MRS INDIA 2026 IN THE TIMES OF INDIA

In an era where beauty pageants have evolved beyond glamour to become platforms for empowerment, the true measure of success is no longer the crown alone but the transformation it inspires. While audiences often remember the glittering finale and the crowning moment, some prestigious pageants continue to redefine what these celebrations stand for – championing confidence, resilience and purpose. One such platform is Mrs India International Queen 2026, conceptualised and organised by Ankita Saroha, Founder and Director of Mrs India International Queen. Over the years, it has established itself as a remarkable journey of self-discovery, empowering married women to rediscover their confidence, embrace leadership and unlock new possibilities, proving that the most meaningful victory lies in the person they become long after the crown is awarded.The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi was the venue for the Grand Finale of this popular beauty pageant for married women where Bollywood actress Neelam Kothari Soni and Director of Mrs India International Queen Ankita Saroha crowned Dhanashri Joshi Deshmukh from Delhi as the Winner of Mrs India International Queen 2026 and Mira Gadhia from Dubai as the Winner of Classic Mrs India International Queen 2026. Beyond these prestigious titles, the winning contestants received ₹1 lakh prize money each.Monisha Sreekanth from Singapore won Mrs India International Queen 2026 1st Runner-up along with prize money Rs 50,000 and Elanor Rajendran from Singapore won Classic Mrs India International Queen 2026 1st Runner-up along with prize money Rs 50,000.Ayushi Sharma from Madhya Pradesh won Mrs India International Queen 2026 2nd Runner-up – along with prize money Rs 25000 and Dr. Alice Mathew from Kerala won Classic Mrs India International Queen 2026 1st Runner-up along with prize money ₹50,000.There were many runner-up’s & subtitles’ winners in different categories.Anjli, Ayushi Sharma, Dhanashri Joshi Deshmukh, Swastika Sharma, Chithira Shaiju, Monisha Sreekanth Nair, Aarti Raniwala, Dr Alice Mathew, Elanor Rajendran, Dr Priyanka Dwivedi, Susan Thomas, Dr Sarita Kumari Singh, Sangeeta Paul, Mira Gadhia, Dr Kiran Dhankhar and Ravinder Kaur were selected in the Top 16.Speaking about the vision behind the initiative, Founder and Director Ankita Saroha said, “After marriage, many women leave their dreams behind because of family and responsibilities. This platform gives every woman a chance to move forward and live her dreams.” Highlighting the pageant’s remarkable growth, she added, “We started in 2020 with just 30 contestants. This year, we welcomed 91 participants. It is possible because of the love and trust people have shown us.” Reiterating the pageant’s philosophy, she said, “Be Strong. Be Confident. Be You.”Unlike conventional beauty pageants, Mrs India International Queen focuses not only on outer beauty but on a woman’s inner beauty through personality development as much as a life skill. Every contestant completed weeks of structured learning aimed at helping them grow personally and professionally. Contestants were put through rigorous grooming sessions that helped them become more confident in communication, public speaking, stage presence and leadership as well as learning how to express themselves.The learning experience was led by industry experts. Rickyy Wong, official choreographer and catwalk trainer from Malaysia, trained the contestants on how to walk the runway with confidence.Self-defence trainer Pradeep Negi hosted sessions that covered personal safety and helped them feel confident.Dermatologist & Aesthetician Dr Sonal Bansal, Founder of Dermaspace Skin Clinic, held a beauty and wellness session. Radha Rai, Winner of MIIQ 2024 and Meditation expert, taught meditation to contestants. Mahak Dhingra, MIIQ 2024 1st Runner-up, hosted a session on financial independence. And last but not least, Lavleen Kaur, Founder of The Image Kraft, who has also been an official image consultant for MIIQ 2026, taught contestants about personal branding, professional etiquette and image management.The contestants had professional beauty and grooming experience throughout their pageant journey from Orane International Janakpuri as the Official Makeup Sponsor of the event.Vipin Gaur, Official Celebrity Fashion Photographer, captured the portfolio shoot of contestants.Throughout the event journey and on the grand finale, the contestants were then judged by an esteemed panel of a jury composed of past winners and respected personalities, which demonstrated their confidence, communication skills, and commitment to social impact.The judging panel, comprising former titleholders including

The organisers expressed sincere thanks to the prominent mentors and official sponsors of the Mrs India International Queen platform. The event could not have been successful without their contribution.

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