Crowned in History, Remembered in Legacy: Farewell to Meher Castelino

Updated: December 18, 2025 05:16

Image Source: IANS Live

India mourns the passing of Meher Castelino, crowned the first Femina Miss India in 1964. Beyond her beauty queen status, she became a respected fashion journalist, contributing to over 160 publications worldwide. At 81, Castelino leaves behind a legacy of elegance, intellect, and empowerment that shaped India’s fashion and pageant culture.

The Indian fashion and pageant fraternity is grieving the loss of Meher Castelino, who passed away at 81. Crowned Femina Miss India in 1964, she was the very first woman to hold the title, marking a historic moment in India’s cultural landscape. Her win not only symbolized beauty but also heralded a new era of confidence and representation for Indian women.

After her pageant triumph, Castelino transitioned into fashion journalism, becoming one of India’s earliest voices in the field. Her first article appeared in Eve’s Weekly in 1973, and over the decades, she contributed to 160 national and international publications, shaping India’s understanding of fashion trends, design, and cultural aesthetics. She was also a columnist for Mid-Day and a respected commentator on the evolution of Indian fashion.

Her career took her across the globe, with invitations to Germany, France, Italy, the USA, South Africa, and Turkey, where she represented India’s growing influence in fashion. The Miss India Organisation paid tribute, calling her a “trailblazer who opened doors, set standards, and laid the foundation for generations of women to dream fearlessly.”

Major Takeaways

Historic First: Crowned Femina Miss India 1964, the inaugural titleholder.

Fashion Journalism: Published in over 160 global and Indian outlets, pioneering the field.

Global Presence: Represented India at international fashion events and forums.

Legacy: Inspired generations of women in pageantry and fashion.

Tributes: Miss India Organisation and industry leaders hailed her as a trailblazer.

Conclusion

Meher Castelino’s passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy of elegance, intellect, and empowerment continues to inspire. From being India’s first Miss India to becoming a respected fashion journalist, she redefined what it meant to wear the crown—not just as a symbol of beauty, but of cultural leadership and fearless ambition.

Sources: Mid-Day, Free Press Journal, Times Now, Femina, India TV News, News18.

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