Khushboo Malhotra

Hello, world! It’s time to pop the champagne because here she comes — the Femina Miss India 2022, Sini Shetty. In the sparkling celebration of talent, elegance, beauty, magnificence, glamour, and grandeur, Sini conquered the beauty pageant’s stage as she was crowned Femina Miss India 2022 in Mumbai. 

Hailing from Karnataka, 21-year-old Sini Shetty won the title of Femina Miss India 2022 on 3 July at the glimmering grand finale of VLCC Femina Miss India held at Jio World Convention Center, Mumbai. She has taken over the hearts of the entire nation with her magnetism, charm, persistence and beauty. As customary, her predecessor Manasa Varanasi, Miss India 2021, crowned her as Femina Miss India 2022 and gave the nation another gem.

Rubal Shekhawat of Rajasthan emerged as Femina Miss India 2022 first runner-up and Shinata Chauhan from Uttar Pradesh took home the title of Femina Miss India 2022 second runner-up. “These shortlisted finalists arrived in Mumbai and underwent rigorous training and grooming sessions, mentored by the best in the industry, to compete for the coveted Femina Miss India World 2022,” the note further read.

31 state winners competed for the distinguished title this year and the glorious opportunity to represent their nation at the forthcoming Miss World pageant after an extensive scouting drive and subsequent interview rounds. Miss India is one of the most prestigious beauty pageants that provides a platform and an opportunity for thousands of young women in India.

This year in its hybrid format, the event launched a domestic quest to find prospective talents from all corners of the country through virtual auditions. For many, this beauty pageant opens the door to the glamour world and Bollywood, while for others, it is an opportunity to explore and support the cause close to their hearts.

The celebrations didn’t just end there. Miss India Andhra Pradesh 2022, Sailikhita Yalamanchili, a doctor by profession, won the title of “Beauty with a Purpose” during the ceremony, as she raised an impressive Rs. 7,42,421 (over 9,000 USD) alone for the Child Help Foundation, alongside all the finalists who collectively raised a remarkable sum of Rs. 37,68,640 (over 47,000 USD). All these funds will focus on supporting cancer treatment for between 30-35 children and providing the basic needs for children such as healthcare, education and shelter.

Prior to Sini, Karnataka earned the nation many distinctive and brilliant, including Lara Dutta, Sarah Jane Dias, Sandhya Chib, Nafisa Joseph, Rekha Hande, and Lymaraina D’ Souza. Upon the announcement and during the crowning, Sini said: “You’re Femina Miss India World 2022. [I feel] chills every time I hear the title. [I feel] chills every time I wear the crown. This crown comes with a lot of responsibilities. I’ll make India proud.”

Getting to Know: Sini Shetty

Who would’ve imagined that one day an enthusiastic and dedicated finance student would represent India at Miss World? Well, the 21-year-old Mumbai-born self-acclaimed academic nerd, Sini Shetty, made this dream come true.

Sini currently holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and financing and is gearing up to pursue a career as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). She has been a zealous dancer since the age of four and has studied classical Indian dance, Bharatnatyam, with renowned dance teacher Padmini Radhakrishnan. Therefore, it didn’t come as a surprise when Sini also took home the talent prizes at the preliminary events.

Sini will now represent India at the 71st Miss World Final. We are rooting for her success and definitely looking forward to her exciting journey ahead.

Jury panel: Femina Miss India 2022

The jury panel of Femina Miss India 2022 comprised actors Neha Dhupia, Dino Morea and Malaika Arora, and legendary former cricketer, Mithali Raj. The panel also included fashion designers Rahul Khanna, Rohit Gandhi and renowned choreographer Shiamak Davar.

Neha Dhupia, former Femina Miss India Universe, said the journey of Femina Miss India brings back “memories of the priceless experiences I’ve had with this pageant.” She added, “It’s almost like reliving every moment of my journey with these glamorous young girls who are full of enthusiasm and capability to take on the world with power and elegance.”

“Certainly, there are challenges with the digital process in the wake of the pandemic, however, I’m confident it will be as exciting and worthwhile irrespective of the layout,” the actress said in a statement.

Celebrities In Attendance:

Actor/comedian, Maniesh Paul, hosted this scintillating and splendid evening. Aside from the star-studded jury panel, the evening became a host of Bollywood celebrities who made their presence felt at the star-studded coronation night of 2022 Femina Miss India.

Actors such as Kriti Sanon, Pooja Batra, Saisha Shinde and Lauren Gottlieb were spotted in attendance. Award-winning actor Rajkummar Rao made a surprise appearance at the final when he joined presenter Maniesh Paul on stage to announce the winner. Renowned Indian actress Kriti Sanon donned a black and white jumpsuit with dancer Lauren Gottlieb and delivered phenomenal dancing performances to entertain the audience and boost the morale of all the contestants.

These Bollywood celebrities added glitz and glamour to the red carpet by donning their best fashion attires. In a stunning beige gown with a train and a plunging neckline, Malaika Arora captured everyone’s attention and turned all the heads around. Neha Dhupia sported a powder blue gown with cape sleeves and looked ravishing. Dino Morea also posed in a crisp black suit with dancer Lauren Gottlieb, who looked sizzling in a shimmery, long silver gown.

Takeaways from Sini Shetty:

Sini Shetty shared some great inspirational secrets in her first and exclusive interview with the Times of India, and here are a few clips which will motivate you to carve your own path!

  • “If you are your authentic self and [are] true to your roots, nothing can stop you.”
  • “Find your happy place, whether it is yoga, meditation, gym; find it, be active, do it for half an hour a day. Eat well, eat healthily, and you will be good to go.”
  • “For me, being authentic and true to India is what I believe in, and unifying both of them is all the preparation that we need to do.”
  • “I want to get back something, back to India, and I will make it the best.”
  • “Not as much, but I believe that [that] every opportunity that comes your way, you should grab it if you think it’s right for you.”
  • “I want to be a brand that unifies her profession and passion all in one life. I don’t want to create a brand, I want to be the brand.”

Sini will now represent India at the 71st Miss World Final, where reigning Miss World, Karolina Bielawska of Poland will crown her successor at the end of the event. We’re so proud and can’t wait to see Sini Shetty representing India on the Miss World stage!

Feature image courtesy of Pexels via Pixabay. No changes or alterations were made to this image. Image license can be found here.

Khushboo is a Twitter Editor at Empoword Journalism. She is an Award-nominated lifestyle and pop culture journalist, writer, and budding entrepreneur aiming to break down the boundaries of cultural stigma and shame attached to mental health and sexual health and bring marginalised topics to light. Send your stories, tips, and press announcements to khushboomalhotrafreelance@gmail.com

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