Hyderabad-Born Model Bhavitha Mandava Wins Instagram Rings Award 2026

Bhavitha Mandava, a 26-year-old model originally from Hyderabad, has added a new international honor to her career by being named one of the 25 global winners of Instagram's Rings Award for 2026. Raised in Hyderabad and trained in architecture, her life shifted when she was noticed by a creative director at a New York subway station in September 2024 while wearing casual clothes.

That chance encounter led to her professional debut as an exclusive model for Bottega Veneta in Milan. Her career advanced further when she opened Chanel's Métiers d'Art 2026 show in a New York subway station, marking the first time an Indian model opened a Chanel runway presentation. She later became a Chanel House Ambassador and has appeared on the covers of international publications like British Vogue and Numéro France.

Instagram launched the Rings Award to honor creators who demonstrate originality and a distinct perspective through their work, regardless of follower counts. The recognition includes a physical ring made from Irish Connemara marble and special profile customization benefits on the platform.