Turning a childhood dream into reality: How Nandini Gupta became Miss India 2023

Apr 17, 2023

By: BI India Bureau

Credit: Nandini Gupta

Winner of Femina Miss India World 2023

19-year-old Nandini Gupta from Kota, Rajasthan was crowned Femina Miss India World 2023 at the glamorous 59th edition of the event held in Imphal, Manipur. She will now go on to represent India at the 71st Miss World pageant in the United Arab Emirates.

Credit: Nandini Gupta

Childhood dream come true

Since the age of 10, Gupta had wanted to become Miss India, she said, sharing that she possessed excellent organising and hospitality skills since childhood.

Credit: Nandini Gupta

The power of rejection

Gupta faced many challenges in her journey to one of India’s most coveted stages. The first being the language barrier, where she had to come out of her comfort zone with speaking English. She feels that rejections shaped her into who she is.

Credit: Nandini Gupta

Her inspirations

She has cited Ratan Tata, the emeritus chairman of the Tata group, as the most influential person in her life. His philanthropy has been a source of inspiration for her. She also admires Priyanka Chopra, a former Miss World turned movie star.

Credit: Nandini Gupta

Championing causes close to her heart

She wishes to promote Indian handlooms at a national and international level. Specifically, Kota Doriya, a fabric made by dedicated but inadequately compensated women in Kethoon, in the outskirts of Kota.

Credit: Nandini Gupta

Miss Rajasthan

She won the Miss Rajasthan title in 2023. During the event, she spoke about how Rajasthan has unique heritage and how it exemplifies India’s message of Atithi Devo Bhavah (guests are akin to God).

Credit: Nandini Gupta

Her educational background

She was a student at St. Paul's Senior Secondary School in Kota. Currently, she’s pursuing Business Management at Lala Lajpat Rai College in Mumbai.

Credit: Nandini Gupta

The crown - a tribute to her parents

She is the daughter of Sumit Gupta, a businessman and Rekha Gupta, a housewife. She has a younger sister, Ananya Gupta. In an Instagram post she stated that the crown she won was a tribute to her parents' unwavering belief in her.

Credit: Nandini Gupta

The other winners

Shreya Pooja from Delhi and Thounaojam Strela Luwang from Manipur were declared the first and second runner-up, respectively. The event’s jury included actor Neha Dhupia, choreographer Terrence Lewis, boxer Laishram Sarita Devi, and others.

Credit: Femina Miss India World 2023

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