Who is Nehal Chudasama? From Miss Diva Universe 2018 to facing physical assault and now Bigg Boss 19

Early Life and Education

Born on 22 August 1996 in Mumbai, Nehal spent her childhood in the city and completed her schooling at St. Rock’s School, followed by Thakur College of Science and Commerce. She lost her mother at the age of 13 and was raised by her father. From an early age, Nehal was drawn to modelling, but her passion grew stronger in 2013 after watching Manasi Moghe represent India at Miss Universe. Initially, she was unsure about pursuing modelling and hesitant to convince her father, but eventually, he became a strong supporter and guided her through her journey to Miss Diva 2018.

Journey Through Pageantry

Before winning Miss Diva Universe 2018, Nehal had already earned recognition through other subtitles, including Miss Body Beautiful, Miss Multimedia and Anything But Ordinary Diva. In 2018, she also auditioned for Femina Miss Gujarat, where she emerged as one of the top three finalists. Later that year, she competed in Miss Diva 2018 and was crowned Miss Diva Universe, receiving the title from the outgoing winner, Shraddha Shashidhar. Nehal had credited her confidence as one of her defining qualities, which had played a crucial role in helping her win the Miss Diva Universe 2018 title. She had also expressed that her aim was not just to represent India at Miss Universe, but to win the crown.

However, when Nehal went on to represent India at Miss Universe 2018, held on 17 December 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand, she did not make it to the Top 20; nevertheless, the experience significantly boosted her career and visibility in the modelling and pageantry world.

Career Beyond Pageants

Beyond modelling, Nehal has explored multiple avenues in the entertainment industry. She works as a fitness consultant, TV host, and emcee, while also pursuing acting. She has featured in web series like The Holiday (2019) and Tu Zakhm Hai (2022). In interviews, she has emphasised following her intuition and making creative choices, even in the face of social media pressures and performance expectations.

Overcoming Challenges

Nehal’s story is not just about glamour and crowns, it’s also about resilience in the face of adversity. As a teenager, she often struggled with being overweight and was subjected to harsh body shaming, which left a deep impact on her. Instead of letting those negative experiences define her, Nehal used them as fuel to transform herself, working hard on her fitness and grooming until she emerged as a confident young woman ready to take on the world of pageantry.

But her challenges didn’t end there. In February 2025, Nehal made headlines after she revealed that she had been physically assaulted by a man she had known for two years. Sharing her ordeal on Instagram, she described how she was stalked, mentally harassed, and ultimately attacked in public, her wrist twisted, her face slapped, and her body bruised. The incident, which she called both shocking and traumatic, led her to file an FIR with the Mumbai Police, who later arrested the accused. Nehal clarified that she wasn’t sharing her story for sympathy, but to raise awareness and encourage women to take a stand against abuse.

Her openness about such a painful experience adds another layer to her journey, highlighting her strength and determination to speak out about issues that many women silently endure. While Nehal chose not to reveal the name of her abuser publicly, she did hint that she might disclose it when the time feels right.

Now, with her entry into Bigg Boss 19, it remains to be seen whether she will open up further about this difficult chapter, especially since the show has often witnessed contestants breaking down and revealing deeply personal struggles inside the house.

Nehal in Bigg Boss 19

Entering Bigg Boss 19, Nehal faces a very different challenge from the controlled world of pageants and web series. The reality show demands quick thinking, emotional resilience, and the ability to navigate complex household dynamics. With her charisma, fitness expertise, and strong personality, she could emerge as a strong competitor, making her journey in the house one to watch closely.