Mumbai: In a dazzling ceremony co-hosted by filmmaker and celebrity talk show host Karan Johar in Mumbai, Krystyna Pyszkova from the Czech Republic was crowned the 71st Miss World. The event marked a significant return to India after 28 years, with the last pageant held in Bengaluru in 1996.
Krystyna’s crowning moment was graced by Miss World 2023, Karolina Bielawska of Poland. She triumphed over strong contenders like Yasmina Zaytoun of Lebanon, Ache Abrahams of Trinidad and Tobago, and Lesego Chombo of Botswana. However, Miss India, Sini Shetty, made it to the prestigious Top 8, although her journey ended there due to her response during the final stage.
Sini Shetty’s answer to the competition question regarding the role of social media in women’s empowerment fell short of impressing the judges, leading to her elimination. Despite highlighting the potential of social media to foster women’s participation across various domains and drive progress, it wasn’t enough to secure her position further.
The grand finale featured a star-studded lineup, including Bollywood actresses Kriti Sanon and Pooja Hegde, who served as judges, alongside former Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar. The event also saw performances by renowned artists like Shaan, Neha Kakkar, and Tony Kakkar. Notably, Test cricketer-turned-Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh graced the occasion.
Adding to the glamour were the leading ladies of the upcoming Sanjay Leela Bhansali web series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’—Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, and Sharmin Segal—who made a special appearance during the event’s broadcast. Additionally, the premiere of the series’ first track, ‘Sakal Ban’, further heightened the excitement at the venue.