Urvashi Rautela knows how to steal the spotlight wherever she goes, and the Miss Universe India 2026 finale was no exception. The actress and former beauty queen made an eye-catching appearance in Jaipur in a dramatic a tricolour-inspired gown, turning the Indian flag’s iconic hues into a glamorous fashion statement, which left the internet divided.
Urvashi Rautela stuns in tri-colour gown
As one of the jury members at this year’s Miss Universe India finale, Urvashi brought a patriotic touch to the stage in a dazzling tricolour-inspired gown. The figure-hugging, strapless silhouette featured sweeping panels of saffron, white and deep green that sculpted her frame before flowing into a dramatic floor-grazing train.
The ensemble further showcased a blue circular motif inspired by the Ashoka Chakra, giving the otherwise glamorous creation a clear national identity. The gown was completed with cascading silver crystal and pearl-like fringe that spilled across her shoulder and upper arm, creating movement whenever she moved under the lights.
Urvashi kept the accessories equally statement-making, adding oversized drop diamond earrings, layered silver-toned bangles and chunky rings. Her beauty look stayed firmly in pageant territory, with sharply defined eyes, sculpted cheeks, a rosy glow and a soft nude-pink lip. A sleek, high ponytail completed the styling, keeping her face, neckline and dramatic shoulder detail completely visible.
Speaking about the outfit, Urvashi, who judged Miss Universe India for the third time, said, "I had said, I am India. So, I truly feel like an India today, and I'm wearing this dress, as you all can see, which is inspired by the national flag."
While the look made headlines, it has also sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some praised the patriotic tribute and its bold interpretation of the national flag, others found it "disrespectful".
Urvashi's emotional shoutout to Sushmita Sen
The evening also carried a personal significance for Urvashi. As a former Miss Universe India titleholder, she recalled her own pageant journey and her connection with Sushmita Sen, who was part of this year's selection committee.
Ahead of the finale, Urvashi described the occasion as emotional, particularly because Sushmita had crowned her when she won the Miss Universe India title in 2015.
As reported by ANI, she expressed, "We really can't wait for the girl who is going to represent our country in Miss Universe. She is going to represent us in Miss Universe. It's very emotional for me as well. Many years ago, more than a decade ago, my first mentor, Sushmita Sen, she crowned me. When I won the title of Miss Universe India, she was my first guru. Today, she and I are also joining this event. I really hope that I made her proud after my journey."
The finale ultimately saw Kaziah Liz Mejo from Kerala crowned Miss Universe India 2026, with reigning titleholder Manika Vishwakarma passing on the national crown.
