Meher Castelino, the trailblazing beauty queen who became the inaugural Femina Miss India in 1964 and later emerged as one of the country’s most influential fashion journalists, passed away on December 16, 2025, in Mumbai. She was 81.
Early Life and Historic Pageant Victory
Born in Mumbai, Castelino graduated from the prestigious Lawrence School in Lovedale before making history as the winner of the first-ever Femina Miss India pageant. Her victory marked the beginning of organized beauty contests in independent India, setting a precedent for grace and poise on national and international stages. She represented the country at Miss Universe 1964 in the United States and the Miss United Nations contest in Spain, navigating the global spotlight with quiet dignity at a time when Indian participation in such events was rare.
Transition to Modelling and Journalism
After a successful modelling career spanning over 14 years, during which she appeared in more than 2,000 live fashion shows worldwide, Castelino pivoted to journalism. Her first article appeared in Eve’s Weekly in 1973, launching a decades-long dedication to the field. As a syndicated columnist and fashion editor for publications including Gentlemen’s Fashion Quarterly, Flair, and Eve’s Weekly, she contributed to nearly 160 national and international outlets, earning recognition as a true pioneer of fashion journalism in India.
Global Reach and Enduring Contributions
Castelino’s expertise took her to haute couture shows in countries including France, Italy, Germany, the United States, South Africa, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Singapore, where she interviewed leading designers and brought international trends to Indian readers. From 2006 onward, she served as the official fashion writer for Lakmé Fashion Week, documenting its growth into one of Asia’s premier platforms with insightful commentary. A multi-award winner, she also acted as an external examiner at Pearl Academy and judged for prominent fashion institutes and awards.
She authored several influential books on Indian fashion, including Fashion Kaleidoscope (1994), Manstyle (1987), and the witty Fashion Musings (2020), which offered a humorous take on the industry through a unique Q&A format.
Legacy and Family
Remembered for her sharp wit, generosity, and joie de vivre, Castelino inspired generations of women in pageantry, modelling, and journalism. The Femina Miss India Organisation hailed her as a trailblazer who “opened doors, set standards, and laid the foundation for generations of women to dream fearlessly.”
She is survived by her son Karl, daughter-in-law Nisha, and daughter Christina.
Hasnain Naqvi is a former member of the history faculty at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
~Hasnain Naqvi is a former member of the history faculty at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
