Nikita Porwal represented India at the 73rd Miss World Festival in 2026, taking the Indian sash to the international pageant held in Vietnam. The Ujjain-born model, actor and theatre artist entered the competition after winning the Femina Miss India World 2024 title in Mumbai.
Porwal’s Miss World journey concluded with a Top 40 finish. She did not advance to the Top 20, but her participation continued India’s run of consecutive placements at the global pageant.
Who Is Nikita Porwal?
Born and brought up in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Nikita Porwal has a background that extends well beyond modelling and pageantry. She studied at Carmel Convent Senior Secondary School before pursuing a Bachelor of Performing Arts with a specialisation in Dramatics at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.
According to the Miss World organisation, Porwal has performed in more than 60 theatrical productions. She is also a playwright and serves as the Creative Director of the theatre company Rangrays. Her creative interests include poetry, painting, music and storytelling.
She has also ventured into cinema, including an acting role in the Brij-language film Chambal Paar, which was screened at international film festivals.
From Miss India to Miss World
Porwal was crowned Femina Miss India World 2024 at the pageant’s grand finale in Mumbai on October 16, 2024. The title made her India’s representative for the 73rd Miss World competition.
Her preparation for the global stage involved more than pageant appearances. Her theatre background, public-speaking experience and work in social-impact initiatives became important elements of her Miss World journey.
Project MAATI and Social Impact
For the Miss World Beauty With a Purpose initiative, Porwal worked on Project MAATI, which focuses on supporting tribal women and children through education, healthcare, nutrition, hygiene, clean drinking water and economic opportunities.
The project has involved work with communities in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, including collaborations with organisations supporting tribal education and development. Miss World reported that Project MAATI distributed water filters and nutritional supplies to families and expanded its focus to maternal and child health.
Her Miss World 2026 Journey
During the 2026 festival in Vietnam, Porwal participated in cultural and pageant activities before reaching the Top 40 at the finale. She also represented Indian culture through her outfits and appearances during the competition.
Although she did not make the Top 20, her journey placed her among contestants from around the world and added another chapter to India’s long association with Miss World.
