Rashmika Mandanna Backs HYBE India Audition Campaign

Anirudh Jain - Kolkata Bureau Sep 11, 2026 1,400 Views

HYBE India has launched the "HYBE INDIA Audition: Final Call" campaign in collaboration with Indian film star Rashmika Mandanna. Open to young women born between 2005 and 2011 across five performance disciplines, the global artist-discovery initiative accepts applications through Oct. 31, 2026, spanning 23 cities worldwide.

MUMBAI, India — South Korean entertainment company HYBE officially announced on Sept. 11, 2026, that Indian actor Rashmika Mandanna has joined its HYBE India audition campaign titled "HYBE INDIA Audition: Final Call". The cross-border talent initiative seeks to scout and train young female performers across India to form a new localized pop group intended for international markets.

Global Entertainment Meets Indian Pop Culture

The expansion follows an initial audition phase that debuted in March 2026, which recorded participation from applicants across 28 Indian states, six union territories, and more than 1,650 cities globally. Under the expanded rollout, HYBE India added in-person auditions in eight Indian cities, bringing the total in-person search footprint to 23 cities worldwide.

The program targets female candidates born between 2005 and 2011. Applicants may submit entries across five performance categories: vocals, rap, dance, acting, and modeling. Mandanna, who leads major commercial film franchises, is participating in promotional outreach to encourage broader participation among youth outside traditional industry hubs.

HYBE's Multi-Home Strategy

HYBE, the multinational corporation behind global acts such as BTS, has pursued a "multi-home, multi-genre" expansion strategy. This framework localizes K-pop training and production systems in key regional markets. Past implementations include &TEAM in Japan and the multinational girl group KATSEYE in the United States.

The HYBE India audition campaign represents the company’s first major talent pipeline established in South Asia. By deploying its artist-and-repertoire (A&R) methodologies directly in India, the label aims to assemble an ensemble capable of competing on domestic and global music charts simultaneously.

Official Sources

According to regulatory statements and campaign releases issued by HYBE India and representatives of Rashmika Mandanna on Sept. 11, 2026, the HYBE India audition campaign online application window runs through Oct. 31, 2026. Corporate partners supporting the campaign include Kia India, Nongshim, and Project B.

Official Statements

"Every journey begins with an opportunity and the courage to take that first step," said Rashmika Mandanna in an official campaign video. "When I look back at my own journey, I know how much it takes to keep believing in yourself, working hard, and saying yes to possibilities that can take you somewhere you may never have imagined. Honestly, this is a first-of-its-kind opportunity in India".

Damien Woochang Lee, Chief Executive Officer of HYBE India, stated: "Our aim is to discover, nurture, and develop talent with the potential to represent India on a global stage, and we look forward to seeing the voices, talent, and stories that emerge from this next phase".

Why It Matters

For Indian performing artists, the partnership offers a structured corporate pathway into the international music and entertainment ecosystem. India's domestic music landscape has historically been dominated by film soundtracks rather than standalone pop groups. HYBE’s investment signals growing confidence from international labels in Indian grassroots talent, offering training infrastructure and global distribution channels that bypass traditional regional cinema entry barriers.

Key Facts at a Glance

Partner Entity: HYBE India, an international subsidiary of HYBE Corporation.
Campaign Ambassador: Film actor Rashmika Mandanna.
Audition Eligibility: Female applicants born between 2005 and 2011.
Audition Categories: Vocals, rap, dance, acting, and modeling.
Deadline: Online submissions close on Oct. 31, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to apply for the HYBE India audition campaign?
Online registrations for the "Final Call" phase remain open until Oct. 31, 2026.
Who is eligible to participate in the auditions?
The auditions are open to female performers born between the years 2005 and 2011.
Which performance skills are accepted?
Candidates may submit auditions under vocals, rap, dance, acting, or modeling.
Where are the in-person audition locations?
HYBE India has designated offline audition stops across eight Indian cities, forming part of a wider 23-city global footprint.