The 61st Femina Miss India Auditions at Bennett University
Times of Bennett | Updated: Mar 20, 2026 16:04
What does it take to step into the spotlight and chase a dream on the national stage?
Correspondents - Megha Lahiri and Rajesh Pathivada
The 61st edition of theFemina Miss India North Zone Auditions was held at Bennett University , bringing together aspiring models
from across North India. The auditions witnessed enthusiastic participation from young contestants aiming to secure a place in one of India’s most prestigious beauty pageants.
The event featured structured screening rounds, talent showcases, and personal interviews, offering participants a platform to present
not just their feminine prowess but also their confidence, individuality, and aspirations. The auditions were conducted in a highly organised manner, with dedicated registration desks, screening zones, and volunteer support ensuring a smooth flow of events throughout the day.
Esteemed judges for the event includedRishi Raj , Pribhijit Maniktala , Natasha Grover , Nandini Gupta , Bhawana Rao , Dr Blossom Kocchar and Amritraj Bora .
The event commenced with preliminary screening rounds where contestants were evaluated on communication skills, personality, and stage presence. Participants from diverse backgrounds shared personal motivations that reflected a shift in how beauty and ambition are perceived today. Harsh from Punjab spoke about her determination to challenge stereotypes associated with women from her state. She highlighted how they are often perceived as “hard and rough,” adding that she wanted to break this image and would rather take the risk of participating now than regret not trying later in life.
Ankana from Delhi, participating for the first time, described the experience as exciting rather than intimidating. She emphasised how the platform provided her with an opportunity to overcome her introverted nature and express herself more confidently. Encouraging younger aspirants, she advised them not to chase unrealistic standards of perfection but to embrace authenticity and trust their journey
When asked about the criteria she uses to keenly judge the contestants, veteran judge Bhawana Rao stated that she searches for originality and that she searches for “originality” and that she wants girls to be themselves, as that's when they can see the real personality and confidence that they can judge with.
Kaashvi Mehra from Delhi added a unique dimension to the auditions with her background in stand-up comedy. Describing herself as
confident and expressive, she stated that her prior experiences in challenging environments helped her remain calm despite the competitive atmosphere. She noted the difference between comedy and modelling, explaining that while stand up provides immediate audience feedback, auditions require patience and self-belief due to the absence of visible reactions from judges. Her advice to aspiring individuals was to remain authentic, embrace individuality, and confidently present themselves. Sakshi Chandrakanth Mengane, representing Punjab, spoke about the discipline behind her preparation, which included rigorous cardio workouts and her training as a Kathak dancer. Reflecting on her experience at the venue, she praised the hospitality and arrangements at Bennett University, appreciating the dedication of volunteers and the well-organised facilities that ensured a comfortable experience for participants.
After a series of competitive rounds, the jury engaged in detailed deliberations to select the Top 5 finalists from Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab. Recognised for their confidence, clarity of expression, stage presence, and potential, these young women now move forward with determination, ready to represent their states and carry the spirit of the North to the national stage of Femina Miss India.
The top 5 finalists from Punjab were Yashika Sharma, Karuna Gulati, Amanjit Kaur,Nehal Bansal and Priyanshu Thakur. Himachal’s Top 5 consisted of Shivangi Rana, Vaishnavi Kashyap, Vanshika Ghasta, Shreya and Riya Bhardwaj. And finally when it came to Delhi, the Finalists were Shruty Rana, Ritambhara, Anjali Nandi, Devanshi Paliwal and Mimansa Singh.
Overall, the 61st Femina Miss India North Zone Auditions at Bennett University went beyond being a competitive event, emerging as a
platform for self-expression, confidence-building, and breaking societal stereotypes. The seamless organisation and vibrant participation highlighted the university’s capability to host large-scale national events while fostering a culture of creativity and ambition. As contestants progress to the next stages of the competition, the event leaves behind a powerful message—that success lies not only in winning titles but in embracing one’s identity, overcoming limitations, and having the courage to take the first step toward one’s dreams.
(Megha and Rajesh are aspiring media professionals pursuing their BAMC degrees. Together, they combine their skills in research and creative writing to bring a fresh perspective to every story they cover)
Correspondents - Megha Lahiri and Rajesh Pathivada
The 61st edition of the
from across North India. The auditions witnessed enthusiastic participation from young contestants aiming to secure a place in one of India’s most prestigious beauty pageants.
The event featured structured screening rounds, talent showcases, and personal interviews, offering participants a platform to present
not just their feminine prowess but also their confidence, individuality, and aspirations. The auditions were conducted in a highly organised manner, with dedicated registration desks, screening zones, and volunteer support ensuring a smooth flow of events throughout the day.
Esteemed judges for the event included
The event commenced with preliminary screening rounds where contestants were evaluated on communication skills, personality, and stage presence. Participants from diverse backgrounds shared personal motivations that reflected a shift in how beauty and ambition are perceived today. Harsh from Punjab spoke about her determination to challenge stereotypes associated with women from her state. She highlighted how they are often perceived as “hard and rough,” adding that she wanted to break this image and would rather take the risk of participating now than regret not trying later in life.
Ankana from Delhi, participating for the first time, described the experience as exciting rather than intimidating. She emphasised how the platform provided her with an opportunity to overcome her introverted nature and express herself more confidently. Encouraging younger aspirants, she advised them not to chase unrealistic standards of perfection but to embrace authenticity and trust their journey
When asked about the criteria she uses to keenly judge the contestants, veteran judge Bhawana Rao stated that she searches for originality and that she searches for “originality” and that she wants girls to be themselves, as that's when they can see the real personality and confidence that they can judge with.
Kaashvi Mehra from Delhi added a unique dimension to the auditions with her background in stand-up comedy. Describing herself as
confident and expressive, she stated that her prior experiences in challenging environments helped her remain calm despite the competitive atmosphere. She noted the difference between comedy and modelling, explaining that while stand up provides immediate audience feedback, auditions require patience and self-belief due to the absence of visible reactions from judges. Her advice to aspiring individuals was to remain authentic, embrace individuality, and confidently present themselves. Sakshi Chandrakanth Mengane, representing Punjab, spoke about the discipline behind her preparation, which included rigorous cardio workouts and her training as a Kathak dancer. Reflecting on her experience at the venue, she praised the hospitality and arrangements at Bennett University, appreciating the dedication of volunteers and the well-organised facilities that ensured a comfortable experience for participants.
After a series of competitive rounds, the jury engaged in detailed deliberations to select the Top 5 finalists from Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab. Recognised for their confidence, clarity of expression, stage presence, and potential, these young women now move forward with determination, ready to represent their states and carry the spirit of the North to the national stage of Femina Miss India.
The top 5 finalists from Punjab were Yashika Sharma, Karuna Gulati, Amanjit Kaur,Nehal Bansal and Priyanshu Thakur. Himachal’s Top 5 consisted of Shivangi Rana, Vaishnavi Kashyap, Vanshika Ghasta, Shreya and Riya Bhardwaj. And finally when it came to Delhi, the Finalists were Shruty Rana, Ritambhara, Anjali Nandi, Devanshi Paliwal and Mimansa Singh.
Overall, the 61st Femina Miss India North Zone Auditions at Bennett University went beyond being a competitive event, emerging as a
platform for self-expression, confidence-building, and breaking societal stereotypes. The seamless organisation and vibrant participation highlighted the university’s capability to host large-scale national events while fostering a culture of creativity and ambition. As contestants progress to the next stages of the competition, the event leaves behind a powerful message—that success lies not only in winning titles but in embracing one’s identity, overcoming limitations, and having the courage to take the first step toward one’s dreams.
(Megha and Rajesh are aspiring media professionals pursuing their BAMC degrees. Together, they combine their skills in research and creative writing to bring a fresh perspective to every story they cover)
