Hena Ahmed/Kolkata
Armed with degrees in Education from the Calcutta University and the West Bengal University, Raunaq Anwar devoted more than ten years of her life into shaping young learners at a school in Kolkata.
Then came a sudden turn in 2020, where a calendar shoot for Agomoni marked the beginning of her awe-inspiring journey into the world of fashion.
The initial encouragement came from her biggest supporter, her mother. Raunaq entered regional pageants and quickly began earning accolades. She went on to participate in ‘Unica Mrs Kolkata 2022’, where she was crowned the winner.
Later that year, she competed in ‘Mrs India 2022’ and earned the title of second runner-up. From a city-level contest to a national platform, her climb was swift. Raunaq says, “My major achievement as a winner at an international modelling event was Mrs Asia International Top Model 2022 which marked a transformative shift.”
She graced several events as a Runway Model, Showstopper, Guest of Honour and Chief Guest in major Indian cities, such as Kolkata and Delhi. Whether opening a show as a host or closing one as a signature muse, her performances left a lasting impression.
She was honoured with the Women’s Achiever Award by SHE, recognised as the ‘Debutante Ravishing Model’. She also received the International Excellence Award from the Moyurponkhini Foundation, Bangladesh.
She’s not confined to fashion. Her creative ventures include independent films, curated shoots, and editorial spreads. “I appeared in a short film produced by Mak International, which premiered in December 2023”, she said.
In 2023, life took a difficult turn. Raunaq lost her mother, who stood by her through every choice and challenge.
“She was a fighter. I saw her work relentlessly, putting family before herself. When I lost her, I nearly lost my spirit too,” Raunaq says. “But then I remembered that she never gave up. So, neither will I.”
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Raunaq channels her grief into a purpose. Her achievements, now more than ever, carry a deeper significance as a tribute to the legacy of perseverance she inherited.
Though the runway has taken centre stage, her educational ethos continues. Raunaq conducts interactive sessions for children from her own space, proving that professional reinvention doesn't require letting go of your roots. Her students now learn not only grammar and communication, but also the art of dreaming big.
Beyond the stage lights and cameras, Raunaq expanded her influence into brand storytelling, event coordinating and even guiding the next generation of aspirants in the world of fashion and glamour.
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She has many awards to her credit. Some of these are:
Walked as a special guest in Mr, Miss and Mrs Fateh 2021, organised by Atif Ali.
