Can Indian Runways Survive Without Celeb Showstoppers?

Fashion has always been a form of art, identity, and craftsmanship. However, today, the industry is more about publicity than skill, and this raises concerns about who deserves to be on the runway. 

The showstopper culture is a growing trend, where a celebrity or influencer is chosen to close a fashion show. It was started in India as a way for designers to gain attention through Bollywood connections, and has turned into a marketing tactic that shifts the focus from the clothing to the celebrity.

It is also present in the West, but only to a certain extent. In the fashion capitals like Paris or Milan, celebrity appearances are usually reserved for dramatic moments (like when Jennifer Lopez closed a Versace show) and not an established element at every show, as is done in India.

Whom does the runway really belong to?

The only people we need on the runways are models. They are skilled professionals who are trained in runway walk, posture, and expression. They represent garments and not themselves. Their job is performance-oriented but subtle to highlight fashion and not overshadow it. 

The modelling industry is no cakewalk. In India, thousands of models apply daily, but only a few make it to the runways or magazines. Models practice and train for years to get the perfect poses and walk in heels. The beauty standards in this industry are brutal, with many people undergoing unhealthy diets to fit in.

Models need to take care of their fitness and stamina to maintain perfect, healthy skin and a toned body. Even after working so hard, some do not make it only because of the strict height criteria. Despite these rigorous standards and relentless effort, recognition in the industry often follows a very different set of priorities.

When it comes to closing a fashion show in India, actors and influencers are often the preferred choice. Their fame-driven visibility attracts a wide audience and positions them as effective brand faces, even if they may lack formal modelling expertise.

Indian models: Ignored in their own land

Indian models have been attaining greater recognition at the international stage, like Paris, Milan, and New York, due to the increasing inclination towards diversity in global fashion. The luxury market is targeting the affluent segment in India and across the globe, and this makes it a productive marketing tool to hire Indian models.

Bhavitha Mandava is one such example. The Hyderabad-born NYU student was not a celebrity; she was discovered by a scout on a New York City subway in 2024 and gained global recognition when she opened for the 2026 Chanel show.

Models like Pooja Mor and Radhika Nair also gained recognition through runway presence. High-profile campaigns and social media presence added value, too. However, in India, the industry falls short in recognising this talent.

Not every famous face is the right face

A showstopper’s responsibility is to match the theme of the collection, understand the runway presence, and complement the design. Although the showstopper dress is the final garment displayed on the runway, it serves as the ultimate, memorable climax that defines the success and overall performance of the event. So, it is important to choose the right showstopper as it creates a lasting impact and engagement at the event.

Aneet Padda, the Saiyaara star who was one of the most talked-about names in 2025, walked the ramp for Tarun Tahiliani at the Lakme Fashion Week last year. However, her ‘robotic’ walk led to her being brutally trolled. Again, in 2026, Aneet got slammed while walking for Pero. Her fans supported, but others claimed she was not prepared. 

Similar trolling happened with Janhvi Kapoor at the 2025 LFW when she walked in a Rahul Mishra gown. She was called ‘stiff’ and compared to Tamanna Katoch, the supermodel who nailed the walk, as netizens felt the latter deserved it more.

There are also several actresses who nail the walks, like Shilpa Shetty, Kangana Ranaut, Malaika Arora, Disha Patani and Ananya Panday (who has been praised more for her walk than acting). Alaya F was also praised for her 2026 LFW walk. So, it matters who you choose.

Indian fashion must celebrate skill over visibility, ensuring models remain at its core rather than being overshadowed by celebrity culture. While actors and influencers bring attention, true representation lies in professional talent. If fashion shows are to honour design and craft, models and not fame should continue to define and lead the runway.

Views expressed by the author are their own.