Munish Sood
Mandi
What began as a fashion event in Sarkaghat has now drawn attention for a deeper and more meaningful reason — the exceptional talent, confidence, and creativity displayed by children from across Himachal Pradesh. The recently held ‘Little Fashion Model Himachal – Season 1’ has emerged as a promising platform dedicated to nurturing young talent while promoting cultural pride and self-expression.
Children aged 5 to 14 years impressed audiences with their confidence and versatility, proving that Himachal’s young generation possesses remarkable artistic potential. The competition was conducted in four rounds — Introduction, Western Wear Ramp Walk, Traditional Himachali Attire, and a Talent Round, with the talent round becoming the highlight of the show.
During the talent round, participants showcased a wide range of skills, including dance, singing, mimicry, and drawing, earning enthusiastic applause for their originality and stage presence. Many performances reflected not only natural ability but also discipline and dedication, making the segment one of the most engaging parts of the event.
The traditional Himachali attire round added a strong cultural dimension to the programme. Dressed in colourful regional outfits, the children combined fashion with heritage, presenting Himachal’s rich traditions in a contemporary format that resonated strongly with both the audience and the jury.
In the 5–8 age category, Srijal Bhardwaj secured first position, followed by Tanvi in second place and Aadriti in third.
In the 8–11 age category, Aaradhya Gupta won first place, while Naira Bhardwaj and Pranvi Kaushal secured second and third positions respectively.
In the 11–18 age category, Kumakshi Puri claimed the top honour, followed by Tanisha in second place and Diksha in third. All other participants were presented with encouragement awards to boost their confidence and enthusiasm.
Renowned theatre artist Deep Kumar Sharma, popularly known as Railu Ram and associated with the National School of Drama, New Delhi, attended the event as the chief guest and jury member. He was joined on the judging panel by director Pankaj Vaidya and theatre and film actor Anil Mahant, who appreciated the children’s expressive abilities and stage discipline.
Adding professional guidance to the event, television and film actor-model Milan Singh Rana, known for his roles in popular serials such as Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Mein, Vanshaj, Lakshminarayan, Maati Se Bandhi Dor, and Sahajveer, conducted ramp-walk training sessions for the participants ahead of the show, helping them understand posture, confidence, and stage movement.
Speaking about the objective of the initiative, Dinesh Bhardwaj, founder of Affinity Advertising and Events, said the platform is not about turning children into models or actors but about developing confidence, personality, and self-expression. “No matter which profession a child chooses in the future, the ability to present oneself confidently is a lifelong skill. Through this platform, we also aim to promote Himachali culture and provide children with a professional-level stage within the state,” he said.
During the event, the organisers also announced an upcoming Hindi feature film, aimed at showcasing Himachal Pradesh’s art, culture, and traditional attire at national and international levels.
Overall, Little Fashion Model Himachal has established itself as more than just a fashion show — it is increasingly being seen as a talent-nurturing platform that celebrates childhood creativity, cultural identity, and self-belief. The event was held on January 25, 2026, coinciding with the 55th Himachal Pradesh Statehood Day celebrations, and left a lasting impression on participants, parents, and audiences alike.
