Sydney-based model Anshu Nair has proudly represented Australia on the international stage, receiving three prestigious titles at the Cosmic Universe International Pageant held in Mumbai, India.
At the pageant on 12 July 2026, Anshu was crowned by Bollywood actress Isha Koppikar and received the titles of Platinum International Beauty Winner, Top International Model 2026 and Most Photogenic Winner.
For Anshu, the achievement was not simply about receiving crowns or recognition. It represented a deeply personal journey shaped by resilience, family, cultural pride and the belief that dreams never have an expiry date.
Born in Suva, Fiji Islands, Anshu experienced unimaginable loss during the earliest years of her life. Her father passed away when she was only three months old, followed by the loss of her grandfather when she was one.
As an only child, she was raised by her devoted mother, Pushpa Nair, and her grandmother in public housing. Although their life was simple, Anshu recalls a childhood filled with love, strength and hope.
At the age of nine, Anshu migrated to Australia with her mother, Pushpa Nair, to live with her aunt, Lila Robert, whom she affectionately calls “Mumum”.
Her mother Pushpa, grandmother and aunt Lila each played an important role in shaping her love for fashion, elegance and Indian culture.
Watching the women in her family proudly wear traditional Indian clothing and carry themselves with elegance and confidence inspired Anshu’s lifelong passion for Desi fashion, beauty and modelling.
Their influence also taught her that true beauty is not simply about appearance, but about confidence, grace and embracing one’s identity.
Anshu proudly celebrates her Indian heritage, with her ancestors originating from Kerala and Chennai, while also maintaining a strong connection to her Fijian roots and appreciating the opportunities Australia has provided her.
She began pursuing modelling at the age of 16 while continuing her education. At just 20 years old, she achieved one of her earliest dreams when she won a national beauty pageant.
The victory strengthened her belief that determination, courage and self-confidence could create extraordinary opportunities.
However, marriage and family responsibilities later became her priority, and her pageant journey was placed on hold.
Like many women, Anshu found that life did not always unfold like a fairy tale. Nevertheless, her passion for fashion, modelling and celebrating her culture never disappeared.
Even during the years she spent away from the stage, she continued believing that one day she would return.
Growing up in public housing in Fiji, Anshu would often dream of living high above a city skyline.
Years later, through hard work, perseverance and a refusal to give up, that childhood dream became a reality.
Today, she looks across Sydney from her high-rise home-a daily reminder that where a person begins in life does not determine where they will finish.
Her return to the international pageant stage marked the beginning of an extraordinary new chapter.
On 12 July 2026, Anshu proudly represented Australia at the Cosmic Universe International Pageant in Mumbai and was honoured with three international titles:
Platinum International Beauty Winner
Top International Model 2026
Most Photogenic Winner
Standing on stage and being crowned by Bollywood actress Isha Koppikar was a powerful and emotional moment for Anshu.
The three crowns represented every setback she had overcome, every dream she had refused to abandon and every woman who had ever questioned whether it was too late to start again.
Her return to the stage was also a tribute to the remarkable women who shaped her life-her mother, Pushpa Nair, her grandmother and her beloved Mumum, Lila Robert.
Their strength, love and unwavering belief continue to inspire Anshu each time she steps onto a stage.
Anshu now hopes to use her platform to encourage women of every age and background to believe in themselves and pursue the dreams they may have placed aside because of family responsibilities, personal challenges or difficult circumstances.
“I want women to know that age should never define their dreams, circumstances should never define their future, and it is never too late to begin again,” Anshu said.
From a little girl growing up in public housing in Fiji, to fulfilling her childhood dream of living above the Sydney skyline and representing Australia on an international stage, Anshu’s journey carries a powerful message.
“Dreams don’t have an expiry date. They simply wait for the courage to chase them.”
Through her achievements, Anshu hopes to remind others that success is not determined by where someone begins, but by their courage to continue moving forward.
Her story celebrates perseverance, cultural identity, family and the extraordinary possibilities that can emerge when a person refuses to stop believing.
“Every setback can become the foundation for something extraordinary. Believe in yourself, honour your heritage, embrace every chapter of life and never stop chasing your dreams.”
Anchal Banga
