From Architecture student to Chanel ambassador
Hyderabad’s own Bhavitha Mandava is making waves on the global fashion scene. The 26-year-old model has just been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 list in the Rising Talents category, marking a stellar achievement for the Telugu-origin star.
Bhavitha’s journey sounds like a movie script. Born and raised in Hyderabad, she studied Architecture at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University before packing her bags for New York. Her big break came when a modelling scout spotted her at a subway station. Within weeks, she made her runway debut and quickly became one of fashion’s most buzzed-about new faces.
But she didn’t stop there. Bhavitha went on to create history by becoming the first Indian model to open Chanel’s prestigious Métiers d’Art collection. Earlier this year, her association with the luxury house grew stronger when she was appointed as a House Ambassador. Talk about a fairy tale!
Met Gala 2026: Love it or hate it?
Bhavitha’s debut at the Met Gala 2026 grabbed headlines worldwide, but not all attention was positive. While fans expected a show-stopping couture moment from the Chanel ambassador, she walked the red carpet in a denim-inspired outfit paired with a simple white top.
The look sparked a massive debate online. Some fashion enthusiasts praised the storytelling behind the ensemble, but others felt it lacked the usual Met Gala drama. Social media was abuzz with chatter, with some even claiming Chanel didn’t do justice to her debut appearance. However, Bhavitha wasn’t bothered by the noise. She confidently shared her love for the outfit and expressed gratitude towards Chanel’s creative director, Matthieu Blazy. Her chill reaction won over many fans who appreciated her confidence.
Telugu talent shines on global stage
Bhavitha isn’t the only Telugu achiever on this year’s Forbes list. Shiva Ganesh Gaddam, founder of Zeni5, made the cut in the Finance and Venture Capital category for teaching financial literacy to kids through comic-based learning. Madhulash Babu Krovvidi, founder of the Edodwaja Foundation, was recognised in the Social Impact category for his AI-powered ‘FLOW Bus’ mobile lab that brings tech education to rural students in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
With a Forbes honour, a Chanel ambassadorship, and a headline-making Met Gala debut under her belt, Bhavitha Mandava is putting Hyderabad firmly on the global fashion map. From a subway station in New York to the world’s biggest fashion stages, her story is inspiring a generation of young Indians to dream big and break barriers.