, a married Islamic mother of one, dancer Indrani Rahman was India's first representative at the Miss Universe pageant in 1952, held in Long Beach, California. After that, India was not represented until FEMINA sent representatives, starting in 1964 with Meher Mistry. Miss India has only been absent from the pageant since then in 1988...from film stars and models, to lawyers and entrepreneurs, to stewardesses and housewives, the Femina Miss India winners have gone on to do anything imaginable. From a small event of 100 entries, where contestants were only required to show up on the night of the pageant, where the swimsuit round consisted of the girls lifting up their sarees to show their legs, where the pageant was held in a small ballroom, to...a grand event of 10,000 or more entries, where contestants have to attend elimination rounds, and more elimination rounds, and eventually spend a few months of their life just for this event, where the grooming academy takes care of each and every aspect of the contestants' personal growth, where contestants are expected to be in tip-top shape and parade in an actual swimsuit onstage, where the pageant is broadcast nationwide and worldwide, with live audiences of thousands upon thousands, and fame, fortune and glamour...that is how Femina Miss India has changed in it's FORTY YEAR existence. So scroll on down and meet the women who have worn this title.
This incredible page would not be complete without the help of: The India Tribune, Persis Khambhatta's Pride of India, Rohan Talwar, Anu Khare and pageant historian Donald West for fine-tuning details...thank you all!
PRESS-ELECTED MISS INDIA
1947: Pramila - Born Esther Victoria Abraham, she is now over 80 years old, a great-grandmother, and has led a long career as a stunt film star. Her daughter, Naqi Jahan, bcame a beauty queen in 1967. Pramila was elected through a special press vote.
1952: Indrani Rehman - Married with a child when she won, she was the child of a Muslim and Hindu. She represented India at the first Miss Universe Pageant in Long Beach, California. She went on to become a world-famous classical Indian dancer, and sadly passed away in America in 1999.
FEMINA MISS INDIA
1964: Meher Mistry - After participating in the Miss Universe and Miss United Nations pageants, she returned home to become a model and public relations officer. Today, she is a fashion journalist and coordinator.
1965: Persis Khambatta - After pulling out of Miss Universe at the last minute, she ended up on Hollywood's doorstep. Among her films are "Star Trek - The Motion Picture" and "The Wilby Conspiracy." From runaway shows to charity dinners, screen tests to award presenting, Persis enjoyed a dazzling career. She wrote "The Pride of India," a coffee table book about the former Miss India's, and died peacefully in 1998.
1966: Yasmin Daji - Secretly entered pageants behind her medical studies. She went on to complete her MBBS and become a doctor. Now in America, she started a readymade silk garment business, organized fashion shows, worked as International Marketing Coordinator at a computer manufacturing company, and was also the Marketing Assistant in a large bank. Currently, she spends time with her family, and is a Marketing Agent for AIIR.COM
1967: Nayyara Mirza (Nalini Patel) - Despite offers in the business and entertainment worlds, the first Muslim to enter the contest is now happily married.
1968: Anjum Mumtaz Baig - A poetic Hyderabadi girl, did a little modelling and is now a homemaker in the U.S.
1969: Kavita Bhambani - A reputed interior designer.
The Seventies
1970: Veena Sajnani - After modelling and starting a boutique, she moved to Bangalore and now works as Marketing Manager for a wine company.
1971: Raj Gill - After opening her own New Delhi fashion house, she now directs a multinational company. Her daughter placed in the final ten of the 1994 Miss India Pageant.
1972: Roopa Satyan - A graduate of Mount Carmel College in Bangalore, Roopa was a semi-finalist in Miss Universe. She spent time working for British Airways, then choreographed fashino shows, and then opened her own boutique.
1973: Farzana Habib - Completed her MA in English Literature and spent some time teaching. She has studied painting, vocal singing and the sitar throughout her life, with dreams of being a great sculptress. Her life led her to Greenwich, Conneticut, where she has a family and store of antiques and home accessories.
1974: Shailini Dholakia - Being turned out of her home with her sister at a young age, she often suffered in her pursuit to save herself by modelling. Despite semi-finalist status at Miss Universe, she returned to the job of a hotel receptionist to mke ends meet, a job which she lost due to sickness. Marrying and moving to Hong Kong, she spent time with stained glasswork and singing in a musical group. Eventually, she started a home-made essential oil and aromatherapy company, Floressence. She now lives in California, is the Director of four companies of the Comfort Star group and is still active in the spiritual healing practice.
1975: Meenakshi Kurpad - Current Whereabouts Unknown
1976: Naina Balsavar - Politician who ran for parliament.
1977: Nalini Wishanathan - She created history when she refused to participate in the Miss Universe pageant as par her father's wishes. The following year, a clause in the contract was introduced which rendered the act the same as forfeiting the title and prizes. Despite an early arranged marriage which was destroyed, she worked as a Marketing Executive for Apple Computers and a Chemical Company. She also taught in a nursery school, and now teaches aerobics.
1978: Alamjeet Chauhan - Now a Supreme Court Lawyer.
1979: Swaroop Sampat - A famous television actress herself, she went on to marry the famous character actor Paresh Rawal. Although they are settled, they are currently starring in plays abroad, with Swaroop as director.
The Eighties
1980: Sangeeta Biljani - Went on a length stint as a film actress and personality. Today, her career in the glamour world is low-profile.
1981: Rachita Kumar (Nandini Thackersey) - Married to an industrialist, she has simply left her life to that of a simple homemaker, which leaves her happiest.
1982: Pamela Bordes - Scandal involving her position as researcher in the British House of Commons made her target for tabloids, which included a serious near-death injury as a result. That aside, Pamela's real joy is her job as a professional photographer. She has travelled the world, from wildlife in Bali to civil war in Africa, and has certainly left her mark in the world of photography.
1983: Rekha Hande - A girl with a long list of beauty titles to her name, Rekha was a government Merit Scholar studying English Literature, a popular model, stage actress and Bharata Natyam performer, not to mention Manager of a travel house. Today, she is settled in the U.S. and is very active in philanthropical organizations.
1984: Juhi Chawla - The famous Hindi film actress, has a long and impressive career, is probably one of the best-known Indian delegates.
1985: Sonu Walia - Had a stint in the modelling and film world, and today spends more time in spirituality courses.
1986: Mehr Jesia - Top-notch model and fashion industry diva, married to model Arjun Rampal.
1987: Priyadarshini Pradhan - Despite a Master's Degree in Management, Priyadarshini has opted for the modelling route. She won the Miss World/University crown after her reign.
1988: Dolly Minhas - There was no Indian representative to Miss Universe 1988. Dolly participated the following year. Although she was used by an agent, she eventually broke into the world of Kannada films and Hindi tv serials.
The Nineties
1989 - 1990: Suzanne Sabloak - After 1974, Suzanne became India's first semi-finalist after a long drought. She was the daughter of a British father and Anglo-Indian mother, and started modelling and Miss India on holiday from Australia, by luck. Quite disappointed by her lack of recognition in India, she moved to Singapore and married. Her modelling career in India faded away after a while.
Christabelle Howie, Femina Miss India Universe 1991
1991: Christabelle Howie - From Chennai, she opened one of the city's first modelling schools after her reign. She subsequently opened and Event Management Company and still works in the industry as a Director. She will heavily involved with the Tamil Nadu AIDS Initiative.
Miss India-World: Ritu Singh
Miss India-Asia Pacific: Sakala Appachu
Madhu Sapre, Femina Miss India Universe 1992
1992: Madhu Sapre - Having grown up in a traditional Maharashtrian family, and starting as a decorated athlete in swimming and track and field, Madhu's physical training and discipline helped her to become known as "India's Supermodel" after her reign. Her career included a number of controversies, but Madhu doesn't fret it, she just enjoys life. Madhu is now a legend and a leader for her success in setting off a revolution in the modelling, fashion design and beauty pageant industries. Although she broke up with long time boyfriend-model Milind Soman, she found happiness with Italian ice cream tycoon Gian, who she married in late 2001.
Trivia: Did you know that Madhu was elected only 12 days before heading to the Miss Universe Pageant?
1993: Namrata Shirodkar - A childhood friend of Madhu Sapre (She is also a Maharashtrian), she began modelling early, and Miss India was just a stepping stone to fame. After starting a grooming school and enjoying success in modelling, Namrata entered films in 1998 to a very dismal response. In 1999 her roles in "Vaastav" and "Kachche Dhaage" gave her some commercial success and helped her to put down critics. Her role in 2000's "Pukar" with high-profile co-stars Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit pushed to her an even better position. She has starred in a number of different movies since then, Lajja, Albela, and Hathyar to name a few, but she always seems to end up in a secondary actress role.
Miss India - World: Karminder Kaur
Miss India - Asia Pacific: Pooja Batra (Sent to Miss International) Namrata Shirodkar went to the Miss Asia-Pacific Quest
1994: Sushmita Sen [Miss Universe] - This Bengali Delhi-ite began modelling at 15 to earn pocket money. Just another teen living the high life, she was spotted and entered into the pageant. Afterward, her film career debuted with "Dastak," where she plays herself. Although she started out as a flop, 1999 was an amazing year for her, when critics finally validated her acting skills and the masses validated her appeal with the biggest success of the year, "Biwi No. 1," and an also successful "Sirf Tum." Her most publicized recent role was as the surrogate mother for her best friend in 2002's "Filhaal." Speaking of mothers, Sushmita adopted a daughter named Renee and is enjoying maternal life. Her father was in the Air Force and she spent much of her life travelling from place to place.
Miss World: Aishwarya Rai
Miss India/3: Francesca Hart (Sent to Miss International) Finalists
1. Shweta Menon (Sent to Miss Asia Pacific)
2. Jasmeet Kaur Semi-Finalists
1. J. Anita Anand
2. Farhana Patel
3. Mehroo Mistry
4. Simran Marwah Top 16
Manveen Dhanda, Kimi Verma, Nishi Mediratt, Janice Heradia, Shalini Aurora, Komal Rampal and Barkha Madan
Manpreet Brar, Femina Miss India Universe 1995
1995: Manpreet Brar (Walia) - With a B.A. in Human Resources and a Masters' Degree in Anthropology, she lost the Miss Universe crown by a hair, but it definitely pushed her into the glamour zone. As a child, her father was in the army and she switched schools almost eleven times, giving her experience in hw to deal with new situations. After Miss India, she held an advice column, but mostly focused on her tv anchor careeer. Past jobs include a quiz show, a health/fitness show, Mr. India, a travel show and even India's 50th Anniversery Celebrations. She may want to go into television production. Now, she has settled down, marrying model/businessman Arjun Walia in a much-publicized wedding, and then deliverying a baby boy last year.
Miss India - World: Preeti Mankotia
Miss India - Asia Pacific: Ruchita Malhotra Finalists:
1. Keerthana Jolly
2. JyotiSemi-Finalists:
1. Samira Nanda
2. Reshma Bombaywala
3. Isha Koppikar
4. Sunita Punjabi
5. Gauri Parulekar Priya Gill (did not place, sent to Miss International)
Sandhya Chib, Femina Miss India Universe 1996
1996: Sandhya Chib (Jacob) - From Punjabi Girl-Next-Door in Bangalore to model, Sandhya did not take much time to enjoy the fruits of Miss India. She won the NRI Miss India Worldwide pageant in 1996 after going unsuccessful in the Miss Universe pageant. She was engaged to her fiancee Anup shortly afterward, and they have been married. She moved to New York City shortly after giving up that crown, and has now moved to San Francisco, with two daughters to boot. She does get back to Bangalore, every now and then.
Miss India - World: Rani Jeyaraj
Miss India - Asia Pacific: Mini Menon Finalists:
1. Shonali Rosario
2. Gagandeep Semi-Finalists
1. Fleur Xavier (Sent to Miss International)
1997: Nafisa Joseph - With both Keralite and Bengali roots, NAfisa was studying human resources and law at St. Joseph's University in Bangalore, when she went from a nobody to a Miss India winner, using her ethnic mix and wit. After the crowd, she became a hard-core MTV VJ for five years, while still pursuing some modeling and animal rights activism. She was featured in CATS, a bad action serial, and after a while she refused to do any other shows, let alone movies. She spent the rest of her career modelling and hosting events, such as Sony TV's broadcast of Lakme Fashion Week. In a shocking move, she committed suicide in July 2004, which is blamed on her boyfriend's deceipt.
Miss World: Diana Hayden
Miss India Asia Pacific: Divya Chauhan Finalists
1. Diya Abraham (Sent to Miss International)
2. Sapna Kumar Semifinalists
1. Menaka
2. Purnima Patwardhan
3. Radhika Bhushan
4. Ritu
1998: Lymaraina D'Souza - Originally, she was studying Commerce at Sydenham college in Mumbai, but this Goan girl did not enjoy the restriction of Indian society, nor the fast-paced modelling and beauty queen scene. She went back to Hawaii (The host of Miss Universe) to study Psychology at Hawaii-Pacific University, and remains there to this day. She is the daughter of a Merchant Navy officer.
Miss India-World: Annie Thomas of Delhi
Miss India-Asia Pacific: Vithika Agarwal of Bangalore Finalists
1. Dipannita Sharma
2. Karishma Rao Semifinalists
1. Ritu
2. Diandra Sorres
3. Shveta Jaishankar (Sent to Miss International)
4. Uma Chiplunker
1999: Gul Kirit Panag of Chandigarh - This Punjabi lady was studying economics at university, when she charmed Miss India judges with her wit and dimples. Her father and grandfather were both officers in the Army and Gul spent much of her life travelling from place to place as a result. Presenting herself as an adventurous girl, she spent some time working as a model and showing up in ads and music videos, but that was not enough. Despite being accepted into the Kellogg Management School at Northwestern University in the U.S., she opted to go down the glamour route, but in a more unconventional way, choosing offbeat material, such as her debut film, 'Dhoop', which is anything but Masala. She continues to compere live events, model a bit and work as a motivational speaker, as she tries to fulfill her goals.
Miss World 1999, Yukta Mookhey of Mulund
Miss India-Asia Pacific: Shivangi Parikh of Mumbai Finalists
1. Gayatri Joshi, Mumbai (Sent to Miss International 2000)
2. Sri Krupa Murali, Bangalore (Sent to Miss International 1999)
Semi-finalists
1. Pallavi Vishvakarma
2. Tina Chaudhury
3. Renu Desai
4. Poonam Nath
Miss Universe 2000: Lara Dutta, Bangalore - A mix between Punjabi and Scottish roots, this cosmpolitan girl was first discovered by Gladrags' annual modelling competition, which she won, followed by the Miss Intercontinental pageant in Germany. Slowly she built up a successful modeling career, and having shifted base to Mumbai, she entered the Miss India pageant and won; Sweeping through Miss Universe was made to look like a cakewalk by this woman. After giving up her crown, she ventured into film, debuting with Priyanka in the hit 'Andaaz', although it helped Priyanka more in the long run. Her other leading role as 'Mumbai Se Aaya Meri Dost', where she attempted to portray a village belle. Since then, has done a few small roles, but has other roles lined up with hopes of breaking in.
Miss World 2000: Priyanka Chopra, Bareilly, U.P.
Miss Asia-Pacific 2000: Diya Mirza, Hyderabad Finalists
1. Gayatri Jayaraman, Chennai
2. Lakshmi Rana, Mumbai Semi-finalists
1. Savy Savita Myne of Delhi
2. Waluscha Sousa of Goa
3. Madhavy Raj
4. Smriti Srivastava Top 15:
Sandhya Shetty, Ishani Sharma, Tulip Joshi, Yogini Nath (AKA Swarnima Nath) from Manchester, England, Deepika Motwany of Ahmedabad, and Ishita Arun Bajpai
2001: Celina Jaitley, Kalkota - An Afghan-Punjabi Communications graduate with ambitions to join the air force (She was in the N.C.C. Air Force Cadets); She worked with a telecom company, but then pursued modelling and pageants. Her father is an officer in the army (as well as her brother), so Celina spent much of her life travelling from place to place. The Lakme Sananda Tilottama competition, the most prestigious in Bengal, was her first triumph in beauty. After Miss India, she began her restaurant, Celina's Kalkota Spice, but more importantly, moved into film, but not quite on the right foot. She moved through unnoticed in 'Khel', but even worse, she was incredibly criticized for her acting in the mega-flop 'Janasheen'. She is still hoping to make a comeback, and continues to be invited to events such as film award shows.
Miss India - World 2001: Sara Corner, Bangalore
Miss India - Asia Pacific 2001: Maheshwari Thyagarajan, Chennai Finalists
1. Namita Vankawala, Surat
2. Kanwal Toor, Delhi (Sent to Miss International) Semi-Finalists
1. Suvarchala Narayanan of Mumbai
2. Deepti Gujral of Mumbai
3. Rohini Tiwari of Delhi
4. Tapur Chatterjee of Mumbai Top 15:
Shamita Singha of Mumbai (Miss Earth), Trisha Krishnan of Chennai, Rosy Heinemen of Bangalore, Deepika Motwany of Ahmedabad, Tina Chhatwal of Delhi and Flavia Fonseca.
Neha Dhupia, Femina Miss India Universe 2002
2002: Neha Dhupia, Delhi - a Punjabi Sikh girl with an appetite for success, she graduated in history, starred in a Indo-Japanese film and built up a modelling career before her victory. Her father is a Commander in the Navy, so she spent much of her live travelling. After giving up her crown, she gravitated away from modelling and into the film scene. Her splash was made within a year, when 'Julie', where she plays the title role, became a success, money-wise and publicity-wise. She continues to be invited to high-profile launches and live events as she moves up in Bollywood, where she also has many upcoming releases.
Miss India - World 2002: Shruti Sharma, Mumbai
Miss India - Earth 2002: Reshmi Ghosh, Kalkota Finalists
First Runner-Up: Gauhar Khan, Pune (Miss International)
Second Runner-Up: Tina Chhatwal, Delhi (Miss Asia-Pacific) Semi-Finalists
1. Zainab Syed of Hyderabad
2. Ankita Agarwal of Delhi
3. Lakshmi Pandit of Mysore
4. Krishna Somani of Faridabad Top 13:
Sonal Pendse of Mumbai, Medha Raghunath of Chennai, Parmita Katkar of Bangalore, and Cheryl Pinto of Pune
2002: Nikita Anand, Delhi - A Punjabi girl who was competing in pageants since age 13, Nikita comes from a military family (her father is an army doctor and she spent a lot of her life travelling from place to place). She was studying Fashion Design at NIFD prior to winning, but right after giving up her crown, she signed up as a campaigner for the Congress Party and is now struggling towards stardom, attending various small launches and fashion shows.
Miss India - World 2003: Ami Vashi, Los Angeles
Miss India - Earth 2003: Swetha Vijay (Shweta Vijayraman Nair), Dubai/Mumbai Finalists
First Runner-Up: Shonali Nagrani, Delhi (Miss International)
Second Runner-Up: Parmita Karkar, Bangalore Semi-Finalists
1. Anjali Lavania of Mumbai
2. Nupur Mehta of Delhi
3. Purvi Shah of Mumbai
4. Shonal Rawat of Kolkata (Miss Asia-Pacific) Top 15:
Deepica Sharma of Delhi, Hemangi Parte from Mumbai, Nalini Datta of Mumbai, Saloni Luthra, Sharayu Supnekar of Pune, and Sunaina Tandon of Delhi.
2004: Tanushree Dutta, Jamshedpur - A Bengali girl who is pursuing her B Com in Pune while working in event management. She is the daughter of an LIC officer and came to the city to pursue the glamour world.
Miss India - World 2004: Lakshmi Pandit, Mysore/Mumbai (RESIGNED 3/31/04), Replaced by Sayali Bhagat (Miss India-Earth)
Miss India - Earth 2004: Sayali Bhagat, Nasik/Mumbai Promoted to Miss India-World Finalists
First Runner-Up: Jyoti Brahmin, Darjeeling Promoted to Miss India-Earth
Second Runner-Up: Simran Chandhok, Chennai (Miss India Asia-Pacific 2005) Semi-Finalists
1. Himani Thapa of Dehra Dun
2. Mihika Varma of Mumbai (Miss India-International)
3. Mugdha Godse of Pune
4. Shruthakeerty Mudram of Bangalore
5. Vanessa Rodrigues of Goa
2005: Amrita Thapar, Pune - Fashion Design graduate student and model.
Miss India - World 2005: Sindhura Gadde, Vijaywada and New Zealand
Miss India - Earth 2005: Niharika Singh, Dehra Dun Finalists
1. Priya Nayak, Bangalore
2. Priyanka Jha, Pune (Part., Miss India Worldwide 2006) Semi-Finalists
1. Aparna Sharma, Mumbai
2. Jyoti Sardar, Dubai
3. Shivani Sabikhi, Chandigarh
4. Sonal Chauhan, Delhi (Miss Tourism Intercontinental 2005)
5. Vaishali Desai, Bangalore (Miss India-International)
Neha Kapur, Femina Miss India Universe 2006
2006: Neha Kapur, Mumbai
Miss India - World 2006: Natasha Suri, Mumbai
Miss India - Earth 2006: Amruta Patki, Mumbai Finalists
1. Sonali Sehgal, Kolkata (Miss India-International 2006)
2. Tanya Vakil, Mumbai Semi-Finalists
1. Vibhinta Verma, Delhi
2. Parineeta Chaudhury, Amritsar
3. Pooja Sharma, Delhi
4. Aishwarya Sakhuja, Delhi
5. Aarohi Misra, Bangalore
Miss India - World 2007: Sarah-Jane Dias, Mumbai and Muscat(Oman)
* Puja Gupta, Delhi
Miss India - Earth 2006: Pooja Chitgopekar, Bangalore and Auckland (New Zealand) Finalists
1. Shilpa Keswani, Pune
2. Zoha Tapia, Pune Semi-Finalists
1. Esha Gupta, Delhi
2. Kiran Thapar, Goa
3. Nicole D'Silva, Mumbai
4. Nova Krishnan, Kochi and Dubai (U.A.E.)
5. Priyanka Shah, Pune Miss India at Miss Universe; Femina Miss India Results, 1947 - 2004
Miss India at Miss Universe
A complete list of Femina Miss India Winners 1964 - 2004
All material posted on this page is the intellectual property of Rahul Patel (1997-2003). Do not attempt to copy it or move it from this page in any form whatsoever. If significant portions of this page are seen elsewhere, the appropriate action (As has been done beforehand) will be taken. When in doubt, ask!
How did these women fare at the international rounds? Check it out at Indian Pageant Success
Foreword: Elected by the press, a married Islamic mother of one, dancer Indrani Rahman was India's first representative at the Miss Universe pageant in 1952, held in Long Beach, California. After that, India was not represented until FEMINA sent representatives, starting in 1964 with Meher Mistry. Miss India has only been absent from the pageant since then in 1988...from film stars and models, to lawyers and entrepreneurs, to stewardesses and housewives, the Femina Miss India winners have gone on to do anything imaginable. From a small event of 100 entries, where contestants were only required to show up on the night of the pageant, where the swimsuit round consisted of the girls lifting up their sarees to show their legs, where the pageant was held in a small ballroom, to...a grand event of 10,000 or more entries, where contestants have to attend elimination rounds, and more elimination rounds, and eventually spend a few months of their life just for this event, where the grooming academy takes care of each and every aspect of the contestants' personal growth, where contestants are expected to be in tip-top shape and parade in an actual swimsuit onstage, where the pageant is broadcast nationwide and worldwide, with live audiences of thousands upon thousands, and fame, fortune and glamour...that is how Femina Miss India has changed in it's FORTY YEAR existence. So scroll on down and meet the women who have worn this title.
This incredible page would not be complete without the help of: The India Tribune, Persis Khambhatta's Pride of India, Rohan Talwar, Anu Khare and pageant historian Donald West for fine-tuning details...thank you all!
PRESS-ELECTED MISS INDIA
1947: Pramila - Born Esther Victoria Abraham, she is now over 80 years old, a great-grandmother, and has led a long career as a stunt film star. Her daughter, Naqi Jahan, bcame a beauty queen in 1967. Pramila was elected through a special press vote.
1952: Indrani Rehman - Married with a child when she won, she was the child of a Muslim and Hindu. She represented India at the first Miss Universe Pageant in Long Beach, California. She went on to become a world-famous classical Indian dancer, and sadly passed away in America in 1999.
FEMINA MISS INDIA
1964: Meher Mistry - After participating in the Miss Universe and Miss United Nations pageants, she returned home to become a model and public relations officer. Today, she is a fashion journalist and coordinator.
1965: Persis Khambatta - After pulling out of Miss Universe at the last minute, she ended up on Hollywood's doorstep. Among her films are "Star Trek - The Motion Picture" and "The Wilby Conspiracy." From runaway shows to charity dinners, screen tests to award presenting, Persis enjoyed a dazzling career. She wrote "The Pride of India," a coffee table book about the former Miss India's, and died peacefully in 1998.
1966: Yasmin Daji - Secretly entered pageants behind her medical studies. She went on to complete her MBBS and become a doctor. Now in America, she started a readymade silk garment business, organized fashion shows, worked as International Marketing Coordinator at a computer manufacturing company, and was also the Marketing Assistant in a large bank. Currently, she spends time with her family, and is a Marketing Agent for AIIR.COM
1967: Nayyara Mirza (Nalini Patel) - Despite offers in the business and entertainment worlds, the first Muslim to enter the contest is now happily married.
1968: Anjum Mumtaz Baig - A poetic Hyderabadi girl, did a little modelling and is now a homemaker in the U.S.
1969: Kavita Bhambani - A reputed interior designer.
The Seventies
1970: Veena Sajnani - After modelling and starting a boutique, she moved to Bangalore and now works as Marketing Manager for a wine company.
1971: Raj Gill - After opening her own New Delhi fashion house, she now directs a multinational company. Her daughter placed in the final ten of the 1994 Miss India Pageant.
1972: Roopa Satyan - A graduate of Mount Carmel College in Bangalore, Roopa was a semi-finalist in Miss Universe. She spent time working for British Airways, then choreographed fashino shows, and then opened her own boutique.
1973: Farzana Habib - Completed her MA in English Literature and spent some time teaching. She has studied painting, vocal singing and the sitar throughout her life, with dreams of being a great sculptress. Her life led her to Greenwich, Conneticut, where she has a family and store of antiques and home accessories.
1974: Shailini Dholakia - Being turned out of her home with her sister at a young age, she often suffered in her pursuit to save herself by modelling. Despite semi-finalist status at Miss Universe, she returned to the job of a hotel receptionist to mke ends meet, a job which she lost due to sickness. Marrying and moving to Hong Kong, she spent time with stained glasswork and singing in a musical group. Eventually, she started a home-made essential oil and aromatherapy company, Floressence. She now lives in California, is the Director of four companies of the Comfort Star group and is still active in the spiritual healing practice.
1975: Meenakshi Kurpad - Current Whereabouts Unknown
1976: Naina Balsavar - Politician who ran for parliament.
1977: Nalini Wishanathan - She created history when she refused to participate in the Miss Universe pageant as par her father's wishes. The following year, a clause in the contract was introduced which rendered the act the same as forfeiting the title and prizes. Despite an early arranged marriage which was destroyed, she worked as a Marketing Executive for Apple Computers and a Chemical Company. She also taught in a nursery school, and now teaches aerobics.
1978: Alamjeet Chauhan - Now a Supreme Court Lawyer.
1979: Swaroop Sampat - A famous television actress herself, she went on to marry the famous character actor Paresh Rawal. Although they are settled, they are currently starring in plays abroad, with Swaroop as director.
The Eighties
1980: Sangeeta Biljani - Went on a length stint as a film actress and personality. Today, her career in the glamour world is low-profile.
1981: Rachita Kumar (Nandini Thackersey) - Married to an industrialist, she has simply left her life to that of a simple homemaker, which leaves her happiest.
1982: Pamela Bordes - Scandal involving her position as researcher in the British House of Commons made her target for tabloids, which included a serious near-death injury as a result. That aside, Pamela's real joy is her job as a professional photographer. She has travelled the world, from wildlife in Bali to civil war in Africa, and has certainly left her mark in the world of photography.
1983: Rekha Hande - A girl with a long list of beauty titles to her name, Rekha was a government Merit Scholar studying English Literature, a popular model, stage actress and Bharata Natyam performer, not to mention Manager of a travel house. Today, she is settled in the U.S. and is very active in philanthropical organizations.
1984: Juhi Chawla - The famous Hindi film actress, has a long and impressive career, is probably one of the best-known Indian delegates.
1985: Sonu Walia - Had a stint in the modelling and film world, and today spends more time in spirituality courses.
1986: Mehr Jesia - Top-notch model and fashion industry diva, married to model Arjun Rampal.
1987: Priyadarshini Pradhan - Despite a Master's Degree in Management, Priyadarshini has opted for the modelling route. She won the Miss World/University crown after her reign.
1988: Dolly Minhas - There was no Indian representative to Miss Universe 1988. Dolly participated the following year. Although she was used by an agent, she eventually broke into the world of Kannada films and Hindi tv serials.
The Nineties
1989 - 1990: Suzanne Sabloak - After 1974, Suzanne became India's first semi-finalist after a long drought. She was the daughter of a British father and Anglo-Indian mother, and started modelling and Miss India on holiday from Australia, by luck. Quite disappointed by her lack of recognition in India, she moved to Singapore and married. Her modelling career in India faded away after a while.
Christabelle Howie, Femina Miss India Universe 1991
1991: Christabelle Howie - From Chennai, she opened one of the city's first modelling schools after her reign. She subsequently opened and Event Management Company and still works in the industry as a Director. She will heavily involved with the Tamil Nadu AIDS Initiative.
Miss India-World: Ritu Singh
Miss India-Asia Pacific: Sakala Appachu
Madhu Sapre, Femina Miss India Universe 1992
1992: Madhu Sapre - Having grown up in a traditional Maharashtrian family, and starting as a decorated athlete in swimming and track and field, Madhu's physical training and discipline helped her to become known as "India's Supermodel" after her reign. Her career included a number of controversies, but Madhu doesn't fret it, she just enjoys life. Madhu is now a legend and a leader for her success in setting off a revolution in the modelling, fashion design and beauty pageant industries. Although she broke up with long time boyfriend-model Milind Soman, she found happiness with Italian ice cream tycoon Gian, who she married in late 2001.
Trivia: Did you know that Madhu was elected only 12 days before heading to the Miss Universe Pageant?
1993: Namrata Shirodkar - A childhood friend of Madhu Sapre (She is also a Maharashtrian), she began modelling early, and Miss India was just a stepping stone to fame. After starting a grooming school and enjoying success in modelling, Namrata entered films in 1998 to a very dismal response. In 1999 her roles in "Vaastav" and "Kachche Dhaage" gave her some commercial success and helped her to put down critics. Her role in 2000's "Pukar" with high-profile co-stars Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit pushed to her an even better position. She has starred in a number of different movies since then, Lajja, Albela, and Hathyar to name a few, but she always seems to end up in a secondary actress role.
Miss India - World: Karminder Kaur
Miss India - Asia Pacific: Pooja Batra (Sent to Miss International) Namrata Shirodkar went to the Miss Asia-Pacific Quest
1994: Sushmita Sen [Miss Universe] - This Bengali Delhi-ite began modelling at 15 to earn pocket money. Just another teen living the high life, she was spotted and entered into the pageant. Afterward, her film career debuted with "Dastak," where she plays herself. Although she started out as a flop, 1999 was an amazing year for her, when critics finally validated her acting skills and the masses validated her appeal with the biggest success of the year, "Biwi No. 1," and an also successful "Sirf Tum." Her most publicized recent role was as the surrogate mother for her best friend in 2002's "Filhaal." Speaking of mothers, Sushmita adopted a daughter named Renee and is enjoying maternal life. Her father was in the Air Force and she spent much of her life travelling from place to place.
Miss World: Aishwarya Rai
Miss India/3: Francesca Hart (Sent to Miss International) Finalists
1. Shweta Menon (Sent to Miss Asia Pacific)
2. Jasmeet Kaur Semi-Finalists
1. J. Anita Anand
2. Farhana Patel
3. Mehroo Mistry
4. Simran Marwah Top 16
Manveen Dhanda, Kimi Verma, Nishi Mediratt, Janice Heradia, Shalini Aurora, Komal Rampal and Barkha Madan
Manpreet Brar, Femina Miss India Universe 1995
1995: Manpreet Brar (Walia) - With a B.A. in Human Resources and a Masters' Degree in Anthropology, she lost the Miss Universe crown by a hair, but it definitely pushed her into the glamour zone. As a child, her father was in the army and she switched schools almost eleven times, giving her experience in hw to deal with new situations. After Miss India, she held an advice column, but mostly focused on her tv anchor careeer. Past jobs include a quiz show, a health/fitness show, Mr. India, a travel show and even India's 50th Anniversery Celebrations. She may want to go into television production. Now, she has settled down, marrying model/businessman Arjun Walia in a much-publicized wedding, and then deliverying a baby boy last year.
Miss India - World: Preeti Mankotia
Miss India - Asia Pacific: Ruchita Malhotra Finalists:
1. Keerthana Jolly
2. JyotiSemi-Finalists:
1. Samira Nanda
2. Reshma Bombaywala
3. Isha Koppikar
4. Sunita Punjabi
5. Gauri Parulekar Priya Gill (did not place, sent to Miss International)
Sandhya Chib, Femina Miss India Universe 1996
1996: Sandhya Chib (Jacob) - From Punjabi Girl-Next-Door in Bangalore to model, Sandhya did not take much time to enjoy the fruits of Miss India. She won the NRI Miss India Worldwide pageant in 1996 after going unsuccessful in the Miss Universe pageant. She was engaged to her fiancee Anup shortly afterward, and they have been married. She moved to New York City shortly after giving up that crown, and has now moved to San Francisco, with two daughters to boot. She does get back to Bangalore, every now and then.
Miss India - World: Rani Jeyaraj
Miss India - Asia Pacific: Mini Menon Finalists:
1. Shonali Rosario
2. Gagandeep Semi-Finalists
1. Fleur Xavier (Sent to Miss International)
1997: Nafisa Joseph - With both Keralite and Bengali roots, NAfisa was studying human resources and law at St. Joseph's University in Bangalore, when she went from a nobody to a Miss India winner, using her ethnic mix and wit. After the crowd, she became a hard-core MTV VJ for five years, while still pursuing some modeling and animal rights activism. She was featured in CATS, a bad action serial, and after a while she refused to do any other shows, let alone movies. She spent the rest of her career modelling and hosting events, such as Sony TV's broadcast of Lakme Fashion Week. In a shocking move, she committed suicide in July 2004, which is blamed on her boyfriend's deceipt.
Miss World: Diana Hayden
Miss India Asia Pacific: Divya Chauhan Finalists
1. Diya Abraham (Sent to Miss International)
2. Sapna Kumar Semifinalists
1. Menaka
2. Purnima Patwardhan
3. Radhika Bhushan
4. Ritu
1998: Lymaraina D'Souza - Originally, she was studying Commerce at Sydenham college in Mumbai, but this Goan girl did not enjoy the restriction of Indian society, nor the fast-paced modelling and beauty queen scene. She went back to Hawaii (The host of Miss Universe) to study Psychology at Hawaii-Pacific University, and remains there to this day. She is the daughter of a Merchant Navy officer.
Miss India-World: Annie Thomas of Delhi
Miss India-Asia Pacific: Vithika Agarwal of Bangalore Finalists
1. Dipannita Sharma
2. Karishma Rao Semifinalists
1. Ritu
2. Diandra Sorres
3. Shveta Jaishankar (Sent to Miss International)
4. Uma Chiplunker
1999: Gul Kirit Panag of Chandigarh - This Punjabi lady was studying economics at university, when she charmed Miss India judges with her wit and dimples. Her father and grandfather were both officers in the Army and Gul spent much of her life travelling from place to place as a result. Presenting herself as an adventurous girl, she spent some time working as a model and showing up in ads and music videos, but that was not enough. Despite being accepted into the Kellogg Management School at Northwestern University in the U.S., she opted to go down the glamour route, but in a more unconventional way, choosing offbeat material, such as her debut film, 'Dhoop', which is anything but Masala. She continues to compere live events, model a bit and work as a motivational speaker, as she tries to fulfill her goals.
Miss World 1999, Yukta Mookhey of Mulund
Miss India-Asia Pacific: Shivangi Parikh of Mumbai Finalists
1. Gayatri Joshi, Mumbai (Sent to Miss International 2000)
2. Sri Krupa Murali, Bangalore (Sent to Miss International 1999)
Semi-finalists
1. Pallavi Vishvakarma
2. Tina Chaudhury
3. Renu Desai
4. Poonam Nath
Miss Universe 2000: Lara Dutta, Bangalore - A mix between Punjabi and Scottish roots, this cosmpolitan girl was first discovered by Gladrags' annual modelling competition, which she won, followed by the Miss Intercontinental pageant in Germany. Slowly she built up a successful modeling career, and having shifted base to Mumbai, she entered the Miss India pageant and won; Sweeping through Miss Universe was made to look like a cakewalk by this woman. After giving up her crown, she ventured into film, debuting with Priyanka in the hit 'Andaaz', although it helped Priyanka more in the long run. Her other leading role as 'Mumbai Se Aaya Meri Dost', where she attempted to portray a village belle. Since then, has done a few small roles, but has other roles lined up with hopes of breaking in.
Miss World 2000: Priyanka Chopra, Bareilly, U.P.
Miss Asia-Pacific 2000: Diya Mirza, Hyderabad Finalists
1. Gayatri Jayaraman, Chennai
2. Lakshmi Rana, Mumbai Semi-finalists
1. Savy Savita Myne of Delhi
2. Waluscha Sousa of Goa
3. Madhavy Raj
4. Smriti Srivastava Top 15:
Sandhya Shetty, Ishani Sharma, Tulip Joshi, Yogini Nath (AKA Swarnima Nath) from Manchester, England, Deepika Motwany of Ahmedabad, and Ishita Arun Bajpai
2001: Celina Jaitley, Kalkota - An Afghan-Punjabi Communications graduate with ambitions to join the air force (She was in the N.C.C. Air Force Cadets); She worked with a telecom company, but then pursued modelling and pageants. Her father is an officer in the army (as well as her brother), so Celina spent much of her life travelling from place to place. The Lakme Sananda Tilottama competition, the most prestigious in Bengal, was her first triumph in beauty. After Miss India, she began her restaurant, Celina's Kalkota Spice, but more importantly, moved into film, but not quite on the right foot. She moved through unnoticed in 'Khel', but even worse, she was incredibly criticized for her acting in the mega-flop 'Janasheen'. She is still hoping to make a comeback, and continues to be invited to events such as film award shows.
Miss India - World 2001: Sara Corner, Bangalore
Miss India - Asia Pacific 2001: Maheshwari Thyagarajan, Chennai Finalists
1. Namita Vankawala, Surat
2. Kanwal Toor, Delhi (Sent to Miss International) Semi-Finalists
1. Suvarchala Narayanan of Mumbai
2. Deepti Gujral of Mumbai
3. Rohini Tiwari of Delhi
4. Tapur Chatterjee of Mumbai Top 15:
Shamita Singha of Mumbai (Miss Earth), Trisha Krishnan of Chennai, Rosy Heinemen of Bangalore, Deepika Motwany of Ahmedabad, Tina Chhatwal of Delhi and Flavia Fonseca.
Neha Dhupia, Femina Miss India Universe 2002
2002: Neha Dhupia, Delhi - a Punjabi Sikh girl with an appetite for success, she graduated in history, starred in a Indo-Japanese film and built up a modelling career before her victory. Her father is a Commander in the Navy, so she spent much of her live travelling. After giving up her crown, she gravitated away from modelling and into the film scene. Her splash was made within a year, when 'Julie', where she plays the title role, became a success, money-wise and publicity-wise. She continues to be invited to high-profile launches and live events as she moves up in Bollywood, where she also has many upcoming releases.
Miss India - World 2002: Shruti Sharma, Mumbai
Miss India - Earth 2002: Reshmi Ghosh, Kalkota Finalists
First Runner-Up: Gauhar Khan, Pune (Miss International)
Second Runner-Up: Tina Chhatwal, Delhi (Miss Asia-Pacific) Semi-Finalists
1. Zainab Syed of Hyderabad
2. Ankita Agarwal of Delhi
3. Lakshmi Pandit of Mysore
4. Krishna Somani of Faridabad Top 13:
Sonal Pendse of Mumbai, Medha Raghunath of Chennai, Parmita Katkar of Bangalore, and Cheryl Pinto of Pune
2002: Nikita Anand, Delhi - A Punjabi girl who was competing in pageants since age 13, Nikita comes from a military family (her father is an army doctor and she spent a lot of her life travelling from place to place). She was studying Fashion Design at NIFD prior to winning, but right after giving up her crown, she signed up as a campaigner for the Congress Party and is now struggling towards stardom, attending various small launches and fashion shows.
Miss India - World 2003: Ami Vashi, Los Angeles
Miss India - Earth 2003: Swetha Vijay (Shweta Vijayraman Nair), Dubai/Mumbai Finalists
First Runner-Up: Shonali Nagrani, Delhi (Miss International)
Second Runner-Up: Parmita Karkar, Bangalore Semi-Finalists
1. Anjali Lavania of Mumbai
2. Nupur Mehta of Delhi
3. Purvi Shah of Mumbai
4. Shonal Rawat of Kolkata (Miss Asia-Pacific) Top 15:
Deepica Sharma of Delhi, Hemangi Parte from Mumbai, Nalini Datta of Mumbai, Saloni Luthra, Sharayu Supnekar of Pune, and Sunaina Tandon of Delhi.
2004: Tanushree Dutta, Jamshedpur - A Bengali girl who is pursuing her B Com in Pune while working in event management. She is the daughter of an LIC officer and came to the city to pursue the glamour world.
Miss India - World 2004: Lakshmi Pandit, Mysore/Mumbai (RESIGNED 3/31/04), Replaced by Sayali Bhagat (Miss India-Earth)
Miss India - Earth 2004: Sayali Bhagat, Nasik/Mumbai Promoted to Miss India-World Finalists
First Runner-Up: Jyoti Brahmin, Darjeeling Promoted to Miss India-Earth
Second Runner-Up: Simran Chandhok, Chennai (Miss India Asia-Pacific 2005) Semi-Finalists
1. Himani Thapa of Dehra Dun
2. Mihika Varma of Mumbai (Miss India-International)
3. Mugdha Godse of Pune
4. Shruthakeerty Mudram of Bangalore
5. Vanessa Rodrigues of Goa
