Femina Miss India 2021
Manika Sheokhand (L), is Miss Grand India 2021 and is expected to compete in Miss Grand International 2021, in October; Manasa Varanasi (C) will compete in the historical 70th edition of Miss World, later this year, expecting to capture India´s 7th “blue crown”; young Manya Omprakash Singh (R), is the runner-up (photo @missindiaorg)
A special report by GB correspondent Albin Beart
Whether it marked the end to a difficult year, or the dawn of a new year of hope, India’s national pageant – Femina Miss India 2021, came to a glittering and exciting finish last night, in the nation’s fashion and financial capital, Mumbai.
The 2021 edition of the most prestigious beauty contest in the country, where thousands of the most beautiful and bright compete for the right to wear the Femina Miss India crown and represent the country at Miss World, was special. Because of the restrictions on public gathering, due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, both national auditions and state contests, and even the first stage of the national contest, were conducted online. In the end, only 15 girls (out of the 31 state winners) were chosen to compete in the final stage of the contest – held live in Mumbai under strict protocols.
In the spectacular finale, which happened on February 10th, to be broadcast on national TV on February 28th, by Colors TV, Miss Telangana, Manasa Varanasi, the overwhelming favorite of critics and fans, ultimately stole the hearts of the celebrity jury panel as well, which included Femina Miss India 2002, Neha Dhupia and celebrity designers Shane and Falguni Peacock.
The finale featured presentation rounds in Indian wear and evening gowns before the 15 semifinalists were narrowed down into a top 5, who went on to face a round of questions from the celebrity panel and a nerve-wracking common question round. The beautiful show featured performances from Bollywood star Vaani Kapoor and Miss World Asia 2019, Suman Rao.
23-year-old Manasa is a computer science graduate who hails from Hyderabad, and gives India’s most newly minted state its first shot at the Miss World title since Diana Hayden won the blue crown in 1997. With her blend of beauty, elegance, and eloquence, she will be no less compelling a representative at the historic 70th anniversary Miss World contest later this year.
In second place and headed to Miss Grand International 2021 is Miss Haryana, Manika Sheokhand, who continues the exceptional placement streak of Haryana – will she repeat the success of her predecessor in 2018 – Meenakshi Chaudhary?
The runner up to Miss India is Miss Uttar Pradesh, Manya Omprakash Singh, who at 19, was one of the youngest contestants and stole many hearts through the contest with what we can now say is a rags-to-riches story.
Khushi Mishra, Miss Gujarat and Rati Hulji, Miss Karnataka completed the group of five finalists.
The 70th edition of Miss World is expected to take place in the second semester, in a host country yet to be announced.
Photos credit: Femina Miss India.