Divija Gambhir from Bhawani Mandi has been appointed the state directress of the Miss Universe India competition for Rajasthan. She is the founder of the Miss Universe Rajasthan organization and will be responsible for the selection of the representative(s) from the state of Rajasthan for the upcoming Miss Universe India contest – the Indian preliminary event to the world’s biggest beauty pageant, Miss Universe. Divija hails from Bhawani Mandi in Rajasthan and is currently based in Mumbai. She holds a master’s degree in commerce and accounting and is preparing to be a Chartered Accountant. She is an actress and model by profession and has appeared in a series of television commercial with celebrities like Madhuri Dixit, Anil Kapoor and Siddharth Malhotra to mention a few. Alongside being a model, Divija is also a trained dancer specializing in 5 different dance forms including Bharatnatyam, Garba, Ghangra, BollyHop and Freestyle. She is also an advocate of the animal rights and has been associated with different animal welfare projects in India. Divija’s journey in the pageant world began in 2018 and in 2021, she was crowned Miss India Multinational. Since then there has been no looking back for her. She has established herself as one of the most successful pageant winners in India in recent times and has also been part of a series of international campaigns. Earlier this year, in 2024, she acquired the rights to select Rajasthan’s representative(s) for the Miss Universe India competition. Her journey from being a model to becoming a beauty queen to taking up the role of a pageant director has seen several crucial events and milestones that have shaped her in to the person that she is today. In this exclusive interview with the Beauty High magazine, she talks about her journey so far and what can be expected from the newly launched Miss Universe Rajasthan organization.
Q. Many congratulations to you on being appointed the state director for the Miss Universe India competition. How does it feel to shoulder such a prominent responsibility?
Answer: Thank you so much. As the newly appointed state directress for Miss Universe India, it feels incredibly fulfilling to shoulder such a prominent responsibility. It's an honor to be part of an organization that empowers women, celebrates diversity, and promotes positive change. I'm excited to contribute to the journey of aspiring beauty queens and play a role in shaping the future of the pageant industry in our state. Taking up this responsibility indeed means a lot to me. As a child, I looked up to Sushmita Sen with admiration and awe, marveling at her grace, intelligence, and poise. Today, being associated with the Miss Universe Organization feels like a dream come true, a testament to the power of dreams and hard work.
Q. What inspired you to take up the role of a beauty pageant director, and what keeps you motivated in this industry?
Answer: Having experienced the transformative journey of beauty pageants firsthand, I am driven to support and nurture more talent in this industry. I was inspired by the transformative impact these platforms have on individuals. Witnessing the journey of contestants, their growth, empowerment, and the opportunity to be a part of their success stories motivated me to take up this role. What keeps me motivated in this industry is the ability to create meaningful experiences, empower women, and contribute positively to their personal and professional development. Seeing the confidence, grace, and potential unlocked in contestants fuels my passion for this role every day.
Q. Please tell us about your journey in the beauty pageant industry. When did it begin and how has your experience been so far?
Answer: Growing up, my mother's admiration for Sushmita Sen and her dreams of seeing me as a beauty queen representing India sparked my fascination with beauty pageants. My journey began in December 2018, and since then, I immersed myself in the world of beauty pageants. Participating in different beauty pageants, I encountered fierce competition but never wavered in my determination. Discovering Glamanand Supermodel India added a new dimension to my journey, culminating in the crowning moment as Miss India Multinational. I am now poised to represent India on an international stage, driven by the ambition to make my country proud. This journey has been nothing short of a dream realized, and I am excited for what lies ahead.
Q. How do you stay attuned to ever-evolving trends and preferences within the beauty pageant industry?
Answer: I stay attuned to the ever-evolving trends and preferences within the beauty pageant industry by actively engaging with industry publications, attending relevant events and workshops, networking with industry professionals, and keeping a close eye on social media platforms where trends often emerge. Additionally, I maintain open communication with past winners to gather insights and feedback, allowing me to adapt and innovate in response to changing preferences and expectations.
Q. What is going to be your plan of action now that you have been assigned the responsibility of selecting your region’s representative(s) for the prestigious Miss Universe India 2024 competition? Also, can you please share some behind-the-scenes insights into the planning and execution of the selection process that will be conducted to select your region's representatives) for the national finals of Miss Universe India 2024?
Answer: My plan of action for selecting Rajasthan's representatives for Miss Universe India 2024 is to:
1. Conduct extensive outreach to identify potential candidates from Rajasthan who embody the qualities and values of Miss Universe India.
2. Conducting auditions in various cities across Rajasthan which aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, allowing candidates to choose a venue near them and participate comfortably.
3. Offering online grooming sessions if needed for pageant walk, communication, Q&A rounds, Nutrition, etc. Collaborate with industry experts and mentors to offer guidance and support throughout their preparation.
4. Hosting mega auditions in Jaipur to select the ultimate candidate who will represent the cultural richness of our esteemed state.
By implementing these strategies, I aim to select and prepare exceptional representatives from Rajasthan who will shine on the national stage of Miss Universe India 2024 and uphold the legacy of excellence associated with the title.
Q. What qualities are you going to be looking for while selecting your region’s representative(s) for the upcoming Miss Universe India competition?
Answer: The ideal candidate for representing Rajasthan and India on the Miss Universe stage is one who not only embodies Indian beauty but also carries forward the rich heritage and culture of Rajasthan with pride. In addition to being smart, confident, and possessing an amazing personality, excellent communication skills, and a strong social cause, the candidate should also have an incredible physique. Most importantly, they should have a heart of gold, demonstrating empathy, kindness, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on society.
Q. Once the selection of the representative(s) is done, will there be any training program that the representative(s) will be attending prior to heading to the national finals?
Answer: We are committed to supporting our representatives in every aspect of their journey. If any candidate has shortcomings or areas of improvement, we are more than happy to provide assistance and guidance. Our goal is to nurture and empower each contestant to reach their full potential and shine on the stage.
Q. What is the most crucial piece of advice that you would like to share with the individuals that want to join the beauty pageant industry?
Answer: Being true to oneself is paramount, as each person is unique and irreplaceable. Self-awareness and self-confidence are the keys, allowing contestants to prepare thoroughly and remain steadfast regardless of circumstances. Ultimately, it's about enjoying the journey, building meaningful connections, and gracefully navigating challenges while staying grounded in one's values and heritage. On stage, the focus should be on owning the moment and exuding confidence, leaving behind distractions and embracing the world as one's own.
Q. Any message for the readers.
Answer: Whether you're from Rajasthan or not, if you believe you have the potential to be the next Miss Universe, don't hesitate to register and participate. It's a beautiful opportunity to embark on a new journey and showcase your unique talents and qualities on a global platform. Seize the moment and take the first step towards fulfilling your dreams!
As Divija Gambhir unfolds a new chapter in her life by undertaking the responsibility of selecting the representative(s) from Rajasthan for the upcoming Miss Universe India competition, we wish her good luck in her new journey. Whoever wins the title, it is very certain that she will receive the right guidance and training as she will be walking the down the path that was followed by her state directress. Being a former beauty queen, Divija will prove to be a mentor for the first Miss Universe Rajasthan. It will be indeed exciting to see who will represent Rajasthan at Miss Universe India 2024.