Miss Universe, being one of the most esteemed beauty pageants in the world, began in 1952 which saw participation from thirty countries, including India, which holds fifth place in ranking with three Miss Universe titles under its belt. India lived its golden era at Miss Universe in the 1990s where Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta won the crown in 1994 and 2000 respectively.
In this century as well, India has secured a few Top 20 and Top 10 finishes but the streak began in 2019 when Vartika Singh placed in the Top 20. Since then the country has managed to not only place in the Top but also secure a crown. Here’s India’s performance at Miss Universe in the recent years –
Vartika Singh – Miss Universe 2019 Top 20
Vartika Singh was appointed Miss Universe India 2019 by Miss Diva organization as she became the official representative of India at Miss Universe 2019. With her stellar performance, she placed in the Top 20 breaking a long drought of placements for India. Before her stint at Miss Universe 2019, Vartika represented India at Miss Grand International 2015 where she placed as the second runner-up.
Adline Castelino – Miss Universe 2020 3rd Runner-up
Adline Castelino was crowned Miss Diva Universe 2020 on 22nd February 2020 as she became the official representative of India at Miss Universe 2020. At Miss Universe 2020, Adline was adjudged as the 3rd runner-up. This was India's highest placement in Miss Universe since Lara Dutta won the title of Miss Universe in 2000. Castelino also broke the 20-year drought of India's non placement in the Top 5 at Miss Universe, which was previously achieved by Celina Jaitley who was the 4th runner-up in 2001.
Harnaaz Sandhu – Miss Universe 2021 Winner
Harnaaz Sandhu became the third Indian woman to be crowned Miss Universe last year, beating 80 other contestants. She is also the first ever Sikh woman who won the title. Being a successful beauty queen and now completing her reign, Harnaaz also made her film debut in a regional film ‘Bai Ji Kuttange’ in August this year.
Divita Rai – Miss Universe 2022 TBA
Divita Rai from Karnataka was crowned Miss Diva Universe 2022 at the 10th anniversary of Miss Diva pageant. Divita is 23 years of age. She was born in Mangalore but she stayed in different parts of the country throughout her life as her father's profession involved traveling across the country. Apart from being a model, Divita is also an architect by profession.
She is currently preparing to represent India at Miss Universe 2022. If she placed in the Top this year, Divita will continue her country’s streak top placements at Miss Universe.