11 Vibrant Indian Models We're Following On Instagram Right Now For All The Right Reasons

Instagram isn’t the same little square-shaped window into strangers’ lives that changed the way we presented ourselves 10 years ago, and models can’t be shoved into that same old tired stereotype of skinny, ditzy and somewhat insipid anymore, either. The former’s turned into the kind of social media beast that everybody wants to tame, while the latter has discovered that instagram might just be the one place a little authenticity works wonders in. Let’s call the two hand-in-glove then, the kind of pairing that makes audiences like us swoon. When we first compiled a list like this two years ago (you can read it here) it was more about models who were making an impact both locally and internationally, and their instagram accounts were allowing us to map their trajectories in an easy way. 

Fast forward to the present and we’ve got the kind of personalities who offer so much more than their looks, though it doesn’t hurt just how easy they are on the eyes either. Women who are unafraid to portray just what makes them tick, share parts of their lives they wouldn’t have considered before, and go well beyond the heavily stylized, hyper made-up a la vogue shoots we were used to. These accounts leave a trail of bread crumbs to their real lives, and real personalities. Whether it’s via their obvious adherence to a certain kind of aesthetic, or the posts they choose to share beyond the way they look, all you need to do is ‘follow’ the crumbs to know them better and immerse yourself in a the kind of beauty that goes deeper than skin.

I. Archana Akil Kumar - @archanaakilkumar

Who: This Bangalore girl first hit the stage in a 2008 jewelry shoot in Kerala but gained national recognition when she made it to the top 10 of the ‘Elite Look of the Year,’ in 2011. Since then she’s been riding a high, walking at Lakme and Wills fashion week for names like Suneet Varma, Anand Kabra, Bibi Russell and Wendell Rodricks at one moment, and landing covers of leading fashion editorials like Marie Claire, Grazia and Elle the next. Her luminous skin and soulful look have made her a favourite both on and off the ramp, and she isn’t afraid to share life beyond the glitz and glamour either. In fact, it looks like she gets plenty of time to just be herself too. Follow Because: Her unique look makes for some aesthetically sublime pictures, of course. Added bonus--there’s an aura of positivity that radiates through her non-stylized images that we think make her account special.

II. Arshia Ahuja - @arshiaahuja

Who: Once an army brat Arshia had already done her fair share of travelling but by 18, her father suggested she should try her hand at professional modelling. She landed a cover with Elle magazine right out of the gate and that launched her down an unstoppable career path. Ever since, she has worked for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and happily strutted the the ramps at Lakme and Wills India Fashion Weeks. Although high fashion is her calling she loves loose comfortable clothes and lazing in bed on Sunday afternoons, and that’s what makes her account extra relatable. Follow Because: If you’re a slave of high fashion, this one’s for you. Arshia’s ‘grams will get you a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on at your favourite fashion events. Plus, the aesthetic she tends to go for appeals to those with an eye for luxe living.

III. Bhumika Arora - @bhumika_arora

Who: Growing up in Harayana she was always teased for her looks but this now supremely successful International model has clearly left all that behind for a future filled with raging success instead. She started off  as a business student and was discovered just before she was about to start her MBA. After conquering the Indian runways, she was signed by Elite Models in Paris and began her journey to the big leagues. Today, at 27, she has walked the runways at the Big 4--Milan, Paris, London and New York fashion weeks and is affiliated with the likes of Roberto Cavalli, Alexander Wang, Vera Wang and Stella McCartney. She is one of the few Indian models to find international success and we hope to see a lot more of her in the future.

Follow Because: Her feed is non-stop high fashion. from runways to star-studded shoots you will be taken across the world and get front row seats at all the glitziest affairs. She’s also adorably quirky so every now and then you’ll get a glimpse of her life once the make-up comes off and she kicks back with her friends.

IV. Diva Dhawan - @diva.dhawan

Who: Having hit the ramp at the young age of 14, Diva has probably understood more about modelling than most of her contemporaries know. Born in the U.S., she grew up with an interest in fashion and studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York to further her options in the career she loves. Returning to India frequently means she has had a fair share of engagements here too, appearing at Lakme Fashion week and most recognisably in the Garnier Fructis commercials.

Follow Because: Her fun, youthful vibe is infectious. She loves to laugh (something most models aren’t caught dead doing when they’re on the job) and you’ll get to live with her through her highlights and journeys. She’s also incredibly positive so her feed is a perfect scroll for the days you need a bit of motivation.

V. Merrylin - @merrylinboro

Who: From a young age Merrylin was enthralled by the fashion world but it wasn’t until she was studying fashion in University that she decided to try out the world of modelling for herself. She loves her work and enjoys the artistic freedom she has to create an image that she will always be proud of. She is absolutely happy when she’s in front of a camera and just loves how it feels. Today, she is represented by Vogati Talents and has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar and was handpicked for a Tommy Hilfiger spread in Grazia. Follow Because: Aesthetic, aesthetic, aesthetic. Her feed is the epitome of edge. She has perfected punk-chic and she owns it every time. Her photos are a mix of old school rock and roll and delicate beauty. You’ll also get to see snippets of her travels and her wild, carefree lifestyle that will have you longing for the open road.

VI. Natasha Ramachandran - @natasha_ramachandran

Who: This graduate of the National Institute of Fashion Technology has been taking the world by storm. After winning a beauty pageant in Hyderabad in 2007, Natasha headed straight for the big leagues and the ramps at Lakme Fashion Week. Currently, she is working on cracking the International circuit, something few Indian models have been able to do but after her success at New York fashion week in 2014, it is a definite possibility. Follow Because: Funny and witty, her Instagram account is a blend of casual everyday life and a peek into the world of a high fashion model.

VII. Nidhi Sunil - @nidhisunil

Who: Once upon a time, Nidhi dreamed of a career in Law but then she met fashion and her whole world was turned upside down. She realised she could be the boss of her own time, travel the world and experience the best life has to offer. She is a self-confessed foodie and would rather spend an evening on a pizza binge than a club hop. Her wild exuberance got her a place at Wilhelmina International and since then, she has been appearing in campaigns across the globe with her most recent stint in California producing some of the most fiery swimsuit pictures we’ve seen in a while. Follow Because: Her instagram has personality that goes beyond the stunning photo shoots. Smart and funny, her feed is a whirlwind of life, laughter and travel, always topped off by her dazzling smile.

VIII. Paloma Monnappa - @palominski

Who: From the looks of it, the world has a lot to learn about taking life by the horns from this multi-tasking jack of all trades. She flits from high fashion editorials to gritty parts of India covering lesser known stories as a travel show host to hitting the waves in Sri Lanka before you can say ‘slow down’ and she finds time to DJ here and there too, as part of Algorhythm. She makes it look pretty damn easy, but considering each day seems to demand a different destination, we’re exhausted just trying to keep up. Though she’s technically based in Mumbai, chances are you’ll never see her here, so instagram might just be the only way you can keep track of her whereabouts, or hunt for hints of where she might be next. But as glamorous as all of this sounds, what we love most about Paloma’s instagram is that it doesn’t hesitate to be silly and fuss-free when it needs to be. It’s a lesson in not taking life too seriously and taking every moment as it comes. Follow Because: Her feed is the dream for every travel buff, the best travel guide to Sri Lanka you’ll ever see and she has a ridiculously cute niece and nephew who are on their way to becoming child stars the amount they pop up on her ever-growing account!

IX. Priyanka Kochhar - @priyanka_kochhar

Who: 29-year-old Priyanka Kochhar is a fashion model represented by Inega Models India, and Apple Models & Wilhelmina One abroad. She started her career behind the camera and it wasn’t until the age of 28 that she decided to try her hand at modelling. She faced a few setbacks due to her age and was once told to stick to journalism thanks to her ‘imperfect-edgy-pouty-strong and sharp face’. But today, she’s proved them all wrong by being has featured in editorials and publications ranging from Vogue Italia to Vogue India, Grazia, Elle India, and Harper’s Bazaar and she’s showing no sign of slowing down either. We think it has a lot to do with the authenticity her feed portrays. She isn’t trying to be someone she’s not, and has developed her online profile with panache as she shatters every gender stereotype there is with her enthusiasm for big engines, and bigger bikes. Follow Because: Every single shot exudes confidence and style. She looks phenomenal in everything from traditional saris to leather jackets and her alter ego, a tough-as-nails biker chick shows exactly how versatile she is. You can keep up with her biking travels here.

X. Radhika Nair - @radhika_nair

Who: This shy commerce student came onto the scene in 2012 and has since been gathering a devoted following for her innate sense of style and glamour. Early on, she bagged a shoot with Grazia Magazine and began to build up her portfolio slowly but steadily. She was nervous to work around established models but now her confidence and poise has made her a recognised face in the industry. Although she struggled in an unconventional profession she loves the opportunities working in fashion affords her, especially the chance to travel and explore the world. Follow Because: Her monochromatic shots are visually stunning and her effortless elegance reflects the international standards she one day hopes to achieve. Her unique aesthetic choices make her Instagram account a fascinating journey and she’s one of our current favourite faces to watch.

XI. Smita Lasrado - @smitalasrado

Who: Although she was born in Mumbai this model had set her sights on a bigger dream and at an early age, she left to build her career in Paris. She struggled to get noticed but a 2007 Dior show in Zurich brought her opportunities of interesting and varied work and was a Paris Fashion Week break for a Vivienne Westwood show that led to her true debut in international fashion. Her favourite aspect of the job is the travel and she loves to meet new people from every corner of the globe. Follow Because: Much more than just a pretty face, Smita has a vibrant personality that will hold you captive. Quirky and funny she loves to laugh, isn’t afraid to be a bit silly every now and then, and never shies away from speaking her mind.

 Research By: Nida Razack