I take immense pride in where I come from: Rajnandini Pawar

Rajnandini Pawar returned to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to an emotional and memorable welcome, with well-wishers, her family members, and friends coming together to celebrate her big win at the national stage. What added to the Marathi mulgi’s grand welcome at Kranti Chowk were the cultural touches — beats of dhol, nauvari sari-clad women, and men wearing phetas ushering the beauty queen with flowers. Reflecting on her journey, Rajnandini shared, “I left the city as a girl with so many dreams. To return home and see a sense of pride in my parents, is an incredible feeling. It was not just my dream that I am living right now, but my mother's, too. Nothing compares to that joy." Rajnandini won the 1st Runner Up crown at KIIT Bhubaneswar presents 61st Femina Miss India co-powered by Rajnigandha Pearls.

‘I take immense pride in where I come from’
She first paid respects to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Kranti Chowk, and then made her way to honour her late grandfather, Loknete Balasaheb Pawar, with floral tributes at his statue. “I never had the chance to meet my appa baba, but I have always felt connected to him through the inspiring stories I have heard about his life and work,” Rajnandini said, further adding, “One thing that my parents have always stressed on is the quality of being emotionally grounded. So, I take immense pride in where I come from. I love my culture.”

‘Awestruck to receive such warmth’
Rajnandini also spent time at Bhagwan Baba Balika Aashram, where she shared heartfelt moments with children. “My parents instilled the value of giving back to society, early on in life. I was deeply touched to meet these young, enthusiastic girls and spend some quality time. It was wonderful interacting with them and talking about life, dreams, and ambitions,” she shared. From conversations and lively dance sessions to a cake-cutting ceremony, Rajnandini’s visit to her dance studio turned into a celebration filled with smiles and unforgettable memories. “Dance has always been a huge part of my life. I joined the studio when I was around 10 years old. It felt so special to reconnect with my mentor, school teachers, and, of course, make fun reels with the students,” shared the beauty queen. She also visited MGM University as a chief guest and interacted with the students. “I was awestruck to receive such warmth and appreciation. They gifted me a hand-painted portrait. In the end, being able to inspire young people made the entire visit truly fulfilling,” shared Rajnandini.

‘I missed maa ke haath ka khana’
Happy to be back home with her parents, Rajnandini said, “Home feels like a haven. I can’t put my emotions into words. I had never been away from home for this long, so I really missed my family and my maa ke haath ka khana. The first thing I ate after reaching home was biryani because I have a soft corner for it. My mother has been cooking different dishes every day, and I have been enjoying every bit of it.” Rajnandini, who represented Maharashtra in the pageant, added that none of her life decisions have been unintentional. “I participated in many competitions before braving this pageant. And every experience has helped me evolve and become a better version of myself. I have always had a clear vision and made conscious choices. So, I was quite prepared. For me, participation has never been just about being there. I am always in it to win it,” added Rajnandini.

The Mass Media and Communication graduate from Pune shared, “My homecoming would be incomplete without visiting the school and colleges that have shaped my journey.” When asked whether venturing into showbiz is next on the cards, she replied, “I enrolled in Mass Media and Communication to study the nuances of film direction. However, I have been a performer since the age of 10, so the spotlight attracts me as well. I enjoy being behind the camera just as much as being in front of it.” When asked about her inspiration when it comes to beauty pageant winners, her instant reply was Priyanka Chopra Jonas. “Her choices and relentless pursuit of ambition inspire me deeply. It is commendable how she has carved her niche globally,” she added.