Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Viral Video Sparks Debate Over Sushmita Sen’s Miss Universe Interaction
Kaziah Liz Mejo won the Miss Universe India 2026 title.
Vaishnavi Gannesh came second and also received another pageant title.
A video from the finale showed Sushmita Sen congratulating Kaziah briefly.
Sushmita then spent more time helping Vaishnavi.
She appeared to comfort Vaishnavi and fix her crown.
Some people online thought this meant Sushmita favored Vaishnavi.
Others said she was simply helping a contestant who was crying.
The video has not established why Sushmita behaved that way.
Kaziah Liz Mejo of Kerala won Miss Universe India 2026 in Jaipur on August 23.
Vaishnavi Gannesh was named first runner-up and Miss International India 2026.
A video showed Sushmita Sen briefly congratulating Kaziah before attending to Vaishnavi.
Sushmita adjusted Vaishnavi’s crown, prompting some viewers to allege favoritism.
Other viewers said Sushmita was consoling Vaishnavi, who appeared upset and had a poorly positioned crown.
- Who
- Sushmita Sen, winner Kaziah Liz Mejo, and first runner-up Vaishnavi Gannesh.
- What
- A viral video sparked debate over whether Sushmita ignored or favored someone over the newly crowned winner.
- When
- The finale took place on August 23, and the video was shared on August 24.
- Where
- The Miss Universe India 2026 finale was held in Jaipur.
- Why
- Viewers disagreed over whether Sushmita’s interaction with Vaishnavi showed favoritism or was an attempt to console her and fix her crown.
Critics’ interpretation
Supporters’ interpretation
Attention after the winner was crowned
Critics’ interpretation
Some viewers said Sushmita should have congratulated the actual winner first and criticized her for appearing more enthusiastic toward Vaishnavi.
Supporters’ interpretation
Other viewers said the short interaction with Kaziah did not prove that Sushmita was ignoring or favoring anyone.
Helping Vaishnavi
Critics’ interpretation
Critics interpreted Sushmita’s decision to focus on Vaishnavi as evidence of favoritism and called the behavior unprofessional.
Supporters’ interpretation
Supporters said Vaishnavi appeared to be crying and that Sushmita was consoling her while fixing a crown affected by her hair bun.
Meaning of the viral clip
Critics’ interpretation
Some commenters claimed the moment revealed unfair treatment or suggested that the pageant result had been predetermined.
Supporters’ interpretation
Others viewed the clip as an isolated moment of assistance rather than evidence about the pageant’s outcome.
- Winner
- Kaziah Liz Mejo from Kerala
- Pageant
- Miss Universe India 2026
- Finale date
- August 23
- Finale location
- Jaipur
- First runner-up
- Vaishnavi Gannesh
- Additional title
- Vaishnavi Gannesh was named Miss International India 2026
- Video source
- Instagram page Majestic Moments