The 60th edition of Femina Miss India 2024, co-powered by Tops & Rajnigandha Pearls, took place in a glittering event in Mumbai, showcasing young talent from across India. The spotlight shone brightly on three extraordinary women—Nikita Porwal, Rekha Pandey, and Aayushi Dholakia—each of whom captured the judges’ attention through their unique blend of perseverance, talent, and charisma.
Nikita Porwal from Ujjain was crowned Femina Miss India World 2024, while Rekha Pandey and Aayushi Dholakia were named the 1st and 2nd runner-ups, respectively. The selection process involved a distinguished jury evaluating 30 contestants, each representing a different state, and it was clear that these three stood out among the rest. The jury believes these winners have bright futures ahead of them, particularly in Bollywood, which all three women aspire to join.
One of the esteemed jury members, filmmaker Anees Bazmee, known for his hit films such as *Welcome* and *No Entry*, spoke highly of Nikita’s potential. “The minute I entered the stage, I knew it would be difficult to decide among all the talented girls,” Bazmee explained. “But Nikita stood out for me among the lot, even when I had just seen her pictures and hadn’t met any of the girls personally. She had a brilliant smile and attitude, and I had said even then that she is a winner. I think she is very beautiful, and so are the first and second runner ups.”
Nikita’s acting experience, particularly in stage plays where she portrayed mythological characters such as Sita and Mohini, has already garnered her recognition. One of her feature films has even been showcased at international film festivals. Bazmee was impressed by her theatrical background, stating, “I was very impressed when I learnt of her theatre experience, and that she had played Sita on stage as well. I am sure with a more robust training that Times is already working on, Nikita, as well as Aayushi and Rekha, will do well. They have the talent, all they need are acting classes.”
Madhur Bhandarkar, the director behind films like *Fashion* and *Page 3*, also served on the jury and shared Bazmee’s sentiments regarding Nikita’s potential. He praised her for her intelligence and composure during the interview portion of the competition. “I was really surprised with the amazing answers that she gave us. And the questions were very difficult! I think today’s generation has really upgraded itself for this platform. Nikita Porwal, in fact, has done mythology plays and has played Sita as well. She has incredible talent, and especially at such a young age, and I am sure she has the right potential,” Bhandarkar commented. He advised her to focus more on theater, engage in social work, and deepen her understanding of the film industry before fully venturing into Bollywood. “That is my advice for her,” he added.
The transition from beauty pageantry to the silver screen has become a well-trodden path for many Miss India winners. Notable names like Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai, and Manushi Chhillar have successfully made their mark in Bollywood after winning their titles. Nikita Porwal, according to many on the jury, seems destined to follow in their footsteps.
Bazmee emphasized that all three winners have the potential to break into the film industry. “All the three girls are actor-material. They have a long journey in front of them, but they have the potential. In our industry, there is space for new faces, and we also struggle when we have to choose actors for our projects. These three winners of Femina Miss India could be the next Priyanka, Aishwarya, or Lara, and surprise us with their talent and beauty. I am sure the audience will welcome them,” he stated.
As the winner of Femina Miss India World 2024, Nikita is now set to represent India on the global stage at the Miss World competition. With her extensive theatrical experience and the guidance of industry veterans like Bazmee and Bhandarkar, she has the tools to not only succeed at the global level but also to make a significant impact in Bollywood.
Rekha Pandey, the first runner-up, and Aayushi Dholakia, the second runner-up, are equally poised for success. Both have impressed the jury and the audience with their confidence, charm, and talent. They too are looking at potential careers in the entertainment industry, and with the right training and opportunities, they could follow the path laid out by previous Miss India winners who have transitioned to successful acting careers.
In conclusion, the 60th edition of Femina Miss India 2024 was not just a celebration of beauty but also a testament to the immense talent that these women possess. With promising futures in acting and beyond, Nikita Porwal, Rekha Pandey, and Aayushi Dholakia are ready to make their mark on both the national and international stage. Their journeys, filled with hard work and dedication, have only just begun, and the industry is watching closely to see what these remarkable women will achieve next.