Rajasthan's Nandini Gupta preps for Miss World, inspired by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's journey
Having grown up in the fields of Rajasthan in a farmer's family, little did Nandini Gupta know that she would one day represent India on the Miss World stage. She is quick to credit former Miss World Aishwarya Rai for inspiring her to embark on this journey.Ahead of the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, Miss India 2023, Nandini Gupta, spoke exclusively to India Today about being inspired by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her hopes of having the iconic beauty queen present on the crowning day.advertisementSpeaking about her decision to enter the pageant, Gupta shared that while her parents were supportive, it led to 'quite a dinner table conversation' when she first brought it up.
Recalling the moment she decided to pursue this path, Nandini said, 'It was the day I watched Devdas. I was so enamoured by Aishwarya's beauty. I asked my mother who she was, and I was told she is a Miss World. It was a new term for me, and my mother explained how one needs to first represent their state, and then the country on pageant platforms to achieve that title. That was the moment I wanted to be her—I was so inspired by her journey.'Watch the full interview here: Nandini further shared that when she decided to move to Mumbai to pursue her dreams, her father insisted she had to score at least 90 per cent in her academics. Today, she is grateful for that conversation, as she also holds a degree in business management.advertisementLike many pageant queens, she also harbours acting aspirations.'It's definitely on the cards, and I'm really looking forward to playing different characters. I haven't had the chance to fully understand acting or how the industry works yet. I want to take up workshops and hone my skills. I'm just another aspirant who wants to work really hard. I know nothing will be easy, but if Bollywood or the South film industry opens its doors for me, I hope to someday play a character named Nandini - something that Aishwarya Rai has also done,' she said with a smile.On a final note, Nandini Gupta expressed her heartfelt wish: that Aishwarya Rai would be present at the crowning ceremony, which is set to take place on 31 May in Hyderabad.Trending Reel
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
Aamir Khan reveals Amitabh Bachchan supported his decision to release 'Sitaare Zameen Par' in theatres when everyone discouraged him: 'I was scared and unsure'
is gearing up for the release of his much-awaited movie 'Sitaare Zameen Par' on June 20. Ahead of the release, the actor has now admitted that he faced pressure from many of his closest associates in the industry for choosing a theatrical release for the film. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Aamir about his decision to release 'Sitaare Zameen Par' in theatre In a recent conversation with India Today, Aamir Khan shared that legendary actor was the one who supported his decision to go for a theatrical release with 'Sitaare Zameen Par'. Khan elaborated on the pressure producers often face from OTT platforms to release films just eight weeks after their theatrical debut, calling it an unreasonable expectation. While he maintained that he holds no grudge against any platform, he questioned the logic of such a short window. 'I am a loyalist of cinema, and I believe in it. Yes, it's a big risk, and there's a lot [of money] involved. If I don't get that chunk of my pre-sales, and the film doesn't work, it could lead to a major loss. I did receive offers, but I turned them down because I want audiences to go to theatres and watch my film. I believe in cinema, and I believe in my audience,' said Khan. Sitaare Zameen Par Poster Reveals Tale of Special People, Fans Prepare for an Emotional Ride The actor admitted he would have been fine with a six-month window between theatrical and digital releases, but anything earlier undermines the cinema-going experience. The PK actor confessed that this choice was not an easy one. 'I was scared and unsure,' he admitted. Amitabh Bachchan's advice During Aamir and his son Junaid's appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati, they had dinner with Amitabh Bachchan, where they discussed the possibility of an OTT release for the movie. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Aamir candidly spoke about the dilemma he was facing. 'That night, when I met Mr Bachchan, I don't know what came over me, but I opened up to him about my concerns. I told him that friends and well-wishers all felt I wasn't making the right choice,' he said. Bachchan's response turned out to be the affirmation Aamir needed. 'He told me, 'Why aren't you doing it? You've always taken risks. You're a risk-taker.' All of us deeply respect Amit ji, and when he said that, it validated my belief,' he stated. About 'Sitaare Zameen Par' 'Sitaare Zameen Par', directed by R.S. Prasanna, also features Genelia D'Souza in a key role.
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Aamir Khan: Amitabh Bachchan encouraged Sitaare Zameen Par's theatre-only release
Aamir Khan took the world by surprise when he announced that his film Sitaare Zameen Par would be a theatrical-only release. The superstar reasoned that releasing a film on a digital platform just eight weeks after its theatrical debut is an unfair a recent group interview, when India Today asked Aamir how the industry reacted to his decision, he revealed that it was Amitabh Bachchan who encouraged him to take the risk and stick to his actor spoke about how OTT platforms today pressure producers to release their films for streaming within a very tight timeframe. While he stated that he has no issues with any platform, he doesn't find the timeline logical. Khan said he would have been comfortable with a six-month gap but would never want his film to be released digitally so soon after its theatrical run. 'I am a loyalist of cinema, and I believe in it. Yes, it's a big risk, and there's a lot [of money] involved. If I don't get that chunk of my pre-sales, and the film doesn't work, it could lead to a major loss. I did receive offers, but I turned them down because I want audiences to go to theatres and watch my film. I believe in cinema, and I believe in my audience,' said the Dangal Khan shared that while he hasn't spoken to many others in the industry, some of his close friends did try to change his mind. He admitted that although he isn't known for being practical, he was torn and quite scared. However, it was Amitabh Bachchan whose words helped him make the final actor-director revealed that he and his son Junaid Khan had won a dinner opportunity during their stint on Kaun Banega Crorepati. The host, Senior Bachchan, had invited them to his home three months back. Coincidentally, this was also when discussions about the film's OTT release were taking place within Aamir's team.'Everyone was suggesting we go the conventional way, but I was adamant about a theatre-only release. That night, when I met Mr Bachchan, I don't know what came over me, but I opened up to him about my concerns. I told him that friends and well-wishers all felt I wasn't making the right choice,' Aamir veteran actor advised Khan to trust his instincts, reminding him that he had always been a risk-taker. Aamir recalled, 'I was scared and unsure, but he told me, 'Why aren't you doing it? You've always taken risks. You're a risk-taker.' All of us deeply respect Amit ji, and when he said that, it validated my belief. That's when I decided to go ahead and release the film only in cinemas.'Aamir clarified that this decision applies only to 'Sitaare Zameen Par' for now. The production house will make decisions regarding future films after gauging the response to this one. Directed by RS Prasanna, the film also stars Genelia D'Souza and features a host of neurodivergent children. You May Also Like
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
Suneel Darshan wanted to make Jaanwar with Sunny Deol, but replaced him with Akshay Kumar after an ‘ugly' fallout: ‘Those issues are still pending'
From 1997 to 1999, Akshay Kumar experienced more failures than successes.. The spell broke when he starred in the film Jaanwar, where he played the role of Baadshah aka Babu Lohar. The movie became a commercial success, with many praising Akshay's performance. However, did you know Akshay was not the original choice for the film? According to filmmaker Suneel Darshan, the movie was originally written for Sunny Deol. Speaking to India Today, Suneel shared, 'The film was originally planned with Sunny Deol. We were nearly set to go ahead when we had a fallout over some very ugly issues. Those issues are still pending. So I decided to move forward and find someone else.' In the search for a leading hero, Suneel next approached Ajay Devgn. 'Ajay and I met on a Saturday and agreed on the film. We were supposed to finalise everything that Monday, but Sunday changed everything,' said the filmmaker. On Sunday, Suneel received a call from Akshay Kumar, whom he had never met. The filmmaker said, 'He was very keen to meet immediately. I invited him over, and he said he wanted to do Jaanwar. He asked me, 'Would you consider making the film with me?'' ALSO READ | Housefull 5 movie review: Akshay Kumar leads yet another loud, formulaic farce He added, 'Akshay was going through the worst phase of his career at the time. But I thought, 'Here's a good-looking, disciplined actor willing to give 100% of himself. He even told me, 'Sir, I will offer you 100% of myself.' That stayed with me.' Looking at Akshay Kumar's dedication towards this project he was never part of, Suneel Darshan decided to take the risk. Suneel shared, 'I knew I couldn't make money on his name then, but I believed in my ability to bring out his potential. I felt we'd strike a good rapport–and that would reflect on screen.' Suneel Darshan said, just like the male lead, the female lead was also finalised after several changes. After a fallout with Sunny Deol, Suneel decided to make the film with Ajay Devgn and Kajol in the lead roles. However, due to their decision to get married, the filmmaker cast Shilpa Shetty and Karisma Kapoor in the lead roles. 'Kajol was initially meant to be there too, In fact, both she and Ajay were supposed to be part of the film. But as destiny would have it, Ajay and Kajol decided to get married around that time. Tanuja ji called and informed me that it would be difficult for Kajol to do the film. I appreciated her honesty and professionalism. That led to Shilpa Shetty joining the cast, and the rest, as they say, is history.'
