Transwoman Navya Singh to compete for Miss Universe India Crown

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Navya Singh, a promising force in the entertainment and fashion industry, is all set to break barriers once again, having been chosen as one of the top 11 finalists from the Maharashtra finale of the prestigious Miss Universe India 2024 pageant. She stood as a finalist among 100 participants in Maharashtra and has now competed against contestants from different states on September 11.

Navya’s journey is not just about beauty, but about rewriting history, as this year marks the first time that trans-women will participate in the pageant – with Navya alongside two other contestants from Chennai and Delhi – competing against cisgender women, making this a powerful moment of inclusivity and representation.

“I’m honored to be part of a platform like the Miss Universe India pageant, which is embracing diversity in such a powerful way. This opportunity is not just a personal milestone, but a breakthrough moment for all trans-women and the marginalized communities a large. I hope my experience sparks inspiration for others to proudly own their identity, be who they are, and keep pushing forward for the recognition they deserve,” says Navya Singh.

Navya, who has already made waves on the small screen with her significant role in Colors TV’s Krishna Mohini, wherein she portrayed Anuradha, a trans-woman professor who leaves a lasting impact on the lives of the lead characters Krishna and Mohini, is no stranger to breaking moulds and defying expectations. Born in Katihar, Bihar, Navya’s rise to fame has been a journey of resilience, courage and determination – she experienced gender dysphoria as a teenager and in 2011 she moved to Mumbai, where she decided to undergo sex reassignment surgery to fully embrace her true identity.

Reflecting on Sushmita Sen’s Miss Universe victory 30 years ago, Navya shares, “Sushmita Sen has always been a guiding light for me. I closely followed her journey from the moment she stepped onto the stage. At just 18, she had her own fears to face, and I’m definitely feeling my share of nerves right now. But each day, I remind myself—if Sushmita, who’s such an icon today, could conquer her fears, so can I. Letting fear win means I’m giving up on myself, and I refuse to let that happen.”

Her journey from Bihar to the glamour and glitz of the fashion world began in 2016 when she made her debut at Lakme Fashion Week as the only trans-woman to participate in the event, and since then, she has never looked back. Walking for top designers like Wendell Rodricks and Archana Kochhar and serving as a showstopper at groundbreaking events like the Bombay Times Fashion Week, Navya has become a symbol of progress and inclusivity, inspiring people across India and beyond.

During the Q&A round at the selection process in Maharashtra, Navya was asked about the influence of fairness products on the Indian market. Fearlessly, she responded, “Har kisi ko gori ladki chahiye, saavli nahin… whether it’s in the glamour industry, for marriage or something else. And many of these fairness creams aren’t even FDA (Food & Drug Administration)-approved! They contain mercury, which can cause cancer.”

As Navya prepares to compete for the Miss Universe India crown, she remains committed to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. She believes in the importance of authentic representation, urging that real-life trans-women be given opportunities to showcase their talents on the big screen, where, for too long, cis-gender actresses have been cast in roles of trans-women. Navya’s message is clear: equality, acceptance and progress are non-negotiable, and her journey is proof that no dream is too big if only one has the courage to pursue it.