From humble beginnings in Delhi to high fashion ramp in Milan: Nakul Bhardwaj makes history as first Indian male model on Versace runway

Reflecting on his whirlwind experience, Bhardwaj shared with Hindustan Times, “I was at a friend’s place in Milan and worried about not getting a callback from any of the castings I have been to. Just then, my phone rang and upon checking it was an email that said ‘Job-Versace.’ It was one of the best feelings I have ever experienced.”

When asked about his hometown, Bhardwaj tells models.com about his deep love for nature. “Located in Vikasnagar, Uttarakhand, India, the best aspect of this place is its immersion in nature amidst the mountains. However, its downside is the limited exposure to the outside world, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking escape,” he says. 

The model’s rise to fame is a testament to his unique blend of athleticism and modelling prowess. A self-described competitive spirit and high-adrenaline sports enthusiast, according to his portfolio, he has been passionate about parkour since the age of seven. This physical agility, combined with his striking looks, sets him apart in the fashion industry.

Behind Bhardwaj’s success also lies a strong foundation of familial support. He credits his mother as his primary source of inspiration, driving him to work hard and stay consistent in pursuit of his dreams. “My mother is the one who inspires me to work hard and consistently. I have always loved modelling and have looked up to many of the greatest models in the business,” he shared in his portfolio.

The fashion world took notice of his talent immediately. At the Versace show, he walked right after supermodel Gigi Hadid and just before Vittoria Ceretti, a placement that speaks volumes about the confidence placed in this newcomer. 

Social media buzzed with excitement as videos of his walk circulated, with one user commenting, “Damn, walking in the middle of Gigi and Vittoria.” Another wrote, “Happy to see that Indian models walking in top shows of world.”

Bhardwaj’s agency, Anon Models, captured the essence of his meteoric rise in an Instagram video that has amassed over 8 million views. The clip shows his transition from practicing his walk in a modest studio apartment to commanding the Versace runway, embodying the dreams of countless aspiring models.

This watershed moment for Bhardwaj follows in the footsteps of Avanti Nagrath, who became the first Indian female model to open a Versace show in 2022. Together, they represent a new era of Indian representation in high fashion, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations.