Our Bureau
Mumbai
India’s first fashion reality show, aimed at catapulting homegrown designers onto the global stage, is set to launch under the banner of Dharmatic Entertainment. Hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, the marquee production brings together creativity, entrepreneurship, and entertainment, with Bollywood personalities such as Akshay Kumar and industrialist Navin Jindal backing the venture as investors.
The series will feature 14 emerging fashion founders competing across eight episodes for a funding pool of ₹40 crore. Contestants will be evaluated not only on their collections but also on their ability to navigate the demanding business side of fashion. With exclusive industry exposure and televised reach, the show positions itself as more than entertainment—it doubles as a launchpad for untapped design talent from across India.
“For years, Indian fashion has been seen as elite and inaccessible,” explained Sanjay Nigam, Founder of the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund, which conceived the project. “There is a huge gap. Youngsters have fresh designs with global potential, but they lack visibility. Our aim is to create international-level work using Indian fabrics and craftsmanship, and to give these designers the recognition they deserve.”
Stars like Saif Ali Khan, Malaika Arora, Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, Tiger Shroff, and Manushi Chhillar will make appearances, ensuring a high-glamour quotient for viewers. Manish Malhotra and Shibani Akhtar are also expected to lend industry credibility to the show.
The “Local to Global” approach underpins the format, spotlighting small-town designers and expanding India’s retail and creative footprint internationally. Nigam underlined that the program is designed to run parallel with fashion weeks, awards, and global distribution platforms, giving winners unprecedented exposure.
As India’s fashion industry continues to expand rapidly, observers believe the timing is critical. The show is expected to bridge the gap between a growing market and underrepresented creative talent, making fashion aspiration more inclusive for audiences nationwide.
