Who are models? What exactly do they do?
The first thing that the term “model” reminds us of quite frequently is the image of a human striding in time on a ramp, sporting expensive designer wear in the backdrop of sparkling patches and sharp flashes of cameras. Yet, the model’s life is much more varied than ramp walking.
Modeling is not just glamour and catwalk. India’s best models today are not just fashion queens but trendsetters, brand ambassadors, and inspiration. They are the embodiment of art, sophistication, and diversity. A good lady model can speak lifestyle, thoughts, and brand stories in words that ring loud with the audience.
Due to the fast growth of fashion and social media in India, modeling now is a much-desired and trendy career. Each Indian model girl has her own unique charm, cultural richness, and modern swag that she brings to the profession. It is not surprising then that India’s current top model is not only gracing magazines and runways but also international advertisement campaigns, music videos, and movies.
The growing demand for Indian celebrity models has brought into the limelight hundreds of wise minds. Look around in the advertisement and fashion industry and you will learn about hundreds of Indian model names who have left their own impressions. Every Indian model girl makes her own niche by being dedicated, disciplined, and capable of adapting to various types of styles.
While there are rather a number of hundred inspirational Indian model names, there are some who stand out well above the rest because they have been linked with luxury brands, celebrity fashion magazines, and global events. This is India’s high-end model department and models for role inspiration by aspiring models in the country as well.
It is never an easy work to select a couple of finest female models among that huge mass of successful names. But in matters of success, influence, versatility, and fame, a couple of names always take lead in the line of India’s finest models. These ladies best represent what the finest Indian female model is.
Whether one wishes to search for an up-and-coming Indian model girl or learn more about India’s leading model, the number of successful and popular models in India continues to rise and is proof that Indian fashion is booming like never before.
Top Female Models In India are:
- Madhu Sapre
- Mehr Jessia
- Ujjwala Raut
- Carol Gracius
- Lakshmi Menon
- Noyonita Lodh
- Aditi Rao Hydari
- Sophie Choudry
- Rhea Pillai
- Manushi Chillar
I . Madhu Sapre
Madhu Sapre is the name that often comes to our mind when we think of the words “India’s best model”. She is a highly successful female model and is considered to be one of the Top female models in India. She won the title of Femina Miss India and the Miss Universe in 1992. By 1990’s she became one of India’s most recognizable Indian models for her uniqueness,authenticity and boldness.
She collaborated with several well known,prominent luxurious brands like “Tuff Shoes”, “Garden Vareli” , “Thierry Mugler”etc. Along with these luxurious brands, Madhu Sapre also modeled for other designers like the designer duo ,Priya and Chintan at the Lakmē fashion week in the year 2008.
II . Mehr Jesia
Mehr is one of most popular and famous models in India. Mehr Jesia began her career as a model in the 1980s and was very quickly blessed with fame. In 1986 she won the Femina Miss India Universe title. She also represented India at the Miss Universe 1986 pageant held in Panama City.
Mehr was the face of several major brands like ,Vimal , Lakmē, Bombay Dyeing, Nivea, Philips, Palmolive etc . She also played a major role in shaping the Indian Fashion Industry.
III . Ujjwala Raut
Ujjwala Raut is also an Indian model’s name , included as one of the Top Female Models in India.She is one of the most internationally praised models of India. She has impressed the whole world with her success . She can also be called the Indian Model Girl due to her fabulous achievements.
Ujjwala Raut began her modelling career as a 17 years old when she won the “Femina Look of the Year” title at the Femina Miss India 1996 contest . She walked for international ,prestigious fashion houses like Yves Saint Laurent ,Roberto Cavalli, Hugo Boss,Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci,Givenchy,Valentino etc.
Ujjwala Raut made the whole India proud by being the first Indian Model to walk in the “Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show” in 2002 and 2003.
IV . Carol Gracias
Carol Gracias is concluded as one of the “ Top female models in India”. She embarked on her modeling journey in 1998 by winning the prestigious ‘India L’Oréal /Elite Look of the Year’ title .
Carol has walked on the ramps of several major fashion events, including Lakmē Fashion Week and Will Lifestyle India Fashion Week . She also showcased the creations of famous designers such as Tarun Tahiliani, Ritu Beri,Gaurang Shah, and the duo Hemant and Nandita.
Alongside modelling she was also very famous as an actress . Carol was also the first runner up in the inaugural season of Bigg Boss (2006) and secured the second runner-up position in Fear Factor: Khatron ke Khiladi-2(2009).
V. Laxmi Menon
When it comes to an Indian model’s name,Laxmi Menon stands out as one of the most remarkable figures in the industry. She is a top female model in India. She has left an everlasting mark on the global fashion industry. She gained recognition when she walked at the Chanel show in Paris. This walk helped her open the doors to collaboration with prestigious fashion houses such as Hermès , Givenchy, Mara and Max , H&M , J. Crew ,and Bergdorf Goodman .
She has appeared on the pages of international editions of Vogue (French, American, Indian and Spanish), Harper’s Bazaar V Magazine, Dazed & Confused, Elle India,and Allure.
She was the first Indian female model to feature in the prestigious Pirelli Calender .She walked for top designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Chanel and Micheal Kors. She earned the prestigious title of Vogue’s “This Year’s model”.
VI . Noyonita Lodh
Noyonita Lodh is a remarkable model , also considered among the Top Female Models in India. She was crowned 2nd Runner up at MAX Miss Bangalore . She also won the Miss Catwalk sub award in the year 2011.
She won prestigious titles such as ,Miss Diva Universe 2014 & Miss Catwalk again, she represented India in Doral , Florida, USA and placed in the Top 15. She was also among the Top 5 finalists in the Best National Costume round .
She was featured as a model in the kingfisher calendar in 2016,and walked the ramp at prominent events like the Lakmē Fashion Week.
VII . Aditi Rao Hydari
Aditi has graced the covers and pages of several prestigious fashion magazines which include magazines like , FHM India in August 2015, Harper’s Bazaar India in April 2018 , and Elle India in July 2018 which helped her become one of the top female models in India as well as a famous model in India.She has been a showstopper for many renowned designers as well as many brands . She walked the ramp for Tarun Tahiliani at Lakmē Fashion Week and for Jayanti Reddy at India Couture Week. Alongside modelling ,she is also a famous actress.
VIII . Sophie Choudry
Sophie Choudry is also a Top female models in India who is renowned for her contributions as a singer, an actress and a successful female model.
She has graced various fashion shows and events and is often noted for her unique attractive styles. She has been associated with high profile brands like Samsung, L’Oréal.She also served as a judge during model auditions at the Lakmē Fashion Week.
IX. Rhea Pillai
Rhea Pillai is a popular Indian woman model, health-oriented woman, and dedicated social worker. She initiated professional modeling in the 1990s and gained excessive popularity within a very short span of time with good advertisement campaigns and television show appearances. She established a good reputation throughout her career as both a fashion professional and social worker.
As a reward for her charity efforts, Rhea received the “Woman of the Year” award in 2003 by Indian Television Academy. She earned recognition with her success in making celebrity and charity mutually exclusive as a most revered model among the greatest women models in India. Being one of the top lady models to become one of the top brand ambassadors for top brands, Rhea Pillai continues to embody poise, cause, and strength—those qualities which best define the crème de la crème of the top lady models in the nation.
X. Manushi Chillar
Manushi is one of the most notable models among the top female models in India . She became the first Indian woman to be appointed as a global brand ambassador for the famous brand Estée Lauder.
She won the title of Miss world 2017 ,she was also honoured with the recognition of FICCI’s Most Promising Face of the Year (2018). She also won the Global Icon Award in 2018.She is also named as the brand ambassador for Clovia in 2024 and was also associated with Adidas reflecting her appeal in sports and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Modeling has turned overnight sensation in India. With the passage of time, the life of a model is not so good as it appears—models have become trendsetters, influencers, and icons who define the style as well as culture.
When we refer to India’s best female models, Madhu Sapre and Manushi Chhillar are two names that strike one. These women have done the nation proud on the national as well as the global platform with their hard work, elegance, and determination.
In today’s era and time, when fashion and social media go hand in hand, the role of lead lady models has also become deeper. They not only inspire teenagers, but also alter major trends in the fashion world.
Looking ahead, we expect new faces but wish they would carry on this tradition. And, most importantly, let us not forget that we should have a respect for any vocation—because every path adds its own dignity and worth.
Dreaming of a career in modeling?
If you’ve ever aspired to enter the world of fashion, this is your golden chance! Addy Jangra, an experienced model professional, guide, and mentor, is providing one-on-one mentoring sessions to aspiring models who wish to leave their footprint in the modeling world.
Whether you wish to own your catwalk, create a killer portfolio, or study the ethics of fashion, Addy will be by your side every step of the way.
As a bonus, he’s also shared a personal message about his inspiring journey and achievements. So if you’ve ever looked up to the top female models or searched for an Indian model name to follow for motivation—this is your sign to begin.
Hello! I’m Addy Jangra
I’m a professional model with over 5 years of experience in the fashion and modeling industry. I’ve earned several prestigious titles, including:
First Runner-Up – Mr. Bihar 2024
First Runner-Up – Mr. Haryana 2023
Semi-Finalist – Mr. Asia Supermodel International 2023
My journey isn’t just about walking ramps—it’s about building confidence, owning your presence, and guiding others. I’ve mentored over 100 aspiring models, helping them launch their modeling careers with confidence and clarity.
If you’re serious about becoming one of the top female models, join my course and let’s shape your future. With the rise of famous models in India and the success stories of every talented Indian model girl, now is the perfect time to shine.
From Indian model names who made it big, to the top 10 Indian models redefining the industry, the modeling world in India is booming. As someone working closely in the industry, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to become India’s best model.
Come and let’s make your passion your profession. Learn from the first lady models’ experience, learn by doing, and be part of the next generation of style models of India and India’s top models.
