First Femina Passes Away At 81: Meher Castelino Dies, Leaving a Lasting Legacy

First Femina Passes Away At 81: India’s First Miss India and Fashion Journalism Pioneer Meher Castelino Dies

First Femina Passes Away At 81: Remembering Meher Castelino

India is mourning the loss of a true pioneer as Meher Castelino, the country’s first Femina Miss India, passed away at the age of 81. Her death marks the end of an era that witnessed the birth of India’s modern fashion identity and the rise of women who dared to redefine ambition, elegance, and voice.

Meher Castelino is survived by her son Karl, her daughter-in-law Nisha, and her daughter Christina. Tributes have poured in from across the fashion and media worlds, remembering her as a woman of grace, intellect, and quiet determination.

India’s First Femina Miss India

Crowned Femina Miss India in 1964, Meher Castelino became the first woman to hold the prestigious title. At a time when beauty pageants were still finding acceptance in Indian society, her win symbolized confidence, poise, and changing aspirations for women.

Her victory did more than earn a crown — it opened doors for generations of women to step into public life with dignity and self-belief. As the First Femina Passes Away At 81, her historic role in shaping the Miss India legacy is being widely remembered and honoured.

A Trailblazer in Fashion Journalism

While many remember Meher Castelino for her pageant success, her most enduring contribution came through her work as a fashion journalist. She published her first article in Eve’s Weekly in 1973, marking the beginning of a writing career that would span decades.

She soon became a full-time fashion journalist and syndicated columnist, dedicating her life to documenting fashion with insight, cultural sensitivity, and global awareness. Her writing played a crucial role in educating Indian readers about fashion as an art form rather than mere glamour.

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A Global Voice for Indian Fashion

Meher Castelino’s journalism took her across the world. She was invited to attend haute couture shows and fashion events in Germany, France, Italy, the United States, South Africa, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Singapore.

Through interviews with renowned designers and firsthand coverage of international fashion weeks, she brought global perspectives to Indian audiences at a time when such exposure was rare. Her work appeared in nearly 160 national and international publications, making her one of the most widely published fashion journalists in India.

Chronicler of Lakmé Fashion Week

From 2006 onwards, Meher Castelino served as the official fashion writer for Lakmé Fashion Week. She chronicled the evolution of the event with depth, clarity, and elegance, capturing not just trends but the stories behind designers, craftsmanship, and creativity.

Her writing helped position Lakmé Fashion Week as a serious fashion platform, both within India and globally. Colleagues often described her work as thoughtful, balanced, and deeply respectful of the craft.

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Remembered for Grace and Generosity

Beyond her professional achievements, Meher Castelino was known for her warmth and generosity. Many young writers and designers credit her encouragement and mentorship as instrumental in their journeys.

The Femina Miss India Organisation confirmed the news of her passing with an emotional statement, describing her as a trailblazer who “opened doors, set standards, and laid the foundation for generations of women to dream fearlessly.”

They highlighted her unmatched aura of grace, dignity, and quiet strength, noting that her presence redefined elegance and became a beacon of inspiration for countless dreams.

A Legacy That Lives On

As the First Femina Passes Away At 81, Meher Castelino’s legacy lives on not only in the history books but in the lives she influenced. She was a woman who transitioned seamlessly from beauty queen to intellectual voice, proving that substance and style could coexist powerfully.

Her life journey reflects courage, curiosity, and commitment — values that continue to inspire women in fashion, media, and beyond.

Meher Castelino was not just India’s first Miss India.
She was a storyteller of style, a pioneer of perspective, and a symbol of timeless elegance.

Her voice may now be silent, but her impact will resonate for generations to come.

 

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