India’s Next Top Model starts with Swimwear Show

After a long anticipated wait, India’s Next Top Model has finally hit our screens!

The first episode aired on Sunday, July 19, 2015 and saw 13 fresh new faces fight it out to become the latest top model on the block.

Lisa Haydon presented the show and introduced us to her all-star judging panel: Anusha Dandekar, Neeraj Gaba and Dabboo Ratnani.

Offering their expert knowledge and critique, all four judges will guide them through their modelling journeys.

As part of their introduction, each contestant walked the runway in swimwear. Some strutted their stuff with confidence, whilst others perished. Let’s meet the girls!

Aditi ~ 22

The Mumbai native admits she is nervous for the swimsuit walk, but says: “It’s a part of the competition, so I have to give my best.”

Anam ~ 23

Also from Mumbai, Anam is an engineer by profession, but aspires for a life in front of the camera: “I want to be an international supermodel.”

Bhakti ~ 25

Originally from Junagargh, Bhakti has a special message for her father: “I’m just a little angel of yours standing here, who’s going to make it big.”

Danielle ~ 18

Danielle, another Mumbai girl, is the youngest contestant in the competition: “I always thought that maybe being a little dusky and darker would be my disadvantage.”

Gloria ~ 23

Gloria from Nagaland hopes her journey will inspire her community back home by being ‘their role model’.

Malvika ~ 22

The fourth contestant from Mumbai wants to follow her mother’s fashionable footsteps, trying her luck at a modelling career. “I think it runs in the blood.”

Mehjabin ~ 24

Also representing Mumbai is Mehjabin, who enters the competition not just for herself, but her family too: “For me, for my parents, for my friends.”

Monica ~ 25 

Flying the flag for Boston, USA, Monica is a biology and psychology graduate. She says: “One of the reasons that I’m here and surviving is because my dad believes in me.”

Neev ~ 24

Neev from Goa has a fiery spirit, saying: “I’ve always been the naughty kid, rebellious.”

Rushali ~ 20

The Delhi girl reveals she probably was not the obvious candidate for modelling when she was younger:

“I was a tomboy in school. I shaved my head.”

Shivani ~ 24

This confident beauty from Bareilly has the confidence that it takes to be a huge star. “I’m really hot, and I have that personality.”

Sreeradhe ~ 20

Sreeradhe from Allahabad thinks the modelling world is somewhat restricted, commenting: “Society is a little conservative related to these things.”

Vishaka ~ 23

This Delhi girl is a double threat, adding acting to her list of talents! She even puts on a little performance for the judges.

Lisa also reminded the girls of the ultimate prize for the lucky winner.

The last three standing will walk the ramp at Lakmé Fashion Week 2015. But the girl who bags the number 1 spot will be a part of TRESemmé India’s media campaign for one year.

The winner will also walk away with a contract with Bling Talent Management and a magazine spread by Lakmé in Grazia!

In the next episode, the girls are set their first task: a photoshoot led by renowned Indian photographer, Dabboo Ratnani.

Whilst this may be the first shoot for most contestants, it can also be their last, as only 10 of them will survive the first round.

Dabboo Ratnani leading their very first photoshoot? No sweat, girls…