New Delhi: India’s first-ever Femina Miss India, crowned in 1964, Meher Castelino, has passed away at the age of 81.
The news of her passing was confirmed by the Miss India Organisation through an emotional social media statement. Announcing her death, the organisation wrote, “With profound sorrow, we mourn the passing of Meher Castelino, Femina Miss India 1964 and the very first Femina Miss India. A true trailblazer, she opened doors, set standards, and laid the foundation for generations of women to dream fearlessly. A pioneer in the truest sense, her legacy lives on through the journeys she made possible and the dreams she helped shape.”
They further added, “Our late Femina Miss India 1964, Meher Castelino, embodied an unmatched aura of grace, dignity, and quiet strength. A true trailblazer of her time, she not only made her mark in the fashion industry but also paved the way for generations of women who followed on this very stage. Her presence redefined elegance, and her journey became a beacon of inspiration for countless dreams. Her legacy lives on through the values she stood for. We honour Meher ji by carrying forward her quiet grace, resilience, and timeless elegance in everything we do.”
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Condolences have poured in following her demise. Miss India World 2025 Nandini Gupta reacted to the post, writing, “She paved the way for all of us. Rest in peace, ma’am.”
Who was Meher Castelino?
Meher Castelino was born in Mumbai and created history when she won the inaugural Femina Miss India title in 1964, shortly after graduating from Lawrence School, Lovedale. She went on to represent India on international platforms such as the Miss Universe and Miss United Nations contests, setting the tone for the country’s global pageant presence.
Castelino also built a remarkable career in fashion. A renowned commercial and catwalk model, she reportedly walked in over 2,000 live fashion shows across the world.
Beginning her writing journey with her first article for Eve’s Weekly in 1973, Castelino emerged as a pioneer of fashion journalism in India. Her work appeared in nearly 160 national and international publications. She later served as Fashion Editor for Gentlemen’s Fashion Quarterly, Flair, and Eve’s Weekly, and has been the official fashion writer for Lakmé Fashion Week since 2006.
She is survived by her son Karl, daughter-in-law Nisha, and daughter Christina.
