The Miss Universe India title is one of the most prestigious crowns in the world of beauty pageants. Over the years, it has given India several iconic winners who have made their mark on the global stage. Former Miss Universe India winners like Sushmita Sen, who went on to win Miss Universe 1994, and Lara Dutta, crowned Miss Universe 2000, remain household names, celebrated for their elegance, intelligence, and grace. More recently, the legacy continued with Harnaaz Sandhu, who brought the Miss Universe crown back to India in 2021.
As each year passes, the competition becomes fiercer, with hundreds of young women competing for the coveted title.
And in 2024, a fresh face has emerged as the latest torchbearer—Rhea Singha, the new Miss Universe India 2024.
Rhea Singha: The New Face of Miss Universe India 2024
At just 19 years old, Rhea Singha from Gujarat has captured the nation’s attention by being crowned Miss Universe India 2024. The grand finale took place in Jaipur, Rajasthan, where Rhea triumphed over 51 other finalists, cementing her place as India’s representative for the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico, set to be held in November.
Image credit: Miss Universe India 2024
Rhea’s win is not just a victory for herself but an inspiration to many young women across the country. Her journey reflects determination, hard work, and a deep passion for the craft of modeling and performance. But who is Rhea Singha, and how did she get here?
From Teen Model to Miss Universe India: Rhea’s Rise to Stardom
Rhea Singha’s journey began at the tender age of 16 when she entered the modeling world. In 2020, she made her mark by winning the title of Diva’s Miss Teen Gujarat, setting the stage for her future in beauty pageants. Just a few years later, in 2023, she competed in the Miss Teen Universe pageant in Madrid, Spain, where she finished in the Top 62—an impressive feat for a young, aspiring model.
But Rhea’s talents don’t stop at modeling. She is a multifaceted individual, balancing her career with her education and other passions. Currently, Rhea is pursuing a Bachelor of Performing Arts at GLS University in Gujarat, showcasing her dedication to the arts. Outside of academics, she has already taken the stage as a TEDx speaker and demonstrated her love for fitness.
Empowering Youth: “Work Ready with Rhea”
Beyond her modeling and public speaking accolades, Rhea is committed to giving back to the community. She has initiated a program called “Work Ready with Rhea,” which focuses on equipping young people with essential skills for the job market. This initiative reflects her belief in the power of upskilling the youth, empowering them to take control of their careers and futures.
Rhea’s commitment to youth empowerment shows that she’s not just about beauty and pageantry—she’s about making a difference. Her ability to balance her passions for education, public speaking, and fitness with her career is a testament to her determination and focus.
A Moment of Inspiration: Her Q&A Response
During the question-and-answer round at the grand finale, Rhea was asked which historical figure she would most like to have dinner with. Her answer? Ahilyabai Holkar, the powerful queen who ruled parts of India in the 18th century. Rhea cited Ahilyabai’s commitment to women’s empowerment and her progressive rule during a time when feminism wasn’t even a concept. This thoughtful answer not only displayed Rhea’s intellect but also her deep respect for women’s rights and leadership.
The Crowning Moment
The grand finale of Miss Universe India 2024 was a night to remember, with Rhea Singha being crowned by none other than Urvashi Rautela, former Miss Universe India herself. Rautela expressed hope that Rhea will bring the Miss Universe crown back to India, as Harnaaz Sandhu did in 2021.
As Rhea was crowned, she expressed her gratitude in an interview with ANI, saying, “Today I won the title of Miss Universe India 2024. I am so thankful. I have done so much work to get to this level where I can consider myself worthy enough for this crown. I am so inspired by the previous winners.” Her words reflect both humility and the perseverance it took to achieve this significant milestone.
Image credit: Miss Universe India
The Judges and Finalists
The panel of judges for the event included notable names such as Nikhil Anand, actress and former beauty queen Urvashi Rautela, Vietnamese star Nguyen Quynh, fashion photographer Rian Fernandes, and entrepreneur Rajeev Shrivastava. These judges had the tough job of selecting the best from an incredibly talented pool of finalists.
Alongside Rhea, the other finalists included:
1st Runner Up: Pranjal Priya
2nd Runner Up: Chhavi Verg
3rd Runner Up: Sushmita Roy
4th Runner Up: Ruopfuzhano Whiso
Each of these finalists showcased incredible talent, but it was Rhea Singha who ultimately stole the spotlight with her poise, intelligence, and grace.
What Lies Ahead for Rhea Singha
As the newly crowned Miss Universe India 2024, Rhea is set to compete in the global Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico this November. She now carries the weight of representing India on the world stage, but if her past achievements are any indication, Rhea is more than ready for the challenge.
Her journey from a young teen model to Miss Universe India is an inspiring tale of dedication and perseverance. And with her passion for empowering the youth and her commitment to personal growth, Rhea Singha is more than just a beauty queen—she is a role model for aspiring young women everywhere. All eyes are on her as she prepares to bring home the Miss Universe crown once again.
Highlights From The Grand Finale
In conclusion, Rhea Singha’s win is not just a personal achievement; it’s a moment of pride for India. Her journey, passion, and dedication will surely inspire many, and her story will continue to unfold as she takes on the global stage later this year.
