Rooted in dreams: Nandini Gupta's journey from small-town India to the Miss World stage

Hyderabad: In a world often captivated by instant success, Nandini Gupta’s journey is a powerful reminder that true dreams are nurtured with patience, grit, and unshakable belief.

Hailing from the humble town of Kota, Rajasthan, Nandini has risen through the ranks with unwavering focus — from driving tractors in her childhood to donning the Miss India crown.

As she prepares to represent India on the global stage at Miss World — hosted this year in the heart of Telangana — we sit down with her for a candid conversation on her journey, values, and the cultural soul of India she proudly carries with her.

Opening & Journey

NM: Nandini, you’ve had such an inspiring journey — from Kota to the national stage and now preparing to represent India globally. What initially drew you to the world of pageantry, and what has the transformation been like for you personally?

Nandini: When I was around ten, I watched Devdas for the first time and saw Aishwarya Rai on screen — so regal, so graceful. I asked my mother, “Who is she?” and she said, “That’s Miss World.” I still remember the goosebumps I felt in that moment. I didn’t just want to be like her — I wanted to be her. From that day, the dream took root.

The transformation has been surreal. I come from fields, from soil. I’ve driven tractors, I’ve played in the mud, and I’ve grown up in a family that believes in hard work and humility. Going from that to now walking international ramps under bright spotlights — it feels like a full-circle moment, but also a beginning.

NM: Was there a defining moment when you realized, “Yes, I’m going to be Miss India someday”?

Nandini: There wasn’t just one moment — it was a series of choices. My father taught me to drive a tractor when I was young, not because he thought I needed it, but because he believed in showing me that there’s no such thing as “can’t.” That mindset stuck. I always believed: if I can dream it, I can do it.

Miss World & Preparation

NM: With Miss World happening right here in India — and in Telangana, no less — how does it feel to represent your country on home soil?

Nandini: It’s such a beautiful, emotional feeling. To welcome the Miss World family into my own country, to share our stories, our traditions, our flavors — it’s beyond special. India has so much to offer, and now the world gets to see it through our eyes. I’m incredibly proud to stand on this soil, representing not just a sash, but a legacy.

NM: Speaking of Telangana, the state has seen incredible growth in recent years — from infrastructure to innovation. What are your thoughts on Telangana’s development journey and India’s emerging global presence?

Nandini: Telangana is a perfect blend of the old and the new. It holds onto its traditions while reaching for the future. From the architecture to the people, the culture to the technology — it’s a diverse, vibrant state that’s clearly making its mark. I’m especially looking forward to visiting places like the Yadagirigutta temple and Buddhavanam, which truly reflect the depth and spiritual richness of the region.

Telangana Tourism & Cultural Heritage

NM: You’re visiting the Ramappa Temple today — a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate Kakatiya-era architecture. What are you looking forward to about this visit?

Nandini: I love temples — they ground me. They remind me of who we are, where we come from. The Ramappa Temple, with its legacy and artistry, is something I’ve been so excited to see up close. To walk through a space that has stood the test of time is a blessing in itself.

NM: Telangana is home to a rich cultural and architectural heritage — from the Charminar to the Kakatiya dynasty. Have these experiences deepened your connection to our state and India’s past?

Nandini: Absolutely. The connection I’ve felt — whether it’s with the people, the food, the streets, or the bangles at Laad Bazaar — is profound. The Charminar holds stories within its walls, and tasting the biryani at Shadab just brought it all home. Telangana is not just a place; it’s a feeling, a heartbeat. It’s one I’ll carry with me.

NM: As someone about to represent India on the global stage, how do you think showcasing regional gems like Ramappa Temple and the Chowmohalla Palace can influence the world’s perception of India’s diversity?

Nandini: India isn’t just one story — it’s a million voices, dialects, traditions, and colors. Places like Ramappa Temple and Chowmohalla Palace are not just architectural marvels; they’re living testaments to our diversity. Showcasing them tells the world that India isn’t just a country — it’s a continent of culture.

Purpose, Values & Representation

NM: Miss World is not just about beauty — it’s about “Beauty with a Purpose.” What cause are you passionate about, and how do you plan to amplify it on the global stage?

Nandini: My cause is called Project Ekta — unity and inclusion for the differently abled. It’s deeply personal. My chacha (uncle) has polio of the tongue. Growing up, I watched him be treated differently — shunned, misunderstood, feared by children simply because he couldn’t speak like us. That hurt never left me.

This isn’t about pity — it’s about parity. Differently abled people deserve a seat at every table, not as a gesture, but as a given. I want to advocate for celebration, acceptance, and opportunity. We’re all different, but we’re all equal.

NM: As someone who now symbolizes the aspirations of so many young Indians, how do you plan to bring your roots, values, and India’s cultural richness to a global platform?

Nandini: I’m a girl of the soil — and I represent that soil. It’s not easy for the daughter of a farmer to dream of pageants, let alone live that dream. But I’m here, and I want to bring all of India with me — its kindness, its hospitality, its grit, and its glow. My roots keep me grounded, and that’s where my strength comes from.

Personality & Fun

NM: Off the ramp and beyond the crown — who is Nandini Gupta? What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?

Nandini: Honestly? I’m super laid back. I love my chill fits, some good chaat, and spending time with my people. I’m very easygoing and joyful — and my name, Nandini, literally means “one who brings joy,” so I try to live up to that every day.

NM: Describe your personal style in three words. And what’s one beauty or wellness ritual you absolutely swear by?

Nandini: Comfortable. Colorful. Effortless.

And as for beauty — I believe in eating your skincare. What you put in your body shows on your skin. Natural food, hydration, and kindness to yourself — that’s my wellness mantra.

NM: Quick picks: Role model? Dream travel destination? Favorite quote? Heels or sneakers?

Nandini: Aishwarya Rai, always. Dream destination? Honestly, Telangana zarur aana! It’s beautiful.

Favorite quote? “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

And between heels and sneakers? Depends on the time of day!

Closing & Reflection

NM: This journey must’ve been filled with lessons, growth, and a whirlwind of emotions. What has it taught you about yourself?

Nandini: It’s taught me resilience — and that strength doesn’t always look like loudness. Sometimes, it’s in quiet persistence. In doing the hard work when no one is watching. In choosing kindness, again and again. I’ve learned that I’m stronger, softer, and more grounded than I ever knew.

NM: And finally, what’s your message to young girls across India who are watching your journey and dreaming of standing where you are today?

Nandini: If you’re a little girl in a small town dreaming big dreams, let me tell you — you’re allowed to dream. And not just dream, but to chase those dreams with everything you’ve got. Don’t let your circumstances define your ceiling. Speak your truth, work hard, and stay kind. There’s room for you at the top — make sure you show up.

As Nandini Gupta steps into the global spotlight, she does so not just as a beauty queen, but as a storyteller, a changemaker, and a proud daughter of India. Her story is a testament to the power of vision, the grace of humility, and the strength of staying rooted — and it’s only just beginning.