Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], August 23 (ANI): Film producer and environmentalist Pragya Kapoor, actor Celina Jaitly and Miss Universe India 2024 Rhea Sangha shared their thoughts on beauty pageants, women's empowerment and the evolving nature of competitions as they joined the Miss Universe India 2026 selection committee in Jaipur.
Pragya, who is part of the selection committee for Miss Universe India 2026, said the pageant represents more than just beauty and provides a platform to celebrate women and their achievements.
Talking about the competition, Pragya said, "I think it's a great legacy, especially in the beauty industry. A lot of talent comes out of this competition. It's not only about beauty, but it's also about all aspects of being a woman."
She added, "I think it's very important to celebrate that, to celebrate womanhood, what it is to be a woman, and I think Miss Universe does that beautifully. So I'm very excited to be here at Miss Universe India 2026."
When asked about what she would like to see among contestants in the changing times, Pragya said she wanted to see empowered and confident women.
"What I would like to see are empowered women. Women who are confident within themselves, in their own skin," she said.
"It's not so much about their looks, but how they think and how they use their voice to do better for the world and for women overall," she added.
Former Miss India Universe and Miss Universe Runner-up, Celina Jaitly, who returned to Jaipur after nearly 25 years, said she felt she had come full circle by being part of the selection process.
"I have come back to Jaipur after a long time, and here, after 25 years,..... I feel like I have come back a full circle," Celina said.
She highlighted the role of social media in transforming pageants and providing opportunities to contestants from different backgrounds.
"The world has changed a lot because of social media. Today, the kind of reach that a pageant has, and the number of girls who participate, they can do so much because of social media," she said.
Celina added that contestants from smaller cities and rural areas are now getting more opportunities.
"Whatever you want, always strive to be the best version of yourself. This doesn't matter. I was also from a very small city in Uttarakhand. So, it doesn't matter where you have come from or where you will go," she said.
Talking about Jaipur, Celina said, "Jaipur is a beautiful city, the royal city of course. Coming here, I feel like I am back home to my own land."
She also shared her love for Rajasthani cuisine, saying, "Dal bati is my favourite."
Miss Universe India 2024 Rhea Sangha, said returning to Jaipur was a special moment for her as she won the title in the city.
"In Jaipur, I won the Miss Universe India title in 2024. So, of course, coming back full circle has been nothing but a dream," Rhea said.
Sharing advice for aspiring contestants, she said, "My advice to the newcomers is to not let go of that dream. Because your dream is very special."
"Dreams don't come just like that. They are very special. They come from the deepest part of your heart. So, cherish it. Nourish it a lot. And definitely make that dream come true," she added.
Rhea also spoke about her future aspirations, saying her next goal is to enter the acting industry.
"This was my dream to get the title for India. Now, my dream is to get into the acting industry. I have always been dreaming of becoming an actor," she said.
She added that she has already taken a step towards her goal with a Telugu film and hopes to continue her journey in Bollywood and the Hindi film industry.
Actress Urvashi Rautela is one of the panellists who will decide the winner of Miss Universe India 2026. She is joined by Sushmita Sen, Pragya Kapoor, Miss Universe India 2024 Rhea Singha and others.
A total of 52 national finalists (representing 31 states and union territories, 20 wildcards, and 1 NRI) are set to compete for one crown.
The event is currently taking place in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on Sunday. The winner will be representing India at the Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico later this year.
The national pageant is being organised by the Glamanand Group. Reigning Miss Universe India Manika Vishwakarma will crown her successor at the end of the event. (ANI)
