In a dazzling spectacle in Mumbai, Krystyna Pyszkova from the Czech Republic clinched the prestigious Miss World 2024 title, while Miss Lebanon Yasmina Zaytoun secured the first runner-up position. The crowning of Miss World took place at the Jio World Convention Centre in BKC, where reigning Miss World Karolina Bielawska of Poland passed on the crown to Pyszkova.
India, the host country after 28 years, was represented by 22-year-old Sini Shetty. Mumbai-born Shetty was crowned Femina Miss India World 2022. Shetty, however, could not secure a qualifying spot in the contest. India boasts a storied history with the Miss World pageant, having seen six titleholders, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
Part of the 12-judge panel for the finale were film producer Sajid Nadiadwala; actors Kriti Sanon, Pooja Hegde; cricketer Harbhajan Singh; news personality Rajat Sharma, social worker Amruta Fadnavis; Vineet Jain, MD of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Limited; Julia Morley, Chairperson and CEO of the Miss World Organization; Jamil Saidi, Strategic Partner & Host – Miss World India, and three former Miss Worlds, including Chillar.
Filmmaker Karan Johar and former Miss World Megan Young hosted the event, which kickstarted on a high note with performances by singers Shaan, Neha Kakkar, and Tony Kakkar.
A video message by Chopra Jonas highlighting the importance of ‘beauty with purpose’, a tagline associated with the Miss World pageant, was also played at the event.
Cast of ‘Heeramandi’
Adding glitz to the event was the cast of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ — Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh — alongside 13 Miss World contestants.
(With inputs from agencies)
