New Delhi: India’s Nikita Porwal’s Miss World 2026 journey ended in the Top 40 after she failed to advance to the Top 20 at the 73rd Miss World pageant in Vietnam on Saturday.

The Ujjain-born model, actor and theatre artiste was among the 40 contestants who made the first cut, but her journey came to an end before the competition narrowed to the Top 20. The Miss India Organisation noted that with Porwal reaching the Top 40, India continued its run of eight straight Top 40 finishes at Miss World.

Nikita Porwal reaches top 40

Porwal represented India at the 75th-anniversary edition of Miss World, which brought contestants from around the world to Vietnam.

The 2026 competition followed a format in which the field was narrowed from the Top 40 to the Top 20, followed by the Top 12 and Top 6 before the winner was crowned.

Although she missed out on the title, Porwal's performance kept India among the countries with a strong record of consecutive placements at the global pageant.

Theatre and storytelling beyond the pageant

Porwal entered the international competition with a background that extended beyond modelling and beauty pageants.

According to her Miss World profile, she has performed in more than 60 theatre productions and has worked as a playwright and creative director with theatre company Rangrays.

She had earlier won the Femina Miss India World title in 2024, earning the opportunity to represent India at Miss World.

Project MAATI highlights social impact

Social impact was another important part of Porwal's Miss World journey.

Through Project MAATI- Empowering the Keepers of Our Roots, her Beauty With a Purpose initiative, she worked with tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, focusing on education, healthcare, nutrition, hygiene, clean drinking water and economic opportunities.

The project included practical support such as distributing 100 water filters and 500 milk powder packets to more than 100 tribal families. It also promoted education, vocational training and life skills for tribal children and young women.

Indian culture takes centre stage

Porwal also used the Miss World platform to showcase Indian culture.

For the Dances of the World segment, she drew inspiration from Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai and performed in a traditional-inspired ensemble designed by Torani. Her performance attracted attention online and became one of the highlights of her pageant journey.

Her fashion choices also drew attention, including a gown inspired by Princess Diana's iconic sapphire engagement ring.

India’s Miss World legacy continues

Porwal entered the competition carrying the legacy of India's six Miss World winners, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Manushi Chhillar, who won the title in 2017.

While Porwal did not bring home the crown this time, her Top 40 finish marked another consecutive placement for India at Miss World and gave her a global platform to highlight Indian culture, theatre and her social-impact work.