Hyderabad’s Fasiha Nauman is preparing to take the national stage as Miss Universe Andhra Pradesh 2026, marking an important step in her journey from the city’s fashion industry to the Miss Universe India 2026 competition.
Fasiha, a model, influencer and MBA graduate from Hyderabad, will compete at Miss Universe India 2026, which is scheduled to be held from July 19 to August 23, with the grand finale in New Delhi on August 23, according to Siasat.com. The winner will represent India at Miss Universe 2026.
Her journey began in 2018 when she reached the top 10 at Femina Miss India Telangana. Although she did not win the title then, she continued her education and completed her MBA with distinction. During her college years, she also started working in fashion and later built experience with designers and brands.
According to the report, Fasiha worked part-time with designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee and later served as Store Manager and In-House Model for designer Jayanti Reddy. She has also worked with fashion labels including Raw Mango, Shravan Kumar, Bhavna Rao and Neeru’s, and appeared in campaigns for brands such as TRESemme, Vaseline, Godrej Jersey Energy Drink and Orimii Skincare.
Fasiha got married in 2024 and later became a mother. Her return to pageantry after childbirth has become a central part of her story. Just three months after giving birth, she returned to the stage. She did not win that attempt, but continued preparing and was crowned Miss Universe Andhra Pradesh 2026 in June.
Speaking to Siasat.com, Fasiha said motherhood taught her resilience, patience and self-belief. She said balancing pageant training with caring for her seven-month-old son has been one of her biggest challenges. Her preparation includes runway practice, communication, fitness, current affairs, mental well-being and personality development.
Fasiha said pageantry, for her, is not limited to beauty or fashion. She described it as a platform where women can use their voice, support causes and encourage positive change. She also said she wants to inspire women to believe in themselves and continue working toward their goals despite life changes.
Representing Andhra Pradesh while being from Hyderabad, she said, is both an honour and a responsibility. She added that Hyderabad has shaped her journey, while the Andhra Pradesh title gives her a chance to celebrate culture, diversity and strength on a national platform.
Beyond pageantry, Fasiha is associated with Project Udaan, an advocacy initiative focused on encouraging women and young girls to pursue self-confidence, education, financial independence and personal growth.
Her next major challenge will be Miss Universe India 2026, where contestants from across the country will compete for the national crown. If selected, Fasiha will move closer to representing India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant, expected to be held in Puerto Rico in November 2026.
For Hyderabad, Fasiha’s journey highlights the growing presence of women from the city in national platforms across fashion, entertainment and public representation. Her story also reflects a wider message for young women and mothers who continue to pursue professional and personal ambitions after major life transitions.
