24 August,2026 03:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Urvashi Rautela. Pics via PTI
Urvashi Rautela certainly knows how to make an entrance, and her latest look at the Miss Universe India 2026 finale had the internet talking for more reasons than one. The actor and former beauty queen arrived in Jaipur in a dramatic tricolour-inspired gown, turning the colours of the Indian flag into a high-fashion statement that drew both praise and criticism online.
Serving as a jury member at the Miss Universe India 2026 finale, Urvashi stepped onto the stage in a strapless, figure-hugging gown featuring sweeping panels of saffron, white and deep green. The design sculpted her silhouette before flowing into a dramatic floor-length train.
The outfit also featured a blue circular motif inspired by the Ashoka Chakra, making the national inspiration behind the ensemble impossible to miss. Cascading silver crystal and pearl-like fringe added extra drama around her shoulder and upper arm, catching the light as she moved.
Keeping the rest of her look firmly in pageant territory, Urvashi paired the gown with oversized diamond drop earrings, chunky rings and layered silver-toned bangles. Defined eyes, sculpted cheeks, a rosy glow and a nude-pink lip completed her glam, while a sleek high ponytail ensured all attention remained on the dramatic outfit.
Explaining her fashion choice, Urvashi said, "I had said, I am India. So, I truly feel like an India today, and I'm wearing this dress, as you all can see, which is inspired by the national flag."
While several social media users appreciated the patriotic tribute and her bold interpretation of the tricolour, others were less impressed, with some calling the use of the national flag's imagery in a glamorous gown "disrespectful". The look has since divided opinion online, proving once again that Urvashi's fashion choices rarely go unnoticed.
The evening was also an emotional one for Urvashi, who returned to the pageant world as a judge for the third time. She shared the selection committee with her former mentor Sushmita Sen, who had crowned her when she won the Miss Universe India title in 2015.
Ahead of the finale, Urvashi recalled, "Many years ago, more than a decade ago, my first mentor, Sushmita Sen, she crowned me. When I won the title of Miss Universe India, she was my first guru."
She added, "Today, she and I are also joining this event. I really hope that I made her proud after my journey."
The Miss Universe India 2026 crown eventually went to Kerala's Kaziah Liz Mejo, who will now represent India at the international pageant. But on a night meant to celebrate a new queen, Urvashi's tricolour moment ensured she had a headline-making moment of her own.
