Finding calm in the chaos of Miss World 1996
Violent protests erupted when India hosted Miss World for the first time, and Rani Jeyaraj found herself caught in the middle.
Violent protests erupted when India hosted Miss World for the first time in 1996. Opposition came from different parts of society, from conservative religious groups to left-wing feminists. All argued that the contest should not be held in the country. In the middle of all this was Rani Jeyaraj, a 21-year-old model who was representing India in the pageant. Sheltered from the chaos that was unfolding on the streets, Rani tried to keep calm and focus on the intimidating international pageant. But she found herself thrust onto the global stage in a way she could never have imagined.
Credit for audio clips of the 1996 finale: Miss World
Presenter: India Rakusen
Producer: Rob Wilson
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(Photo: Rani during the Miss World finale. Credit: Courtesy of Rani Jeyaraj)
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