Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ As the lights dimmed and the stage of the 72nd Miss World Grand Finale came to life, all eyes turned to one figure who truly embodied grace and purpose: Nandini Gupta. Representing India, the 21-year-old beauty queen from Kota, Rajasthan, captivated the global audience not only with her grace but with a gown that spoke volumes, a couture marvel titled Ganga Rising. Designed by acclaimed Vietnamese fashion designer Nguyen Tien Truyen, the gown drew deep inspiration from the sacred Ganga River. With its flowing lines, ethereal fabric, and glistening textures, the ensemble was not merely fashion, it was a moving tribute to India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
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The shimmering garment, crafted from sheer, translucent fabric, reflected light with every step, mimicking the glint of water under the sun. Intricate detailing evoked the motion of gentle waves, symbolizing the Ganga’s ceaseless flow and spiritual purity. Truyen’s design successfully merged two dynamic elements, water and light, to create a visual representation of divine energy. The gown’s craftsmanship was both a nod to traditional symbolism and a modern celebration of femininity and strength. Nandini shared a sneak peek of the gown on her social media ahead of the grand finale, calling it a “tribute to the beauty of water and light.” She described the Ganga as more than a river, a sacred connection between heaven and earth. The post quickly garnered praise and admiration from fans around the world, who were struck by both the gown’s beauty and the cultural message it carried.
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Nguyen Tien Truyen, the visionary behind Ganga Rising, rose to fame after winning Project Runway Vietnam in 2015. Born in 1993, he has built a reputation for designs that blend bold creativity with cultural storytelling. Although Nandini has not publicly explained her choice of Truyen over Indian designers, it is clear that she had confidence in his artistic vision. The gown highlighted her trust in international collaboration and served as a bridge between two rich Asian cultures, India and Vietnam. As she graced the Miss World stage, Nandini was not just wearing a gown; she was wearing a story. Each step she took echoed themes of resilience, transformation, and sacred femininity. The garment was less of a costume and more of a canvas, an embodiment of India’s spirit told through sequins, silk, and symbolism.
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Born in September 2003, Nandini Gupta has come a long way from the mustard fields of Kota to the global limelight. The daughter of a farmer and a homemaker, she has spoken often of her humble beginnings and the support of her family. She completed her early education at St. Paul’s Senior Secondary School before moving to Mumbai to pursue a degree in Business Management at Lala Lajpat Rai College. Crowned Femina Miss India World 2023 at just 19, Nandini quickly gained recognition for her elegance, intelligence, and commitment to meaningful causes. Beyond the runway, Nandini has remained focused on advocacy and empowerment. She has championed issues like women’s rights, Indian handlooms, cancer awareness, and sustainable development. Her efforts have been recognized at major platforms, including TEDx events and leading fashion weeks.
What set Nandini apart at the Miss World 2025 finale was not just her beauty; it was the deliberate storytelling behind her appearance. Ganga Rising was more than just a gown. It was an anthem of India’s enduring spirit, echoing across the globe. As she moved across the stage, Nandini did not just dazzle; she inspired. In an era where fashion often leans into spectacle, Nandini Gupta reminded the world that it can also be sacred, narrative, and deeply personal. Her appearance at Miss World 2025 was not just a moment in pageantry but a moment in history.
