News Notes
RALEIGH, NC — September 2026 — Raleigh resident Adrita Khanna has been named First Runner-Up in Next Runway Star 2026, emerging from an initial field of approximately 70,000 entrants nationwide, according to competition representatives.
Adrita Khanna’s journey culminated in New York during New York Fashion Week, where she participated in the Rise Fashion Show and joined the competition winner and Rise Prize winner for a professional mentor photoshoot. Next Runway Star officially recognizes Khanna as its 2026 First Runner-Up.
The competition partnered with Rise, founded by Amanda Nguyen, which advocates for the civil rights of sexual-assault survivors. Learn more at: risenow.us
Adrita Khanna, an Indian-American woman, was Mrs. India International 2008 and is an accomplished Indian classical dancer. She is now beginning a new chapter in modeling and acting while hoping to inspire women to pursue their ambitions at every stage of life.
“This experience reminded me that dreams don’t have an expiration date. It’s never too late to begin a new chapter.”
Info about Next Runway Star: nextrunwaystar.com/
