Nikita Porwal, the new winner of Femina Miss India World 2024, recently spoke about the common perception that beauty is linked to fair skin. Her insights challenge age-old beliefs about beauty in India, where lighter skin has often been considered more attractive. Nikita, who proudly embraces her dusky Indian complexion, shared her thoughts on what true beauty means and how it is perceived in the world of beauty pageants.
“Color Doesn’t Define Beauty,” Says Nikita Porwal
When asked if beauty is defined by skin color in pageants, Nikita responded firmly. “It is completely wrong that only fair-skinned people are promoted in beauty pageants. I am not fair myself. My own complexion is quite dark, it can be called desi Indian complexion and I like my complexion very much,” she said. According to her, these stereotypes are fading away, and the world is learning to appreciate different skin tones, especially in international modeling.
Nikita believes that beauty goes beyond skin tone and includes aspects like talent, confidence, and personality. She emphasized that fairness creams and products promoting lighter skin are becoming less relevant as people’s thinking evolves. “We do not decide what our complexion will be, it is not even in our hands, hence it cannot be a parameter to decide beauty,” she added.
Beauty Pageants Focus on Talent, Not Skin Color
Nikita highlighted that pageants like Femina Miss India prioritize talent over superficial traits. She mentioned that past winners have been chosen based on their abilities, charm, and intelligence rather than their skin tone. This change in perspective is important for young girls to understand, as it shifts the focus from appearance to self-worth and skills.
However, Nikita did acknowledge that some physical criteria still play a role, especially height. She explained, “To participate in this pageant, your height should be at least 5 feet 3 inches, which is not very much. Many girls can participate in this contest. Height is the only parameter which can probably stop girls from participating, but no other parameter can stop you from participating in a pageant like Miss India.”
Celebrating Diversity in Beauty Standards
Nikita Porwal’s views offer a refreshing take on how beauty standards are evolving in India. As someone with a deeper skin tone, she has shown that confidence in one’s natural self can break outdated stereotypes. By winning the Miss India World 2024 title, she is setting an example for aspiring young women to be proud of their unique features.
Nikita’s message to young girls is clear—embrace who you are, focus on your talent, and remember that true beauty is beyond appearances. Her journey is a reminder that the world of beauty is changing, and embracing diversity is now a part of the pageant’s story.
