The countdown to one of India’s biggest modelling spectacles has officially begun. CDF Venture, led by organiser Sunny Verma, announced on Sunday that auditions for MR & MISS INDIA ASIA 2026 are now open.
The show, which has long been the subject of speculation in fashion and entertainment circles, is being hailed as a milestone event for aspiring models. The announcement comes after months of buzz across the modelling community and sets the stage for what many are calling one of the most ambitious contests in recent years.
A Nationwide Hunt
According to the organisers, MR & MISS INDIA ASIA 2026 will be a pan-India talent huntdesigned to bring forward fresh modelling talent from every region.
The Grand Finale is set to be hosted in New Delhi, while the semifinals will take place in nine major cities: New Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Dehradun.
“By spreading the event across multiple cities, we are ensuring that young talent from all corners of the country gets an opportunity to shine,” said Verma. “This is not just about glamour — it’s about creating a truly national platform.”
Online Auditions for Wider Reach
For auditions, CDF Venture has chosen a completely online format, continuing the approach it first pioneered in 2017. This method has since become a hallmark of the company’s talent hunts.
“The online process has proven to be both inclusive and efficient,” explained Harish Pekha, head of the managing committee. “We want every aspiring model — whether from a metro or a small town — to be able to apply without barriers. That’s why we expect the auditions to run over seven to eight months, giving participants the time and confidence to prepare.”
Applicants from a limited number of Asian countries will also be allowed to compete, extending the event’s reach beyond India’s borders.
Star Power on Stage
While auditions will focus squarely on contestants, organisers confirmed that the Grand Finale will feature leading Bollywood personalities, while the semifinals will bring in popular TV actors and celebrities.
However, the panel of judges will be revealed only after auditions close. “Our intention is to keep the spotlight on the participants,” Verma explained. “The judges will be big names, but we want contestants to be the face of the show, not overshadowed by celebrity announcements.”
Prizes and Career Opportunities
The organisers have announced prizes worth ₹10 lakh across multiple categories, offering winners not just recognition but also financial support to kickstart their modelling careers.
In addition, CDF Venture will provide hands-on event management opportunities for internsat both semifinals and finale venues. The idea, according to Verma, is to make the platform holistic: “We want this to be a learning opportunity not only for contestants but for anyone associated with the show.”
A Comeback After the Pandemic
CDF Venture has staged several high-profile events in the past, often featuring Bollywood stars and celebrated designers. Personalities such as Rannvijay Singh, Neha Sharma, Gulshan Grover, Esha Gupta, Prince Narula, and Karan Kundrra have appeared in earlier editions.
But the company, like much of the entertainment industry, was forced to pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2026 edition marks its return to large-scale shows, which is partly why anticipation has been so high.
“This comeback means a lot,” said Verma. “Our last few shows before the pandemic were trendsetters, and now we are aiming to set an even higher standard.”
Online Buzz and Early Response
The announcement has already triggered excitement online. Social media is filled with posts from aspiring contestants eager to apply, with many praising the online format for making the show more accessible.
“This is a dream opportunity for small-town talent,” one user commented on X (formerly Twitter). “I’ve always wanted to try modelling, and now I can audition without leaving home.”
Former participants of CDF Venture events have also spoken about the company’s strong track record in providing national visibility.
Looking Ahead
With auditions now open, the organisers are preparing for a surge in applications from across the country. Fashion industry insiders expect the competition to attract thousands of entries, making it one of the largest talent hunts of its kind.
The extended audition timeline, combined with the promise of star-studded semifinals and finale, has already built significant hype. Industry analysts say MR & MISS INDIA ASIA 2026 could be a benchmark-setting event for modelling competitions in India.
As Verma concluded in his announcement:
“Our vision is to create opportunities that go beyond crowns and trophies. This platform is about discovery, visibility, and growth. MR & MISS INDIA ASIA 2026 will be the stage where tomorrow’s stars are born.”
