Mangaluru’s 8-year-old Rushabh Rao wins first place at International Fashion Show in Vietnam

Mangaluru’s 8-year-old Rushabh Rao wins first place at International Fashion Show in Vietnam

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 25, 2025: At the International Fashion Show Competition organized by Fashion Runway International in Vietnam from August 13 to 17, eight-year-old child prodigy Rushabh Rao from Kulasekhara, Mangaluru, secured first place.

Rushabh not only won the first prize in the Prince category but was also crowned with the Super Talent Award. Earlier in May, he had clinched the top spot in the Prince category at the National Junior International Model Fashion Show Competition held in Goa, which earned him the opportunity to represent India at the international level, his mentor, actor-director Rahul Amin, informed at a press conference on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, Rushabh’s father Rakshith Rao said that his son began learning dance at the age of four and went on to participate in and win several competitions. He later received opportunities in acting, performing in three Tulu films and one Kannada television serial, which helped him overcome stage fear. “Later, we introduced him to fashion shows for a new experience. To our surprise, he won first place and was selected to perform on the international stage. He is currently studying in Class 3 at Bejai Lourdes School,” he said.

Expressing his happiness, Rushabh Rao said that winning first place at the international level was a proud and joyful moment for him.

Also present at the event were National Director Varsha Devadiga, dance and talent-round trainer Naveen Shetty, fashion designer Varsha V. Acharya, and Rushabh’s mother Ashwini.