Why Beauty Pageants Have Lost Their Sheen In India

Over a span of six years, ranging from 1994 to 2000, India was graced with six international beauty titleholders—either Miss World or Miss Universe—including one Miss Asia Pacific, Dia Mirza. However, this trend then experienced a lull for a period, until 2017 when Manushi Chhillar secured the Miss World crown, followed by Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu ending a prolonged 21-year drought by winning Miss Universe.

Last night in Mumbai, Shweta Sharda from Chandigarh was declared the winner of Miss Diva Universe 2023 during a glamorous event. Additionally, Sonal Kukreja from Delhi and Trisha Shetty from Karnataka were announced Miss Diva Supernatural 2023 and Miss Diva 2023 Runner-up, respectively.

 

 

 

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But the point is that the enthusiasm among youngsters isn't as fervent as it was during the 1990s. Thus, one might wonder whether the era of Indian beauty queens has faded away or if the perception of beauty has evolved.

Beauty Pageants No Longer Ensure Ticket To Bollywood:

So, have beauty pageants lost their sheen? Fewer people now show interest in participating, as the title of a beauty queen no longer guarantees a direct path to Bollywood, unlike in the past. Even Manushi Chhillar, who won Miss World in 2017, is yet to achieve significant celebrity status. It's evident that the realm of Indian beauty queens is currently experiencing a prolonged period of limited success.

Also Read: Who Is Miss Diva Universe 2023 Shweta Sharda? Participating In DID To Teaching Dance To Bollywood Stars; Know All About Her

Although young women are securing victories in beauty competitions on both national and global stages, the fervour that once surrounded these events has waned. Presently, very few young people aspire to conform to the traditional international beauty norms encompassing factors such as height, weight, and complexion.

Mainstream cinema has also undergone a transformation, embracing a more inclusive stance that accommodates various body types, skin tones, and sizes. With the advent of OTT platforms, the reliance on being launched by a major production house has diminished significantly. The concept of being an actress in mainstream cinema no longer necessitates fitting into a specific mold. Women are becoming more comfortable with their appearance and are embracing their individuality.

Beauty Standards Have Changed:

The concept of beauty is constantly changing, transitioning from curvaceous to androgynous, and now finding a middle ground in between. The traditional notion of fair skin and light eyes as the ideal beauty standard from the past century has given way to a more inclusive range of beauty that embraces various skin tones, hair textures, and body shapes.

A sun-kissed complexion is now seen as attractive, symbolising an energetic, vibrant persona and indicating the ability to afford trips to tropical destinations. This might be why people with naturally lighter skin invest considerable time in tanning beds to achieve a similar effect when they cannot obtain a natural tan. Much of our perception of beauty is frequently influenced by prevailing pop culture, advertising, and the fashion sector.

Starting with Twiggy's slender aesthetic, moving through Cindy Crawford's sporty look, embracing the curves of Sophia Loren and Monica Belluci, shifting to Kate Moss's waif-like figure, and now witnessing the ultra-voluptuousness exemplified by Kim Kardashian, our perception of beauty is in a constant state of transformation.

Modern Women Embracing Individuality Over Traditional Norms:

During the 90s and early 2000s, many young girls aspired to become beauty queens. These beauty titleholders held a special status as representatives of the country and were highly revered. The desire to possess the intelligence and eloquence of figures like Sushmita Sen was widespread. However, the situation has changed significantly now. The fixation on women's appearances is now seen as frustrating. The unhealthy fixation on both our own bodies and those of other women no longer exists.

The societal acceptance of beauty's power imbalance has disappeared. A woman's value is no longer tied solely to her physical appearance. Beauty is no longer a weapon that exacerbates our insecurities. Whether a woman chooses to present herself naturally or undergo any modifications, be it in her physicality or mindset or both, should ultimately be her personal decision.