Meher Castelino, the first Femina Miss India crowned in 1964 and a pioneering fashion journalist, has died at 81. Know more about her journey from pageant history to shaping India’s fashion media.
Meher Castelino, the woman who made history as India’s first Femina Miss India, has passed away at the age of 81. She died on December 17, 2025, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in beauty pageants and fashion journalism.
Born in Mumbai, Castelino first rose to national prominence when she was crowned Femina Miss India in 1964 – a milestone moment in Indian pageant history at a time when beauty contests were just beginning to take shape in the country.
After winning the title, she went on to represent India at the Miss Universe and Miss United Nations contests, setting the stage for future generations of Indian beauty queens.
But her impact didn’t stop at the pageant world. In 1973, she began writing her first fashion article for Eve’s Weekly, and soon became a full-time fashion journalist and syndicated columnist. Over her long career, her work appeared in hundreds of national and international publications, shaping how fashion was viewed and discussed in India.
Castelino also authored several books on fashion, including Manstyle, Fashion Kaleidoscope and Fashion Musings, and served as the official fashion writer for major events such as Lakme Fashion Week. Her journalism spanned fashion, beauty, lifestyle and the business of style, earning her respect as a pioneering voice in Indian fashion media.
The Femina Miss India Organisation confirmed her passing with a heartfelt tribute, calling her a “true trailblazer” who “opened doors, set standards and laid the foundation for generations of women to dream fearlessly.” Here is the post:
The Mumbai Press Club also shared a statement that read, “A true pioneer of fashion journalism in India, her work appeared in nearly 160 national and international publications, shaping the country’s understanding of fashion over generations. Throughout her illustrious career, Meher was invited to Germany, France, Italy, the USA, South Africa, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Singapore to attend haute couture shows, interview renowned designers, and bring global perspectives to Indian audiences.”
It further said, “She also served as the official fashion writer for Lakmé Fashion Week since 2006, chronicling its journey with insight, depth, and elegance. Her immense contribution to journalism, her unwavering passion for the craft, and her warm, generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and worked with her.”
Meher Castelino is survived by her son Karl, daughter-in-law Nisha, and daughter Christina.
