Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], August 23 : Actress Urvashi Rautela expressed her excitement for the ongoing Miss Universe India ahead of its grand finale, which will crown the next representative of India for the Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico later this year.
Urvashi Rautela, one of the members of the selection committee of this year's Miss Universe India, described the event as "emotional" as she was crowned Miss Universe India title in 2015.
While talking to the media, "We really can't wait for the girl who is going to represent our country in Miss Universe. She is going to represent us in Miss Universe. It's very emotional for me as well. Many years ago, more than a decade ago, my first mentor, Sushmita Sen, she crowned me. When I won the title of Miss Universe India, she was my first guru. Today, she and I are also joining this event. I really hope that I made her proud after my journey."
When asked about the significance of the beauty pageant for aspiring models, Urvashi Rautela described Miss Universe India as a great platform for gaining exposure. She said the opportunity could help participants pave their way into Bollywood or establish themselves in the business world.
"It's a great platform to start. Not just in Bollywood; if you want to start a business or participate in any arena or want to enter, what can be a better platform is there than Miss Universe India. I think it made my life. And the girl who wins today, her life will also be made," said Urvashi Rautela.
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.