With a nearly six-decade of transforming the lives of
young talented women who have become icons in the glamour and fashion industry, Femina Miss India 2020 will go digital in 2020 with new title sponsor.

The pageant in
its virtual format, has launched a nationwide hunt to select
representatives each from the 28 states and a representative from Delhi, Jammu
& Kashmir besides a collective representative from the Union Territories
making for a total of 31 finalists, reads a statement.

These shortlisted finalists will be mentored by former
beauty queen and actress Neha Dhupia who is very excited about the event.

“Each year as the journey of Femina Miss India begins, it
brings back all the memories of the priceless experiences I’ve had with this
pageant. It’s almost like re-living every moment of my journey with these young
glamorous girls who are so full of enthusiasm and capability to take on the
world with power and elegance. Certainly, there are challenges with the digital
process in the wake of the pandemic, however, I’m confident it will be as
exciting and worthwhile irrespective of the layout,” said the actress.

Subsequently, the girls will be further shortlisted and
will arrive in Mumbai to compete for the coveted crown at the Grand Finale in
February 2021.

The winner of the event will represent India at the Miss
World pageant. The runner up too will stand a chance to represent the country
at International Pageant – Miss Grand International. 

Talking about the event, Rohit Gopakumar, COO, Miss
India Organization said, “57 glorious years of Miss India have been privy
to several emotions, lots of glamour, immense talent and incredible competitive
spirit. This platform has changed many deserving lives and opened avenues that
may have once seemed far to reach. It’s what makes this pageant so special.”

“This time the format of the competition has shifted into
the digital space and while it may seem challenging for everyone involved, we
are looking forward to a thrilling experience and another young exuberant
winner who will hold the capacity to bring the Miss World crown to India, yet
again.”

For this year, the height criterion has been eased
lowering the limit from 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 3 inches.

Some of the previous winners who made India proud on the
international platform are Reita Faria (1966), Aishwarya Rai (1994), Diana
Hayden (1997), Yukta Mookhey (1999), Priyanka Chopra (2000), and Manushi
Chhillar (2017)

Interestingly, this year, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Dia
Mirza complete 20 years of winning their Miss India titles.