End of an era: First Femina Miss India Meher Castelino passes away

Castelino is survived by her son Karl, daughter-in-law Nisha, and daughter Christina.

Born in Mumbai, Meher Castelino, also known as Meher Castelino Mistri, created history in 1964 when she was crowned the first-ever Femina Miss India, marking the beginning of what would become the country’s most prestigious beauty pageant.

Following her win at the inaugural edition, she went on to represent India at Miss Universe 1964 and other international beauty contests.

Beyond pageantry, Castelino built a distinguished career in fashion and lifestyle journalism, emerging as one of the early pioneers of fashion writing in India. She contributed extensively to Indian media and played a key role in shaping fashion reporting in the country.

Over the decades, she earned recognition for her dual legacy—as a trailblazer in Indian beauty pageants and as a senior journalist in fashion and lifestyle writing.

Mourning her demise, Femina Miss India said in an Instagram post, “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,” the post added.

“Our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones. May her soul rest in peace and her legacy forever shine.”