India’s first transgender modelling agency
Changing representation. Creating opportunities.
Started by Mitr Trust and founded by Rudrani Chhetri, BOLD opens doors for transgender talent in modelling, fashion, entertainment and media, and challenges stereotypes one ramp, campaign and screen at a time.
A Mitr Trust initiative
Watch: the people of BOLD in their own words
About BOLD
More than a modelling agency
BOLD is a transgender-focused modelling and creative platform founded by Rudrani Chhetri to create opportunities for transgender individuals in modelling, fashion, entertainment, and media.
BOLD began in 2015 as an initiative of Mitr Trust in New Delhi. It grew out of a frustration Rudrani had carried for years: watching young, talented transgender people being made to feel ugly from an early age, by an industry that had no place for them.
Modelling became her answer. A ramp, a camera and a portfolio let transgender people be seen for their talent, on their own terms, and invite everyone else to meet the community with joy instead of prejudice.
The initiative seeks to challenge stereotypes, increase visibility, and support transgender talent in accessing professional platforms.
We are artists, models, actors, entrepreneurs, creators, and so much more. Our talent, passion, and hard work deserve to be seen, celebrated, and valued.
The journey so far
2015
An idea takes shape
Rudrani Chhetri sets out to build a modelling agency run by and for transgender people, as an initiative of Mitr Trust.
2016
The first auditions
Aspiring transgender models audition in New Delhi before a jury of fashion professionals. Those selected get professional shoots and portfolios.
On film
Come As You Are
A short documentary by filmmaker Priyanka Verma follows BOLD’s models as they prepare for a catwalk show about self-expression and body positivity.
Today
From the ramp to casting
BOLD also connects transgender talent with casting opportunities in film, advertising and media.
What BOLD works on
BOLD opens professional doors for transgender talent, and helps brands, designers and producers work with the community respectfully.
Modelling and fashion assignments.
Inclusive brand campaigns.
Creative collaborations and media projects.
Representation in advertising and entertainment.
Professional development and portfolio building.
Transgender-led creative entrepreneurship.
From the BOLD portfolio
Seen, celebrated and valued 
Striking a pose, together 
Under the BOLD sign 
Tradition meets the ramp