India’s first Miss India and well-known fashion journalist Meher Castelino has died at the age of 81. Her death marks the end of an important chapter in India’s beauty and fashion world.
She is survived by her son Karl, her daughter-in-law Nisha, and her daughter Christina.
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Meher Castelino was crowned the first Femina Miss India in 1964. After her pageant win, she built a long and successful career in fashion journalism. She published her first article in Eve’s Weekly in 1973 and later became a full-time fashion writer.
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Over the years, she wrote for nearly 160 national and international publications. Her work helped shape fashion writing in India and influenced generations of readers.
During her career, she travelled to countries such as Germany, France, Italy, the United States, South Africa, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Singapore. She attended major fashion shows and interviewed well-known designers, bringing international fashion trends to Indian audiences.
From 2006, she served as the official fashion writer for Lakmé Fashion Week, covering its growth and milestones.
Meher Castelino is remembered for her major contribution to fashion journalism, her dedication to her work, and her kind and generous nature. She will be deeply missed by the fashion and media community.
The news was confirmed by the Femina Miss India Organisation through an emotional social media statement. They wrote, “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. Our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones. May her soul rest in peace and her legacy forever shine."
They further said, “Our late Femina Miss India 1964, Meher Castelino, embodied an unmatched aura of grace, dignity and quiet strength. A true trailblazer of her time, she not only made her mark in the fashion industry but also paved the way for generations of women who followed on this very stage. Her presence redefined elegance, and her journey became a beacon of inspiration for countless dreams. Her legacy lives on through the values she stood for. We honour Meher ji by carrying forward her quiet grace, resilience and timeless elegance in everything we do."