Former Miss Grand India license holder accuses Miss Grand International of disrespect and ‘disloyalty’

Nikhil Anand, President of Glamanand Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., which previously oversees the Miss Grand India franchise. Photo from Anand's Instagram

"I refrain to put any dirt on anyone publicly but MGI wants to be exposed," Anand, 31, posted. "I very respectfully made the announcement of parting ways with them but they wanted drama."

He further criticized that respect "comes last" for MGI, and the organization "were always running and begging for money."

"They never saw class, they never did anything good for humankind," he continued.

Anand said he realized his tenure with MGI would be short when he saw them strip Henrique Fontes, Brazil’s former national director of the Miss Grand pageant, of the Miss Grand Brazil franchise in 2023. This decision came just one year after Brazil’s representative Isabella Menin won the 2022 Miss Grand International contest.

Some of my knowns from India wanted the franchise and I told them I may not be there for many years and then they can continue," he declared. "Who knew it will be this sooner specifically after giving a winner."

He also critiqued MGI for comparing themselves to Miss Universe, clarifying that such comparisons would not elevate MGI to that status. Furthermore, he pointed out that the departure of several national directors from MGI reflects the organization’s true values.

"If disloyalty had a face, MGI would be the face," Anand concluded.

These remarks followed the Miss Grand India Organization’s announcement on Nov. 17 that it was ending its partnership with MGI, citing divergent visions and goals, shortly after Rachel Gupta became the first Indian to win at an MGI pageant.

Miss Grand International (MGI) 2024 Rachel Gupta (R), the first Indian contestant to win an MGI crown, and MGI President Nawat Itsaragrisil. Photo from Gupta's Instagram

MGI then announced via its Instagram account on Nov. 21 that it would not renew the pageant license contract with Glamanand Entertainment. The decision was based on several factors, it said, including repeated delayed license payments, contractual violations, inadequate support and promotion for Gupta, and insufficient promotion of the MGI brand.

Founded in 2013 by Thai TV host and producer Nawat Itsaragrisil, MGI primarily focuses on humanitarian initiatives, with winners advocating for charitable causes throughout their tenure.

Contestants are selected for the pageant through national competitions, internal casting, or direct appointment by franchise holders from various countries or regions.