Everything you need to know about the 71st Miss World pageant

The 71st Miss World is taking place in Mumbai, India on March 9. In attendance will be the reigning titleholder Karolina Bielawska, Miss World 2022 from Poland, to pass on her crown and legacy to the 71st Miss World. As the pageant returns to Indian soil after 28 years, Sini Shetty, who won the Femina Miss India World title in 2022 will be representing our country at the event too. All eyes will be on Shetty, as we all wish for her to emerge as winner. 

As we wait in anticipation for the grand finale, here are some things you should know about the 71st Miss World.

India plays host to Miss World after 28 years

Six Indians have been the Miss World titleholders since the pageant’s incubation in 1951. This year, after 28 long years, the pageant will be hosted in India. People have been avidly following the grand spectacle unfold since the 71st Miss World celebrations were kicked off with the opening ceremony held at The Ashok in New Delhi on February 20. There is significant buzz around the event, as viewers await the grand finale to be held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.

Karan Johar returns to the Miss World stage 

The prestigious beauty pageant will be hosted by Miss World 2013 Megan Young from the Philippines, alongside stalwart Indian filmmaker, director and producer Karan Johar. However, this will not be Johar’s first venture in hosting, having hosted the popular celebrity talk show Koffee with Karan. Having previously served as a member of the jury in 2006, the 71st edition marks Johar’s return to the Miss World pageant.

Archana Kochhar is the official fashion designer of the event

Industry stalwart designer Archana Kochhar has been appointed as the official Indian fashion designer for the 71st Miss World. Kochhar will be styling the winners from 120 countries, highlighting the diverse and rich heritage of India through her creations.

India’s performance in the ring so far

Sini Shetty is set to represent India at the Miss World 2024 pageant, after having bagged Femina Miss India 2022. Paying homage to the legacy of Miss World 1994, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shetty impressed the audience by performing a blend of Indian classical and Bollywood dance styles. All eyes are on her for her much-anticipated crown as the 71st Miss World.

Keeping up with the winners of the rounds

In a riveting showcase of intellect compassion and purpose, participants from Lebanon (Yasmina Zaytoun), England (Jessica Ashley), Nigeria (Ada Eme), Zimbabwe (Nokutenda Shekinah Marumbwa), and Botswana (Lesego Chombo) were crowned winners for their thought-provoking presentations in the head-to-head challenge. Lucija Begić from Croatia was crowned winner of the sports challenge, and with that made it to the Top 40 of the pageant. With an extraordinary rendition of Skyfall by Adele, Imen Mehrzi from Tunisia sang herself to victory in the talent round.

Where you can catch the Grand Finale 

Bearing witness to this coronation will be a global audience of over 1 billion viewers across more than 140 countries, viewing the Live Broadcast on SonyLiv from 7:30 p.m. IST. The event will also be streamed on the Miss World Organization’s official website. It’s safe to say, our eyes will be glued to our screens this weekend, to see which of the 120 participating countries will be taking home the crown.

Luminaries that will be in attendance

Adding to the star-studded audience to this global spectacle, Tony and Neha Kakkar, are set to perform their newest track ‘India Ki Jai Ho’ live for the first time. The list of luminaries in attendance is a stunning lineup of Miss Worlds including reigning Miss World Karolina Belawska, and previous winners like Manushi Chillar, Toni Ann Singh, and Stephani Del Valle, the 71st Miss World is set to be a historic gathering of beauty queens.
 

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