Is Miss Universe India the Biggest Marketing Scam?
- FC Team
- Aug 5, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 21, 2025
Miss Universe India's franchise owned by Glamanand's Founder, Nikhil Anand, has come under radar after the sudden withdrawals of Tamilnadu's Wildcard Contestants, Doctor Varshini Murugan and Ms Shivin Ganesan.
As pageant experts were debating the reasons for their unexpected withdrawals, there were chatters that the MUI Finalists were being used as marketing mules under the pretext of a Grand Finale. Minimalist, Hamster London, Clove Dental are some of the brands associated with Miss Universe India as sponsors.
Miss Universe India has been following a 10-day Grand Finale for decades, with the girls indulging in activities to prepare themselves in all verticals including - Ramp walk, Fitness, Make-up and Soft skills.
However, the 2025 edition took a different turn when Nikhil Anand changed it into a 30-day intense schedule where the 53 finalists were seen promoting brands and venue partners, shooting promotional videos during the day while shooting portfolios in the night with a 3-hour sleep routine.
In the latest photoshoot held at Samode Palace in Jaipur, the girls were asked to stay up from midnight for their makeup, fittings and photoshoot. They were seen shooting outdoor in a scorching 35-degree temperature wearing heavy lehengas for 16 hours with many girls fainting in the ordeal.
The fans have been debating this intense work schedule while comparing their western and eastern counterparts claiming that a 10-day Grand Finale is an optimum duration to prep and train the girls without compromising on their physical and mental health.
However, Nikhil Anand has paid no heed to the tradition and played his cards to suit his business needs. The Finalists were made to perform in National Jaipur University as part of their "Talent Round". The girls looked visibly uncomfortable with students hurtling lewd remarks as they gawked at them in different attires.
An activity that is conceptualised around showcasing a delegate's unique identity ended up becoming a classless fanfare where the girls were paraded in front of young adults for their amusement. In one word, a disgraceful objectification.
The show left a sour taste behind, stripping away the sanctity of a private Miss Universe Talent Round.
Nikhil Anand managed to crash land the National Costume Round where he was seen abruptly cancelling the show mid-way since all the costumes needed adjustments. We hear many Finalists were heartbroken at the way the event was handled since they paid 1.5 lakhs to Mr Nikhil for their costumes. Costume Partner - Sid Effects.
MUI's reluctance in providing a program schedule prior the show has made the entire pageantry community question their competence in delivering the most-awaited Grand Finale.
As many pageant experts have been criticising Nikhil Anand for reducing the girls to the status of influencers and show dolls in the name of pageantry, two Wildcard contestants from Tamilnadu and Maharashtra's Title Winner de-listed themselves from the competition - Doctor Varshini Murugan, Shivin Ganesan and Andleeb Zaidi
Shivin Ganesan has dropped an official statement citing safety concerns, favouritism and Nikhil Anand's dark intentions behind organising Gala dinners. Though support pours in for Shivin from Tamilnadu, few experts believe Shivin's statement has a ray of visible culture shock, insecurities of being overshadowed and a fear of dissolving into a dark horse in the competition.
But the pageant community is in a collective shock with Andleeb's withdrawal as she emerged as a frontrunner for the crown. She ended her MUI stint by posting a tearful reel stating that she is mentally, physically and emotionally drained.
Saving the biggest disaster for the last, two of the strongest NRI candidates, Maruschka Sahiboe and Chanchal Kaur withdrew their participation 2 hours before the preliminary competition, stating that Glamanand's contractual obligations do not align with their principles and value system.
These shocking withdrawals has made the entire pageant community urging Miss Universe Org to take action against Nikhil Anand for mismanagement.
Nikhil Anand's reply to the online allegations reeks of chauvinism, high-handedness and bullish misogyny.
He labels the withdrawers "toxic" for quitting and the fans "dramatic" for expressing their concern over the well-being of the Finalists. Nikhil makes no mention of the girls getting their due rest since his schedule allows no recovery time. He justifies the sleepless nights as a compensation for the luxurious gifts endowed by their sponsors.
The predicament continues till the Grand Finale as many Indian and International experts were shocked to find Fresher Favourites like Aishwarya Sreenivasan, Lucky Barrot and Saachi Kudale being turned down from a spot in Top 20 and pageant veterans like Ojasvi Sharma missing the Top 6 cut.
Saving the biggest shocker for the last, Ms Roosh Sindhu emerged as the 1st Runner-up after an undermining Q&A performance in which she misunderstood the question.
There is a talk in the backstage that pageant veteran, Ojasvi Sharma's performance was intentionally sabotaged by Nikhil Anand by forcing a used substandard gown on her and insisted the short haired diva to use hair extensions.
Anuska Ghosh, Miss Universe Odisha, is slapped with a 10 Lakh defamation suit by Nikhil Anand, as she openly criticised the organisation for asking her to underperform in the Preliminary Round.
Miss Amisha Kaushik, the 3rd Runner-up and the Winner of Miss Tourism India resigns in 24 hours.
While public at large question the relevance of pageantry in the current times, Nikhil Anand's snail-paced Grand Finale, dumbed down by brand promotions, has stolen the coveted shine off the crown. In this race for greed, fame and money, Nikhil Anand is the only Winner.
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