Model Who Walked Behind Janhvi Kapoor at Lakmé Fashion Week Steals Spotlight Amid Controversy

Mumbai, April 1, 2025 – The Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW) x FDCI 2025 runway, held on March 29, was meant to spotlight Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor as the showstopper for designer Rahul Mishra’s AFEW Fall/Winter collection. Yet, it was the poised and unnamed model walking behind her who unexpectedly captured the internet’s attention, igniting a debate about grace, professionalism, and the role of celebrities versus trained models in high fashion. As Kapoor’s dramatic walk drew mixed reactions—ranging from praise to harsh trolling—the model’s understated elegance became a quiet counterpoint, earning her praise and thrusting her into an impromptu moment of fame.

A Star-Studded Runway Moment

Janhvi Kapoor, a rising Bollywood luminary and daughter of the late Sridevi, took center stage in a bold black Bandhani bodycon gown with a thigh-high slit and shimmering sequins, layered beneath a voluminous long coat. Her entrance was theatrical—she struck commanding poses, shed the coat mid-walk, and recreated a paparazzi-inspired moment that designer Rahul Mishra called “mind-blowing” for its playful nod to her real-life media frenzy. The collection, dubbed “The Silk Route,” fused traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern flair, and Kapoor’s dynamic presence aimed to embody that vision.

Behind her, however, strode a model whose identity remains undisclosed, dressed in a complementary piece from Mishra’s line—likely a sleek, intricately detailed ensemble mirroring the collection’s East-meets-West aesthetic. While Kapoor’s strut was the focal point, the model’s measured steps and serene composure stood out, especially as social media dissected the duo’s contrasting styles.

The Internet Splits: Trolling and Triumph

Kapoor’s walk, brimming with confidence and a touch of Bollywood swagger, didn’t land universally well. Netizens on platforms like Instagram and Reddit pounced, with comments ranging from “Why is she running?” to “She’s walking like she’s about to miss a train.” Critics dubbed her pace “hasty” and “bouncy,” with one user quipping, “Grace left the chat.” The backlash wasn’t new—Kapoor faced similar flak for a slow, “sleepwalking” performance at Paris Haute Couture Week 2024—yet it reignited a broader critique: “Where are the real models?” asked a Hindustan Times commenter, echoing a sentiment that celebrity showstoppers often overshadow trained talent.

Amid the trolling, the model trailing Kapoor emerged as an unsung hero. “The model behind her is controlling her laugh lol,” one Reddit user speculated, while another gushed, “She managed to make the model behind her seem like Naomi Campbell.” Posts trending on X praised her poise, with users noting how her effortless stride highlighted the professionalism often expected on a runway. “That’s how you walk,” one wrote, contrasting her with Kapoor’s more theatrical approach. Though her name eludes public knowledge—common for many runway models outside the supermodel echelon—her moment became a viral talking point.

A Debate on Runway Roles

The episode has fueled an ongoing conversation about the intersection of celebrity and fashion. Lakmé Fashion Week, a staple of India’s style calendar, frequently taps Bollywood stars like Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, and Athiya Shetty to amplify its reach, a practice dating back to its early days. Kapoor herself is no stranger to the ramp, having debuted in 2018 for Nachiket Barve and walked for Amit Aggarwal in 2023. Yet, each appearance stirs the nepotism pot, with detractors arguing that actors, not models, snag the spotlight despite lacking the honed skills of runway veterans.

Defenders of Kapoor’s role point to her star power. “She brings drama and aura—something models can’t always replicate,” a fan argued on Instagram, praising her as a throwback to the “2000s girlies” of Bollywood’s golden runway era. Rahul Mishra, who handpicked her, lauded her confidence, telling News18, “She plays herself so well—it’s inspiring.” Her gown, a fusion of Bandhani and Shibori influences, shimmered under the lights, and her connection with Mishra—her third collaboration with the designer—added a personal touch to the spectacle.

Still, the model’s quiet triumph underscored a counter-narrative: that professional models, often relegated to the background, embody the technical finesse fashion demands. “This is genuinely so insulting for the models,” one netizen lamented, a sentiment echoed in calls for designers to prioritize “real talent” over celebrity cachet.

Who Is She?

As of April 1, efforts to identify the model have hit a wall. Unlike showstoppers, runway models at LFW rarely receive individual billing unless they’re established names—think Lisa Haydon or Lakshmi Rana. Mishra’s team hasn’t named her, and agency rosters from Elite Model Management India or Toabh Talents, which often supply LFW talent, offer no clear lead. She could be a newcomer or a seasoned pro, but her anonymity only amplifies her mystique. Posts on X speculate she’s “someone to watch,” with one user joking, “She’s the real star—give her Janhvi’s paycheck!”

Her outfit, part of Mishra’s collection inspired by ancient trade routes, likely featured the same rich textures and vibrant hues as Kapoor’s—a testament to the designer’s vision of wearable art. Yet, her execution stole a slice of the narrative, proving that sometimes, less fanfare speaks louder.

A Lasting Echo

Kapoor, unfazed by the critique, shared a fan-made video of her walk, leaning into the buzz. She’s next set to dazzle screens in Peddi with Ram Charan and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari with Varun Dhawan, her Bollywood star rising undeterred. Meanwhile, the model’s fleeting fame poses a question: will this viral moment propel her into the spotlight, or will she remain a footnote in LFW lore?

For now, Lakmé Fashion Week 2025’s fourth day is remembered not just for Kapoor’s bold Bandhani moment, but for the unnamed model who walked behind her—proof that poise can outshine even the brightest spotlight. As the fashion world watches, her silent strut may yet spark a louder conversation about who truly owns the runway.