Crowned But Crushed : Why Rachel Gupta Walked Away From Miss Grand International With Explosive Claims

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At 21, Rachel Gupta stood on the international stage in Bangkok wearing the Miss Grand International crown-a first for India. Seven months later, she returned to headlines for relinquishing the same title, citing mistreatment and unmet commitments. Her journey from stage lights to stepping down has sparked wider conversations about what really unfolds behind the glamour of global pageantry.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/_rachelgupta/

Roots In Punjab, Vision Beyond Borders

Born on 23 January 2004 in Patiala, Rachel was raised in Jalandhar, Punjab, in a household led by business professionals-her father, Rajesh Aggarwal, managing supply chains, and her mother, Jennifer Gupta, running a lifestyle retail business. Rachel, along with her younger sister Rhea, grew up in an environment shaped by ambition and accountability.

Her first major step into the international spotlight came in September 2022, when she competed at the Miss Supertalent of the World pageant in Paris. The event, held at Pavilion Cambon alongside Paris Fashion Week, featured contenders from 50 countries. Wearing a midnight-blue gown with architectural detailing, Rachel took home the crown-an early sign of her ability to make an impression on global juries.

Jaipur Breakthrough And A String Of Honours

Two years later, she entered the national spotlight. In May 2024, the Glamanand Group named her a finalist for Miss Grand India. What followed was months of rigorous training-catwalk rehearsals, vocal coaching, and cultural costume trials.

On 11 August 2024, at Zee Studios in Jaipur, she clinched the Miss Grand India title. She also won several sub-categories including Miss Top Model, Best in Ramp Walk, Beauty with a Purpose, and Best National Costume. Her performance was characterised by precision, presence, and a clear focus on the responsibility the crown carried.

Thailand : A Historic Victory

Representing India at Miss Grand International in Thailand later that year, Rachel competed from late September to 25 October. Her public speaking stood out in the final rounds, where she spoke about empathy in conflict resolution-articulating her thoughts with a steady tone and structured argument.

On 25 October 2024, she was crowned by outgoing titleholder Luciana Fuster of Peru. She became the first Indian, and only the third Asian, to win this particular crown. Celebrations followed across Indian cities. Social media filled with reels of her crowning moment, and a mural in her honour appeared on a wall near Jalandhar's Model Town market.

A Role That Extended Beyond The Runway

During her tenure, Rachel attended the Miss Grand Suraburi 2025 event as a guest and spent time supporting the Foundation for Slum Child Care in Bangkok. Her donation of essential supplies worth 10,000 Thai Baht helped fund basic necessities for under-resourced families. Her photos from the visit showed her in an embroidered ivory kurta, sitting cross-legged with children, assembling school kits.

A Post That Unfolded The Backstory

On 28 May 2025, Rachel posted a series of monochrome portraits on Instagram. Her caption revealed her decision to resign, explaining that she had experienced "unpleasant treatment" throughout her reign. She referenced unfulfilled agreements, emotional strain, and an organisational culture she described as hostile.

She made it clear that the decision wasn't abrupt-it had followed repeated internal conflicts and a steady erosion of trust.

Organisational Fallout

Shortly after her announcement, the Miss Grand International Organisation released an official statement terminating her reign. They accused her of violating the terms of her contract by skipping a mandatory trip to Guatemala and engaging in independent assignments without prior consent.

Within days, Christine Juliane Opiaza from the Philippines-who had been the first runner-up-was named the new Miss Grand International 2024. The abrupt nature of the change stirred sharp reactions online, with followers questioning the treatment of titleholders once the cameras stop rolling.

Leaving With Her Principles Intact

Rachel's departure has shifted the spotlight from titles to transparency. Her experience has opened up dialogue around the conditions beauty queens face once the spotlight dims. Many in the industry, both current contestants and former titleholders, have quietly echoed similar concerns.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/_rachelgupta/

While her reign ended earlier than expected, Rachel's decision to speak publicly-on her own terms-adds a layer of clarity to a profession often shrouded in silence.

Closing Thoughts : A Chapter That Redefined The Role

Rachel Gupta's time as Miss Grand International didn't unfold as expected. But her decision to walk away has reframed what success can look like. She competed, she won, and when the role no longer aligned with her values, she chose clarity over continuation. Whether on stage or off it, she continues to define her own direction-and that in itself is a mark of strength.