Breaking away from traditional beauty norms, Marvelous Mrs. India is not just about glamour—it’s about self-discovery, empowerment and proving that aspirations don’t have an expiration date. In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, Dr. Aditi Govitrikar opens up about her mission to redefine beauty pageants through Marvelous Mrs. India, a platform dedicated to empowering women beyond societal labels
Tejal Sinha
In a world where marriage is often seen as a turning point that shifts a woman’s focus solely to family responsibilities, Marvelous Mrs. India emerges as a beacon of change. Founded by Dr. Aditi Govitrikar, the platform challenges the long-held belief that personal aspirations must take a backseat after marriage. With a vision to celebrate and empower women—regardless of their marital status—Aditi has redefined the essence of beauty pageants, making them about confidence, individuality and self-discovery rather than just appearance.
For decades, beauty pageants have been seen as platforms for celebration and recognition, but they have also faced criticism for being selective and exclusionary. As India’s first and only Mrs. World (2001), Aditi experienced firsthand the power of representation and the need for greater inclusivity in the industry. Determined to change the narrative, she created Marvelous Mrs. India, a pageant that goes beyond conventional beauty standards to truly embrace empowerment and self-expression. Through this initiative, she is helping women break barriers, rewrite their narratives, and step into their power with grace and purpose.
“There wasn’t a single defining moment that led me to create this platform. It was a realisation that built over time. The beauty industry often talks about inclusivity, but historically, pageants have been selective, making many women feel undeserving. I wanted to change that.” With Marvelous Mrs. India, the Thammudu fame has created a space where married, divorced and widowed women are celebrated for who they are—beyond societal labels. “This isn’t just about crowning a winner; it’s about empowering women to rediscover themselves,” she emphasises.
The essence of Marvelous Mrs. India lies in its ability to go beyond traditional pageantry and create meaningful change in the lives of participants. She recalls her own journey of winning Mrs. World in 2001, a moment that shattered the notion that marriage limits a woman’s aspirations. “That victory was groundbreaking because it proved that married women could still dream big. But Marvelous Mrs. India goes a step further—it’s about empowering all women who’ve been conditioned to believe that personal ambitions must take a backseat,” she explains.
The competition helps women rediscover their confidence, redefine their identities and embrace new opportunities. It serves as a reminder that marriage and personal responsibilities should never mean sacrificing one’s dreams. Many women hesitate to step into the limelight after marriage due to societal expectations. Marvelous Mrs. India is designed to challenge those norms.
“That’s exactly why this platform exists,” Aditi asserts. “Marriage comes with responsibilities, but it shouldn’t mean giving up on personal aspirations. Many women hesitate because they feel that pursuing dreams after marriage is frowned upon. Marvelous Mrs. India acts as an icebreaker, showing them that it’s normal—and necessary—to have ambitions beyond family life.”
The transformation she has witnessed in participants is proof of the competition’s impact. “The biggest change is personal. Many women enter feeling hesitant and unsure of their worth, but they leave with newfound confidence. They become more vocal about their needs, value their independence and embrace self-expression. This mental transformation fuels success in every other aspect of their lives.”
Inclusivity is at the heart of Marvelous Mrs. India. Unlike traditional pageants that often adhere to rigid beauty standards, this platform celebrates individuality. “We don’t judge participants based on outdated beauty norms. Instead, we focus on confidence, personality, and personal journeys. Every contestant is assessed based on her unique strengths, ensuring fairness while maintaining our commitment to inclusivity.”
She also challenges the conventional definition of glamour. “Glamour isn’t just about physical appearance—it’s about personality, kindness and how one carries herself. At Marvelous Mrs. India, we redefine glamour to include grace, empathy, and self-growth,” she explains. The real sense of community, she adds, comes from mutual respect and shared experiences. “Success is not just about individual achievement but uplifting others along the way.”
The impact of Marvelous Mrs. India extends far beyond the competition itself. Many winners and participants have gone on to become content creators, motivational speakers and social advocates. Aditi finds immense joy in seeing them use their newfound confidence to inspire others. “Knowing that Marvelous Mrs. India played a small role in their transformation is what makes this journey so rewarding,” says the Mismatched actress.
However, building the platform was not without challenges. “The biggest challenge was convincing people that this pageant was truly inclusive and not just a token gesture. Changing mindsets takes time, but through consistent effort, transparency and leading by example, we’ve built a credible and respected space where women genuinely feel empowered. Once that trust was established, there was no looking back.”
Initiatives like Marvelous Mrs. India are gradually shifting societal perceptions of married women and their potential. Aditi firmly believes that marriage should never define or limit a woman’s ambitions. “Marriage is simply a relationship status—it doesn’t mean a woman has to give up on her dreams. Responsibilities are important, but so are aspirations. Slowly but surely, we’re seeing a shift, with more acceptance of the idea that women can have fulfilling personal and professional lives post-marriage.”
As someone who has successfully balanced multiple roles—doctor, model, actress, and mentor—she knows firsthand that it is possible to pursue dreams while fulfilling responsibilities. Her message to women who feel torn between the two is simple: You don’t have to choose. “Balance is the key. Every woman’s journey is different, and the way she manages her responsibilities and dreams will be unique to her. But one thing is universal: you can do both. Never let self-doubt hold you back. Chase your dreams, fulfill your duties and know that efforts driven by passion and purpose never go in vain.”
