Who Took Home the Crown at the 61st Femina Miss India 2026 Finale?
A Night of Glamour at KIIT Bhubaneswar
The KIIT campus in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, was a dazzling spectacle on Friday night as it hosted the grand finale of the Times Group’s 61st Femina Miss India 2026. Sadhvi Sail from Goa emerged victorious, earning the title of Femina Miss India World 2026, and will represent India at the Miss World pageant. Rajnandini Pawar from Maharashtra was honored as the 1st Runner-Up, while Sree Advaita from Jammu and Kashmir claimed the 2nd Runner-Up spot.
The event was a vibrant mix of fashion, music, and dynamic performances, transforming the finale into an unforgettable entertainment experience. Actor Ishaan Khatter captivated the audience with a thrilling performance, while singer Jubin Nautiyal's heartfelt melodies added an emotional touch to the evening. Lauren Gottlieb's stunning dance performance further elevated the event with her powerful choreography and stage presence. The night was hosted by Maniesh Paul, Sarah Jane Dias, and Sreetama Basu, who infused glamour and spontaneity into the proceedings.
Vineet Jain, the Managing Director of the Times Group, addressed the audience, stating, "For over sixty years, Femina Miss India has embodied a powerful message: empowering young women in India to realize their potential and forge their own paths. This platform has served as a launchpad for women who have excelled in various fields, including cinema, media, entrepreneurship, public service, and global advocacy."
He continued, "The pageant has brought India international acclaim through winners like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Dia Mirza, Manushi Chhillar, and many others who continue to motivate millions of women. This legacy of Femina Miss India feels particularly significant tonight in Bhubaneswar. Hosting this grand finale at KIIT and KISS resonates deeply with our values — providing opportunities, the power of education, and empowering young individuals, especially women, to lead and succeed."
The showcase titled Vishwa Sutra: Weaves of India for the World, led by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) and designed by Vaishali S, featured the 30 state winners presenting a tribute to India’s rich handloom legacy. Traditional weaves from all 30 states were creatively transformed into global silhouettes inspired by 30 different countries, merging regional identity with contemporary design in a stylish narrative.
The designer round showcased Vazaneh by Prbhjiit Maniktala, featuring a sophisticated blend of fluid shapes and structured designs, enhanced by light, sheer layers. Each outfit was adorned with intricate embroidery, crystals, and pearls, adding depth and a subtle shimmer.
The judging panel comprised notable figures, including veteran actress Zeenat Aman, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, choreographer and actor Terence Lewis, Femina Miss India 2002 and actress Neha Dhupia, Miss Universe 2001 runner-up and actress Celina Jaitly, actress Simran, music composer and singer Amaal Mallik, two-time Olympian and national record holder Dutee Chand, and Miss Diva 2019 and actress Vartika Singh, representing diverse voices from various industries.
During the evening, special awards were also presented, with Femina Miss India Sikkim 2026 Passang Deekila Sherpa winning the Times Miss Multimedia title. Under the Beauty With a Purpose initiative, the Miss India Organisation, in partnership with Ketto, raised ₹66,17,295 to assist children lacking access to medical care and education. Femina Miss India Gujarat 2026 Parinaz Cooper, who contributed nearly ₹23,61,160, was recognized as the highest individual contributor and awarded the Times Miss Beauty With a Purpose title.
Catch the grand finale of KIIT Bhubaneswar presents the 61st Femina Miss India, co-powered by Rajnigandha Pearls, streaming from Friday, May 8 on Zee5, Times Play, and the Beauty Pageants YouTube channel. The show will also be broadcast on Friday, May 8 at 2 PM.