From the historic lanes of Ujjain to the global spotlight, Nikita Porwal Femina Miss India World is carrying much more than a crown to the Miss World stage. A theatre artist, playwright, author, and emerging actor, she has built her career on storytelling, discipline, and a deep connection to her roots. Her ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ initiative, MAATI, reflects her belief that visibility must translate into opportunity for those who need it most. Nikita Porwal, Femina Miss India World will represent India at Miss World 2026 in Vietnam Nikita speaks about ambition, consistency, theatre, tribal empowerment, staying grounded and the responsibility of becoming a role model. Here is an exclusive interview with her.
You made history as the first woman from Madhya Pradesh to win the Femina Miss India title. Looking back, how has Ujjain and your home state shaped the person you are today?
Ujjain has had a significant impact on shaping me. But what I find more meaningful today is that I am trying to create possibilities for women in my home state. Earlier, they would ask, “Can I become Miss Femina India?” Now they ask, “How can we become Miss India?” I think that is the change that came after I won it for my state for the first time, and I am really proud of that.
You are now preparing to represent India at Miss World in Vietnam. What does representing India on such a global stage mean to you?
I am so excited to set foot in Vietnam. There will be people and delegates from around 130 countries, and the best part is that we will all be on the same page. I will be meeting 130 sisters who have the same jitters, the same butterflies and the same feelings. I can’t wait to have that moment of understanding with my Miss World sisters.
The preparation for a global pageant is rigorous and demanding. How has this journey transformed you personally and professionally?
I have always been someone who relied on a lot of dopamine kicks, but this journey has taught me the value of consistency. I have been waiting for this for one and a half years, and that has taught me to keep trying and to keep doing the same routine for one and a half years. Your motivation can fade in a month or two, but the consistency the Miss World and Miss India journeys have taught me is something I think will take me a long way. It is probably my biggest strength now.
Your Beauty With A Purpose initiative, MAATI, is particularly close to your heart. What inspired it, and what impact do you hope it will create?
I come from a state which has the largest tribal population in the country, and they very lovingly call me the “daughter of the soil.” I take that title with so much pride, but I realised that if they call me the daughter of the soil, my greatest responsibility lies towards the keepers of that soil. That is how MAATI was born. When I used to visit the tribal villages, I was fascinated by the jungles. But when I visited the heart of these forests, I realised that the scenic beauty I had gone to the forest for held a very uncomfortable truth. The tribal communities closest to our soil are often farthest from necessities such as clean water, hygiene, menstrual education, opportunities and food supplements. All these things are being addressed through MAATI.
We started by listening to their stories first because there are so many assumptions and misconceptions about tribal communities. It was important for me to break the ice, go to those places repeatedly and build trust, especially with the women. I would end up in their kitchens, listening to their stories and struggles. That is how I chalked out the plan for MAATI—by listening first and then empowering them enough to have their own voice.
I strongly feel that tribal women and children are already equipped with a strong voice. They need visibility and more opportunities, and that is what we are trying to give them through MAATI.
MAATI is also associated with the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences. Tell us about that experience.
KISS is one of the most inspiring models of tribal empowerment. Around 40,000 tribal students are studying within its ecosystem, where they receive not just education, accommodation and food, but holistic development. I got to witness that strength firsthand. One of the most cherished moments of my journey was when 40,000 tribal children created a human formation of Vishnu Universal. It is a memory I will cherish for a lifetime.
Your journey as a theatre artist is one of the most fascinating aspects of your profile. What first drew you to theatre?
Theatre has helped me tremendously, including in my pageant journey. I have done more than 60 productions and plays. When you put yourself in the shoes of different characters, you tend to become a more empathetic and understanding person.Theatre has taught me the power of storytelling, human relatability and understanding. You don’t judge your character or make assumptions about them—even if you are playing the antagonist. That has been a very important lesson for me.
You also studied dramatics and have built a strong foundation in the performing arts. How has theatre influenced your approach towards your career?
I strongly feel that theatre can make you a more understanding and relatable person. When you put yourself in the shoes of different characters and people from different walks of life, you automatically become more understanding.Theatre has taught me the power of storytelling, authenticity, and the ability to be like a sponge, absorbing characters without judging them or making assumptions. I believe in listening. I believe in making people feel relatable, listened to and valued. I think I have got that from theatre.
Theatre has also taught me that for the five or ten minutes of spotlight you get in a scene, it takes a lot of people to get you there. It is the backstage that matters the most. Even in the glamour and spotlight of a pageant, there is a very strong behind-the-scenes effort that involves consistency, heart, and soul.
You portrayed Maa Sita at a very young age before an audience of nearly 10,000 people. What does that experience mean to you today?
I was very young when I started playing Maa Sita. I still remember that, for someone around 18 years old, having 10,000 people see you not as a character, not as an actor or performer, but as their Maa Sita—that feeling itself was surreal. Even today I get goosebumps talking about it. It is one of the most humbling experiences of my life, and I will always cherish it. It will always have a sacred place in my heart.
You also founded your own theatre company. What inspired you to take that entrepreneurial step, and what has theatre taught you beyond acting?
I have always been a very creative person. I served as the creative director of my first theatre company. We planned the production elements, set direction and costumes. Theatre is not just about acting. A lot is happening behind the scenes to make one lead look like a lead in the spotlight. I have done everything—from set and costume design to production work, from being part of the ensemble to playing the lead. I think theatre has given me all sorts of experiences and shaped a major part of my personality.
You are now transitioning from theatre to cinema. What kind of stories and characters would you like to explore on screen?
Right now, I have just stepped into cinema, and I really want to try my hand at everything—all kinds of characters and roles that I can play. I don’t want to limit myself to certain roles, at least for the first five years. Later, once I have experienced a variety of characters, I will probably have a plan for the kind of characters I want to play or the industry I want to work in. But right now, I am open to accepting whatever comes my way and giving it my 100 per cent.
You wrote your first book at just eight years old, and later wrote the 350-page Krishna Leela. Where does this extraordinary love for storytelling come from?
I have always been fascinated by storytelling. I have been very fascinated by the life of Sri Krishna. I read so many pictures and stories about him before writing Krishna Leela. I wrote the 350 pages in about 18–19 days, and it remains one of the most cherished experiences of my life because I learned so much about Krishna. I also got to give birth to my own character, Radha, and I play Radha. That has been an incredible experience and has changed the way I think about myself.
You have now reached a stage of tremendous recognition. How do you continue to stay grounded?
Being grounded and humble comes very naturally to me because I have always been a theatre actor. Even a lead cleans the set, picks up the properties and helps set things up. All those experiences from my stage journey have taught me to be humble. Even if I have this ground right now, I wouldn’t hesitate to do something or help anybody with my whole heart.
What message would you like to give to young people in India, particularly Gen Z?
I have seen the power of Gen Z when they come together for a cause. They can actually move mountains, recreate reforms and make a way for the generations that follow. I have huge respect for what Gen Z has been doing. My message would be: keep going with the pure heart that you have and the dedication you put into the causes that matter. Even if the results don’t show immediately, they will pile up and, somewhere down the line, they will pay you back. One should not hesitate to give everything to their journey without worrying about the outcome.
Finally, what would you tell every young dreamer watching you represent India on the Miss World stage?
No limitation can stop you. The only thing that can stop you from becoming or chasing what you want is yourself. My advice would be: never put yourself in a box. Never put yourself in a box of adjectives. If I keep thinking, “I can’t do this because I’m not punctual” or “I can’t do this because I’m not good at it,” all these adjectives are hazardous to your mental health.
A strong mind is the mind of a dreamer and a go-getter.