Adline Mewis Quadros Castelino is an Indian beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Diva Universe 2020. She represented India at Miss Universe 2020, and was the third runner-up.

Adline Castelino
Castelino in 2021
Born
Adline Mewis Quadros Castelino

Kuwait City, Kuwait
Alma materWilson College, Mumbai
Height5 ft 6 in (168 cm)[1]
Beauty pageant titleholder
TitleMiss Diva Universe 2020
Major
competition(s)
  • Miss Diva 2020 (winner – Miss Diva Universe 2020)
  • Miss Universe 2020 (3rd runner-up)

Early life and education

Castelino was born in Kuwait City to Alphonse and Meera Castellino. Her family is from Udyavara in Udupi, Karnataka.[2] Castelino attended the Indian Central School in Kuwait.[3] At the age of fifteen, she returned to India and moved to Mumbai, where she attended St. Xavier's High School.[4] Castelino later attended Wilson College, where she graduated with a degree in business administration.[5] She is fluent in English and Hindi, besides her mother tongue Konkani.[6]

Pageantry

Castelino had participated in an online pageant in 2018.[7] She continued her training for pageants through the Cocoaberry Training Academy in Mumbai, where in 2019 she was crowned Miss Cocoaberry Diva.[8]

Miss Diva 2020

In 2019, Castelino entered Miss Diva 2020, through the Chennai auditions, and was shortlisted as a city finalist. In the final round of selections in Mumbai, she was placed in the top 20.[9][10] During the contest's sports round held in Bennett University, she won the Miss Smasher award, for her performance in badminton.[11] On 22 February 2020, she was crowned as Miss Diva Universe 2020 by the outgoing titleholder Vartika Singh at Yash Raj Studio, Andheri, Mumbai.[12]

During the competition's final question and answer round, the top 5 contestants were each asked a question by the host, Malaika Arora: "Does religion unite or divide people?" to which Castelino answered:

Religion definitely unites people. It has values that bring people together. People believing in the same things come together and stay in harmony, but what divides us, is us. Humans divide each other. Religion doesn't divide anyone. When I first came here from Kuwait, I really loved the fact that in India, all religions coexist in harmony. We celebrate Diwali, Christmas, Eid all together and what a beautiful scene that is, that we can stay together and respect each other's beliefs. We can progress with each other and forward to the future.[13][14]

Miss Universe 2020

As the winner of Miss Diva 2020, Castelino represented India at the Miss Universe 2020 competition at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida, in the United States.[15][16][17] During the grand finale event held on 16 May 2021, she initially made it to the Top 21, and subsequently she was selected as one of the top 10 semifinalists.[18] Castelino further placed in the top 5, thus becoming the first Indian woman to reach the top 5 of Miss Universe since the year 2001.[19]

As one of the finalists at the contest, Castelino was asked by one of the judges, Tatyana Orozco - "Should countries lockdown due to COVID-19 despite the strain on their economies or should they open their borders and risk a potential increase in infection rates?" Castelino answered:

Coming from India and witnessing what the country is experiencing right now, I have realised something very important. Nothing is more important than the health of your loved ones, and you have to draw a balance between economy and health. That can be done only when the government works with the people hand in hand, and produce something that will work with the economy.[20]

At the end of the event, Castelino was the third runner up, with Andrea Meza of Mexico winning the title.[21][22][23][24] This was India's highest placement in Miss Universe since Lara Dutta won the title of Miss Universe 2000.[25] Castelino broke the 20-year drought of India's non placement in the Top 5 of Miss Universe, which was previously achieved by Celina Jaitley, who was the 4th runner-up in 2001.[26]

Philanthropy

Castelino works with a welfare organisation called ‘Vikas Sahayog Pratishthan’ (VSP) which functions to provide a sustainable livelihood for farmers, so as to curb farmers' suicides and inequality.[27][28] She has raised money for the Child Help Foundation (CHF), through a crowd funding platform called Ketto.[29] She has often advocated on spreading more awareness about the acceptance of LGBT community.[30][31] She also advocates to encourage leadership qualities in women by conducting leadership programmes.[32]

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she helped in providing essentials like food supplies, sanitizers and face masks for Desire Society, a non-profit voluntary organization that cares for children infected with HIV in India.[citation needed] At Christmas the same year, she went as a Secret Santa to distribute gifts and spent time with the children supported by the society.[33] She was able to raise and donate food grains and pulses, amongst other staples to the organization.[33] During this visit, she said, "The first time I came to know about the Desire Society was when I was in college. I used visit here as a student to help out as a volunteer."[33]

She supported Smile Train's campaign to end the Social stigma associated with COVID-19.[34] She also initiated fundraisers for the Akshaya Patra Foundation, to help provide meals and packed grocery kits to the marginalized and low-income segment of the society, comprising daily wage workers, migrant laborers, people at old age homes and night shelters.[35] Castelino, supporting this cause, said - "The spread of coronavirus has taken a lot from us, but let this pandemic not take away our humanity and ability to understand the needs of our brethren."[35]

In August 2020, she associated with a campaign to spread awareness about polycystic ovary syndrome.[36] She promoted a drive titled 'PCOS Free India' to help women reverse the condition naturally through holistic wellness practices.[37]

She organized fundraisers in 2021, for Agricultural Resource Centers. This aimed to supply agricultural equipment and train Women's Self-Help Groups.[38]

Media

Castelino was ranked in The Times Most Desirable Women at number two in 2020.[39]

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2020 Miss Diva Universe 2020 Herself Contestant and Winner [15]
Miss Universe 2020 Contestant and 3rd runner-up [40]
2021 Kingfisher Calendar: The Making Documentary series [41]

Music videos

Year Title Singer(s) Label Ref.
2019 Tere Bina Shreyas Dharmadhikari CD Baby [42]
2021 Mere Dil Vich Arjun Kanungo, Tanzeel Khan Arjun Kanungo [43][44]

References

  1. ^ Annalise Benjamin (24 February 2020). "Everything You Should Know About Miss Diva Universe Winner Adline Castelino". Archived from the original on 6 May 2020.
  2. ^ Suresh, Sunayana; PS, Tanvi (5 March 2020). "A grand homecoming for Miss Diva Universe 2020 Adline Castelino". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 5 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  3. ^ "Kuwait born Adline Castelino crowned Miss Diva Universe 2020". 23 February 2020. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  4. ^ "Adline Castelino first from city selected for Miss Diva Universe 2020". daijiworld.com. Archived from the original on 22 February 2020. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
  5. ^ Raisinghani, Pooja (6 March 2020). "I'm grateful to my college for making me who I am today:Adline Castelino". The Times of India.
  6. ^ "Mangaluru origin girl, Adline Castelino to represent India at Miss Universe 2020". Suvarna News - Asianet News Network (in Kannada). 24 February 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  7. ^ "Adline Castelino wins Miss TGPC Season 4". 5 February 2018. Archived from the original on 26 February 2020. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  8. ^ Rajan, Sherlin (4 March 2020). "Adline Castellino: The 21-year-old who will represent India at the Miss Universe pageant this year". Archived from the original on 8 October 2020. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  9. ^ Mishra, Vagisha (22 December 2019). "Miss Universe India 2020: The Finalists of Miss Diva 2020". Archived from the original on 17 February 2020. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
  10. ^ "Miss Diva 2020 is back for all the talented girls to make their grand career in the Glamour Industry". The Hans India. 20 November 2019. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
  11. ^ Sharma, Riya; Kaushik, Divya (9 February 2020). "Miss Diva finalists turn athletes at Bennett University". The Times of India.
  12. ^ "Adline Castelino wins Miss Diva Universe 2020". The New Indian Express. 23 February 2020. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  13. ^ "Adline Castelino wins Miss Universe India crown at Miss Diva 2020". 24 February 2020. Archived from the original on 14 November 2020. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  14. ^ "Religion unites people: Miss Diva". Arab Times. 4 March 2020. Archived from the original on 14 November 2020.
  15. ^ a b Narang, Akansha (28 February 2020). "Adline Castelino, Miss Diva Universe 2020 revealed her dad was disappointed by her dark skin". The Hauterfly. Archived from the original on 12 April 2020. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  16. ^ "Miss Diva Universe grand finale 2020: Adline Castelino to represent India at Miss Universe pageant this year". Times Now. 22 February 2020. Archived from the original on 22 February 2020. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
  17. ^ Indo-Asian News Service (23 February 2020). "Adline Castelino to represent India at Miss Universe pageant 2020". India Today. Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  18. ^ "Adline Castelino reveals advice she received from Lara Dutta 'before leaving' for Miss Universe". The Hindustan Times. 22 May 2021.
  19. ^ Sonali, Kriti (18 May 2021). "Adline Castelino is 3rd runner-up at Miss Universe 2020: It is great to see India shine, says Celina Jaitly". The Indian Express.
  20. ^ "Miss Universe 2020 Top 5 show grace under pressure in Q&A portion, final words". CNN Philippines. 17 May 2021. Archived from the original on 24 May 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  21. ^ "Stakes are high but passion is stronger - Adline Castelino on Miss Universe". The Week. 25 February 2020. Archived from the original on 25 February 2020. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  22. ^ Dhar, Abira (27 February 2020). "Miss Diva Universe Adline Says She was Bullied for Being Skinny". The Quint. Archived from the original on 28 February 2020. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  23. ^ "Miss India Adline Castelino bags Fourth Place at Miss Universe 2021". NDTV. 17 May 2021.
  24. ^ "India's Adline Castelino Bags Fourth Place At Miss Universe 2021". NDTV. 18 May 2021.
  25. ^ "Miss Universe 3rd runner-up Adline Castelino returns to India, waves the Tricolour at Mumbai airport". The Economic Times. 18 May 2021.
  26. ^ "Miss Universe 2020: Miss Mexico Andrea Meza crowned as the winner, Miss India Adline Castelino finishes fourth". dnaindia.com. 17 May 2021.
  27. ^ "Adline Castelino to represent India at Miss Universe 2020'". Deccan Herald. 1 March 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  28. ^ "All you need to know about the newly-crowned Miss Diva Universe 2020 Adline Castelino". Zoom. 25 February 2020. Archived from the original on 27 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  29. ^ Dsouza, Alfie (29 February 2020). "Udupiche Chedu 22-year-old Adline Castelino Crowned 'LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2020'". Manglorean News. Archived from the original on 30 October 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  30. ^ Baig, Ruman (20 October 2020). "Crowning Glory Miss Diva 2020 Winners Take The Centre Stage". Femina.
  31. ^ Roberto Macedo (28 February 2020). "'Miss Diva Universe 2020' Adline Castelino accorded grand welcome". Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
  32. ^ "Miss Diva Universe 2020 Adline Castelino returns to a Glorious Homecoming in Mangalore". Canara News. 1 March 2020. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
  33. ^ a b c Karki, Manisha (8 January 2021). "Adline Castelino Becomes Secret Santa To HIV/AIDS Affected Children". E-Times. Archived from the original on 14 March 2021.
  34. ^ "Celebrities Support Smile Train India's Digital Campaign, #EndTheStigma Around COVID-19". Smile Train India. 14 May 2020. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
  35. ^ a b "Let this pandemic not take away our humanity". The Times of India. 7 May 2020. Archived from the original on 30 October 2020.
  36. ^ Khakhar, Heta (27 August 2020). "Let's Pledge For PCOS Free India with Adline Castelino". The Times of India.
  37. ^ Rathod, Kalwyna (18 August 2020). "Adline Castelino supports FolkFitness' PCOS Free India campaign". Femina.
  38. ^ "Adline's Fundraiser for Agricultural Equipment for Food Growing Women Farmers of India". Ketto. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  39. ^ "The Times Most Desirable Women of 2020". The Times of India. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  40. ^ "Meet 22-year-old Adline Castelino, beauty queen who represented India". DNA India. Archived from the original on 17 May 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  41. ^ "Kingfisher Calendar for the year 2021". Kingfisher Calendar. Archived from the original on 6 March 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  42. ^ "Tere Bina - Shreyas Dharmadhikari & Ndot ft.Adline Castelino". YouTube. 10 October 2019.
  43. ^ "Check Out New Hindi Trending Song Music Video - 'Mere Dil Vich' Sung By Arjun Kanungo, Tanzeel Khan". The Times of India. 26 February 2021.
  44. ^ Karki, Manisha (25 February 2021). "Suman Rao & Adline Castelino's 'Mere Dil Vich' Out Now!". The Times Group. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2021.


Awards and achievements
Preceded by Miss Universe 3rd Runner-Up
2020
Succeeded by
Preceded by Miss Diva Universe
2020
Succeeded by