All posts tagged: Miss India

Where is Madhu Sapre now? The Miss India who became India’s most controversial supermodel

Where is Madhu Sapre now? The Miss India who became India’s most controversial supermodel

Published by Webster

Most people remember Madhu Sapre for one photograph. The year was 1995. The image featured Madhu and actor-model Milind Soman posing nude, wrapped in a python, for a Tuff Shoes advertisement. The campaign sparked nationwide outrage, triggered obscenity and wildlife protection cases, and dragged the duo through a legal battle that lasted 14 years before they were acquitted. But long before that photograph made headlines, Madhu Sapre had a very different dream. She never wanted to be a model. Madhu grew up as a sportsperson. Trained by her father from a young age, she competed in athletics throughout school and college, winning several medals. Fashion was never part of her plan. That changed when celebrated fashion photographer Shantanu Sheorey spotted her at a party and encouraged her to audition for a modelling assignment. Madhu Sapre was a national-level athlete when she entered Miss India pageant. (Photo: Express Archive) “It was simply being at the right place at the right time,” Madhu has often said while looking back at her journey. Her first assignment was for …

KIIT Bhubaneswar Hosts a Spectacular 61st Femina Miss India 2026, Sadhvi Sail Crowned Winner

KIIT Bhubaneswar Hosts a Spectacular 61st Femina Miss India 2026, Sadhvi Sail Crowned Winner

Published by Parlour News

KIIT Bhubaneswar presents the 61st Femina Miss India co-powered by Rajnigandha Pearls. The event unfolded as a spectacular celebration of beauty, purpose and legacy, bringing together a night filled with elegance, confidence and unforgettable moments. It was an evening where India’s finest young women took centre stage, embodying the spirit of ambition, individuality and modern Indian womanhood. The 61st edition of the pageant kicked off last November with the launch of a nationwide talent hunt to find promising prospects from all corners of the country. The extensive scouting drive and subsequent audition rounds across five zones – North, East, North East, South and West culminated with the selection of 30 state winners who then underwent a rigorous grooming journey through a specialised boot camp in Mumbai, led by renowned industry experts, designed to refine their skills, build confidence and prepare them for the grand stage. With every challenge and milestone, they evolved into strong, articulate and purpose-driven individuals. This season, the pageant found its core inspiration in “Connecting the DOTS,” where DOTS stands for “Daughters …

‘Priyanka Chopra had support from parents but Lara Dutta and I shared noodles because paise nahi the’, reveals Dia Mirza | Bollywood

‘Priyanka Chopra had support from parents but Lara Dutta and I shared noodles because paise nahi the’, reveals Dia Mirza | Bollywood

Published by Webster

Mar 12, 2025 07:49 AM IST Dia Mirza has spoken about her career and comparisons with the co-finalists of Miss India 2000 – Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta. The year 2000 was a watershed for Indian pageantry. All three Miss India finalists went on to win international crowns that year. Lara Dutta was crowned Miss Universe,Priyanka Chopra won Miss World, and Dia Mirza completed the hat-trick with the Miss Asia Pacific title. Naturally, there were comparisons. In a recent interview, Dia addressed those comparisons and emphasised how the three of them managed to carve out individual, distinct paths as actors. (Also read: Priyanka Chopra’s mother says she traumatized her with boarding school: ‘Usko mentally prepare nahi kiya’) Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta, and Dia Mirza were the three winners of Miss India 2000. Dia Mirza on comparisons with Lara Dutta, Priyanka Chopra Priyanka was still a teenager then, while Dia and Lara were in their early 20s. Highlighting how their starts were different, Dia told Zoom, “Priyanka still had some support from her parents, but Lara …

Priyanka Chopra’s mother recalls how Bareilly was unkind to actor in 2000, called her Miss World win ‘naari shoshan’ | Bollywood

Priyanka Chopra’s mother recalls how Bareilly was unkind to actor in 2000, called her Miss World win ‘naari shoshan’ | Bollywood

Published by Webster

Feb 26, 2025 01:03 PM IST Priyanka Chopra’s mother Madhu Chopra revealed that they were ‘very upset’ with the way there were treated after reaching Bareilly. In 2000, Priyanka Chopra won Miss India title and later was crowned Miss World. The actor’s mother, Madhu Chopra, has shared how hard she has worked from that time to acheive a name in the industry. In a new interview with Lehren TV, Madhu went on to reveal that there were issues after she won the Miss World title, as they were not met kindly when they reached their hometown Bareilly. (Also read: Priyanka Chopra’s parents were convinced she’d lose at Miss World, made travel plans as ‘consolation’: And then she won) Priyanka Chopra burnt herself with a curling iron right before the Miss World 2000 pageant. What Madhu said During the interview, Madhu recalled what happened at that time. She said, “Jo Bareilly mein humara reception hua that was not kind at all. The state machinery said ye naari shoshan hain, hum log isko nahi accept karenge. Unka …

Miss India and govt of Arunachal Pradesh collaborate to launch stunning 2025 ‘Rise and Shine’ calendar

Miss India and govt of Arunachal Pradesh collaborate to launch stunning 2025 ‘Rise and Shine’ calendar

Published by Parlour News

In a unique partnership, the government of Arunachal Pradesh and The Times Group have tied up to showcase Arunachal Pradesh – the country’s first dawn-lit state – as a prime tourist destination. Femina Miss India Winners (LtoR) – Femina Miss India World 2024 Nikita Porwal, Femina Miss India 2024 – 2nd Runner-up Aayushi Dholakia, Femina Miss India World 2023 Nandini Gupta and Femina Miss India Arunachal Pradesh Tadu Lunia with Neha Dhupia (centre) The first event in this partnership took place in Itanagar on Saturday. The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor, Minister for Tourism Pasang Dorjee Sona, and the guest of honour for the evening, actor Neha Dhupia, along with other esteemed dignitaries, came together to launch the calendar. Calendar unveil at a spectacular event in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh The 2025 calendar, titled Rise & Shine in Arunachal Pradesh, is a heartfelt tribute to the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and is a treasure trove for tourists even as it showcases …

Mother’s day 2024: Pooja Hegde’s mum reveals how she pushed her daughter to take up acting and pursue a career

Published by Parlour News

Actor Pooja Hedge is a multi-tasker and she gets that from her mother Lataa Hegde, however, the actor’s calm demeanor she acquires from her father Manjunath Hegde, confesses her mum. Pooja Hegde’s mother Lataa Hegde shares some heartwarming memories with the actor. Lataa, who oversees Pooja’s film commitments, points out similarities between herself and her actor-daughter. “We are very hard working people. If we set our minds at doing anything then we will achieve it no matter what. I think that is something that is there. One more quality we share is being ethical. If we have given our word for somebody, we will stand by it. Another thing is, we are quite homebodies. We like our home, we have few friends but solid friends. For us good time is spending time with your family and best friend,” Lataa tells us in a candid chat, adding, “But yeah, I am more hyper, she is calmer than me, that she gets from her dad.” Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only …

Mother’s Day Special| Rakul Preet Singh’s mom Rini Singh: She is better than me at everything

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Actor Rakul Preet Singh has seen the image of strength and sacrifice in her mother Rini Singh, and in our special Mother’s Day series, the mother-daughter duo reflects on it. Born and brought up in Ambala, Rini did her master’s degree in economics and a B.Ed course. She also taught professionally in school for a long time before she decided to take up the role of a homemaker. “Being a homemaker is the toughest job. I don’t think this generation, including me, has an iota of skills of what our mothers have done,” Rakul insists. Rakul Preet Singh and mom Rini Singh on their bond ahead of Mother’s Day Talking about her decision to quit her job and be a homemaker, Rini shares, “When my husband was posted in the ministry in Delhi, we weren’t living in cantonment anymore. So, I wanted to spend quality time with my kids and chose to quit my job and become a homemaker. Rakul and Aman (Preet Singh, Rakul’s brother) had taken up golf by then, so I started …

Rinky Chakma, Miss India Tripura 2017, Dies After Prolonged Battle With Cancer

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Rinky Chakma opened up about her challenging journey in an Instagram post. Rinky Chakma, the former Miss India Tripura, has died after a two-year battle with cancer. She was 28.  Despite a surgery, she died after a two-year battle with the deadly disease. Femina Miss India has shared a statement on social media expressing their deep sorrow at Ms Chakma’s passing, describing her as “a force to be reckoned with, embodying grace and purpose.” “Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends during this difficult time. May her soul find eternal peace. Rinky, your legacy of purpose and beauty will forever be remembered. You will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing you,” the post added. Last month, Ms Chakma opened up about her challenging journey in an Instagram post, two years after she was diagnosed with cancer. She said she had been struggling alone for quite a while and did not want to tell anyone about her health. She thought she’d battle and heal on her own. “But …

“When I Entered The Modelling Scene, She Was It”

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A throwback of Aishwarya and Sushmita. (courtesy: earthlykisssed) Sushmita Sen’s Aarya Season 3 – Antim Vaar (part 2) was released today. The actress has been busy with the promotion campaigns. In a recent interview with Mashable India, Sushmita Sen opened up about a major throwback moment featuring herself alongside actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The image dates back to 1994 when Sushmita Sen returned to India after winning the Miss Universe title and Aishwarya was crowned Miss World. Reflecting on the picture, Sushmita remarked, “Aishwarya has been not just the pin-up poster of beauty. At a time in the 90s, when I entered the modelling scene, she was ‘it.’ Like, she was Sanju of the commercial in Pepsi. And she was this face was that was so…She is Indian like most people would go…And then they tell me that she is competing in the same competition and I thought – ‘Agle saal chalenge ya to uske baad chalenge. Is saal to chance hi nahi hai. [Let’s go next year or maybe after that. There is no chance of winning this year.] Because my …

Namrata Shirodkar birthday: Looking back at her journey from Miss India to films | Bollywood

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The year 1993 changed former actor-model Namrata Shirodkar’s life. It was the year she was crowned Miss India, represented the country in Miss Universe and Miss Asia Pacific, and placed sixth and chosen first runner-up, respectively. And unlike most of her counterparts, Namrata was in no rush to make it big in films. Looking back at memorable moments of her journey from pageantry to films. (Also Read: Guntur Kaaram: Namrata Shirodkar says ‘let’s rock it MB’) Snapshots of Namrata Shirodkar in her beauty pageant journey Making a splash Namrata made such a splash during her swimsuit round in Miss India that India Today wrote back then, “When it comes to the catwalk, it’s like a cakewalk for the Shirodkar sisters. Sister Shilpa’s been making waves so far. Now, petite Namrata Shirodkar has made a splash with her swimsuit by winning the Femina Miss India crown. For Namrata, it was all in the gene pool: her grandmother, Meenakshi, was the first actress to wear a swimsuit in Indian cinema. Next stop? The movies? That will be …