Producer Opens Up About the Emotional Milestone of Sharing the Panel with Sushmita Sen, Reflecting on 16 Years of Evolution
Mumbai: Producer Pragya Kapoor experienced a profound moment of closure and recognition when she took her place on the selection committee for Miss Universe India 2026. For the first time, she stood alongside some of India’s most accomplished women—including Sushmita Sen—as a jury member evaluating the nation’s top pageant contenders.
But for Pragya, this wasn’t simply a professional achievement. It was a full-circle return to a chapter of her life that began in the shadows of the stage.
A Journey of 16 Years
In 2010, Pragya Kapoor worked backstage at I AM She – Miss Universe India 2010, supporting Sushmita Sen as the legendary actress graced the iconic pageant. She was part of the machinery that made the event possible, contributing her talents and vision from behind the scenes—a role that, while important, kept her out of the spotlight.
Sixteen years later, as the 2026 edition of the pageant concluded on Sunday in Jaipur, Pragya found herself center stage, her expertise and discerning eye recognized and honored. The arc was unmistakable. The transformation was complete.
A Moment Worth Sharing
On the evening of the grand finale, Pragya took to social media to process the significance of the moment. Her words revealed the emotional weight of what many might dismiss as a simple career advancement:
“A night out with @missuniverseorg. From working backstage for @sushmitasen47 at the first I AM She – Miss Universe India 2010 to now being on the jury alongside her feels like a beautiful full-circle moment. This is a beautiful reminder of what it means to dream fearlessly and to create your own path.”
The sentiment transcends professional accomplishment. It speaks to resilience, to the delayed gratification that meaningful careers often demand, and to the validation that comes when years of dedicated work are finally recognized.
A Relationship Built on Warmth
Pragya’s reflection also highlighted her connection with Sushmita Sen, whose presence on the jury alongside her made the moment even more poignant. She wrote of the actress: “@sushmitasen47, You are as warm, gracious and welcoming as ever, and always such a joy to be around.”
That these two women—one who has spent her career in the global spotlight, one who spent 16 years behind the scenes—could share a panel with such mutual respect and warmth speaks to the kind of professional culture the pageant cultivates. There is no hierarchy of former queens dismissing emerging talent or newcomers to the judging panel. Instead, there is recognition, mentorship, and the joy of shared purpose.
Words for the Winner
Extending her congratulations to Kaziah Liz Mejo, the 19-year-old from Kerala crowned Miss Universe India 2026, Pragya wrote with genuine warmth: “Congratulations @kaziahmejo. A beautiful new chapter begins. It was such a joy to see you all shine, and an even bigger joy to be a part of this special evening. Here’s to everything that lies ahead you’ve earned every bit of it.”
The message carries particular weight coming from someone who understands the years of work and sacrifice that lead to such moments. Pragya wasn’t offering generic congratulations. She was offering acknowledgment from someone who knows what it means to wait, to work, and to finally arrive.
The Right Person for the Role
What made Pragya Kapoor the right fit for this jury panel was not happenstance. Her discerning eye as a filmmaker, honed over years of creative work, brings a distinctive perspective to pageant judging. She evaluates not merely surface aesthetics but the grace, presence, and articulation that define truly compelling public figures. Her own unforgettable style and elegant demeanor set a standard on the panel—a visual reminder that excellence is multifaceted.
A Lesson in Persistence
Pragya Kapoor’s journey offers an unspoken lesson to anyone watching from the shadows of someone else’s success: your time will come. Not everyone who works backstage remains there. Some, through dedication, talent, and an unwavering belief in their own value, eventually step into their own light.
What began as support work in 2010 evolved into creative production, environmental advocacy, and now, recognition as a tastemaker and decision-maker in one of India’s most prestigious platforms. The full circle isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal. It’s validation that every role in the creative process matters, and that those who do the work with integrity are eventually invited to shape the vision itself.
