Picture this: a spectacular evening of elegance, culture, and sheer empowerment lighting up the stage in Dubai, where Mangalurean women from across the Middle East celebrated their grace and talent like never before. The Mangalore Diva Middle East Miss & Mrs 2025 pageant wasn't just an event—it was a heartfelt tribute to strength and pride. But here's where it gets controversial: while some see pageants like this as empowering platforms for women to shine, others argue they can reinforce traditional beauty standards that don't represent everyone. And this is the part most people miss—these competitions often spark deeper conversations about confidence, cultural heritage, and what it truly means to be a 'diva' in today's world. If you're curious about how beauty contests blend glamour with real-world relevance, keep reading as we dive into the details of this unforgettable night.
Held on November 1 at the luxurious Hotel Ramee Dream Downtown in Dubai, the grand finale of the Mangalore Diva Middle East Miss & Mrs 2025 pageant unfolded with dazzling energy. The winners were honored by Ronald Colaco and Jean Colaco, while the runners-up were presented with their accolades by Lanchu Lal from Astra Group and Samata Amin, adding a touch of prestige to the proceedings.
This fabulous gathering was brought to life by organizer Priya Fernandes of Priya Fashions, teaming up with Dechamma Poonacha, Sabitha Carlo, and Gautham Bangera, alongside key team members Pavithra Shetty and Manoj Shetty. To prepare the contestants, the event included two full days of dedicated grooming and self-confidence workshops. Expert facilitators like Rhea Gopal, founder of Movementerra, led sessions on movement and expression; Preeti D’Souza focused on building self-awareness to help participants understand their inner strengths; and Laxmi Sherin guided them in cultivating self-confidence, even introducing the event's founding members for inspiration. For beginners wondering about these workshops, think of them as boot camps where women learn not just how to walk confidently but also how to carry themselves with poise in everyday life, turning potential nervousness into powerful self-assurance.
The night was all about honoring the beauty, poise, and skills of Mangalurean women living in the Middle East, who competed in exciting rounds that showcased their versatility. Contestants dazzled the lively crowd through Ethnic, Fusion, and Western categories, blending fashion flair with cultural elements and radiating confidence. Imagine, for example, how the Ethnic round highlighted traditional Tulunadu attire—think vibrant saris and unique regional designs that tell stories of heritage—while the Fusion round mixed modern twists, and the Western round featured chic gowns that emphasized global elegance.
Let's spotlight the champions:
In the Mrs Category:
- Winner: Minu Jose
- 1st Runner-up: Nayana Shetty
- 2nd Runner-up: Asmitha Kotian
In the TIA Miss Category:
- Winner: Tanushree Shetty
- 1st Runner-up: Shirley Crasta
- 2nd Runner-up: Cynthia D’Souza
The evening was elevated by the presence of distinguished guests, such as Dr. Ronald Colaco and Jean Colaco, Lanchu Lal, CEO of Astra Group, Dr. Bu Abdullah, chairman of the Bu Abdullah Group, and Kannan Ravi, founder and chairman of the Kannan Ravi Group, who all served as chief guests.
A top-notch judging panel ensured fairness and insight: Meena Nirmala, Bhavana Santhosh, Siddharth Shetty, Lavita Crasta, Chaithra Shetty, Savitha Anchan, and Dr. Priyadarshin carefully evaluated every aspect of the contestants' performances across all segments.
Adding to the VIP vibe were special guests like Joywin from Thumbay Institute of Aesthetic (TIA), Sharat Shet from S L Shet Diamond House, Rich Rose, the official florist, Michael from Ivory Grand, Meena Nirmala and Bhavana Santhosh from Al Inekas Beauty Salon, representatives from Resort Supplies and Gold Link. Celebrity attendees included Roopesh Shetty, Samata Amin, and Vineet Kumar, who brought a star-studded glow, joined by guests of honor Maher Al Khaja and Weincita Dias.
Hosting duties were handled with charm by Errol Edwin Goveas and Sweeny Maria D’Souza, kicking off the show with an awe-inspiring ramp walk by Deuela Patsy Paul, who graced the stage in a breathtaking white gown crafted by Priya Fashions Boutique. Contestants proudly represented Tulunadu— the coastal region of Karnataka known for its rich Tulu culture and stunning landscapes—in the Ethnic Wear Round. This was followed by the Fusion Round, featuring creations from Jeevan Ghatti of Mantra – Mangaluru, which cleverly fused traditional and contemporary styles. The Western Round wrapped things up with sophisticated gowns from Priya Fashions Boutique, demonstrating how fashion can bridge cultures. To keep the energy high, the audience enjoyed a lively dance routine by the Dance Central troupe, adding rhythm and joy to the celebration.
The event was bolstered by reliable media partners Daijiworld TV and Karnataka News, along with social media collaborators Moms of Mangalore, VJ Dixon, and Hera Pinto. Support came from Ashwini and Mohan of Dream Destination, One More Rep, Praveen Shetty of Kudla Restaurant, New Look Salon, The Artist by Nichola Dafney, Akshaya Handlooms, and Smart Look – Bespoke, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Now, for the subtitle winners who stole the show:
In the Miss Category:
- Miss Confident Diva: Anusaya D’Souza Joseph
- Miss Congeniality: Nikitha Jogi
- Miss Catwalk Diva: Viola Lilly Alva
- Miss Best Personality: Cynthia D’Souza
- Miss Diva Fashion Icon: Tanushree Shetty
- Miss Fitness Diva: Tianna Mathias
- Miss Runway Diva: Tanya Sabnis
- Miss Photogenic Diva: Shirley Crasta
- Miss Creative Diva: Ishani Guruprasad
- Miss Dazzling Smile: Larissa Fedric Quadros
In the Mrs Category:
- Mrs Confident Diva: Janice Leena Gonzalves
- Mrs Congeniality: Prema Fernandes
- Mrs Catwalk Diva: Vinaya Tilak Shetty
- Mrs Best Personality: Nayana Shetty
- Mrs Diva Fashion Icon: Ashmitha Kotian
- Mrs Fitness Diva: Valerie Fernandes
- Mrs Runway Diva: Preethi Seema
- Mrs Photogenic Diva: Minu Jose
- Mrs Creative Diva: Venecia Crasto
- Mrs Dazzling Smile: Laveena K B
The top three in each main category walked away with exciting rewards: cash prizes, gift baskets, and vouchers. Plus, the overall winners got something special—the chance to star in an upcoming Tulu movie, a nod to the region's vibrant film industry. The Miss Category winner will also be the face of Priya Fashions for the next season, while the Mrs Category winner becomes the official ambassador for the Mangalore Diva event itself.
Wrapping up this night of glamour and inspiration, the organizers thanked everyone involved, emphasizing that ‘Mangalore Diva Middle East Miss & Mrs. 2025’ goes beyond just a competition—it's a meaningful space that uplifts the resilience, charm, and cultural heritage of Mangalurean women thriving in the Middle East. As the lights dimmed, the applause echoed with shared joy and unity, creating memories that empower all who participated.
For a closer look, check out the full show on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/-iqheYTx_b8
What do you think? In an era of diverse beauty standards, do events like this truly empower women by celebrating their talents, or do they risk perpetuating outdated ideals? Could pageants be adapted to better reflect modern feminism and inclusivity? Share your views or counterpoints in the comments—we'd love to hear your take and spark a discussion!
