For the 9^th anniversary issue, Vogue India did something different.

The cover features six models from various parts of Asia like India, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The photographer, Bharat Sikka captured beautifully the individuality of all the models, and successfully brought forward the “beauty in diversity.”

Besides bringing their individuality to the ramp, these stunning models are aspiring lawyers and doctors, who break stereotypes of the industry and inspire others to think big, think strong, think different. Let’s zoom in and uncover their stories beyond the life in Vogue.

POOJA MOR, 24, INDIA

Balancing between her modeling and engineering college days in Gujarat, Mor has proved to be the supermodel of India. She has walked for major designers like Roberto Cavalli, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen and has even featured on the cover of Vogue, Italia.

What’s next: “I’ve yet to take in all that’s happened, and then see where to go next,” she tells Vogue.

DEKI WANGMO, 22, BHUTAN

Wangmo always knew that modeling was what she liked. was the pathway to her dream. While she had worked with popular Bhutanese designers like Chimmi Choden, and appeared in magazines in India and Bhutan, taking part in the Miss Asia contest last year was what finally brought her to the notice of international designers.

What’s next: A show with Project Bhutan for the Asian Bodybuilding Fashion Gala and the Indo-Bhutan Fest fashion show.

RAUDHA ATHIF, 20, MALDIVES

With her beautiful aqua blue eyes, it wasn’t difficult for Radha to get into the field of modeling. She started her career off with an environmental campaign at the age of 14…at the age I was busy watching Shin Chan with no concern about my career. Athif hit gold with her ‘Maldivian Girl With Aqua Blue Eyes’ shoot which went viral, eventually helping her land this Vogue India cover too.

What’s next: She’s currently pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor, and finishing her MBBS course.

SHENELLE RODRIGO, 21, SRI LANKA

Rodrigo did her first photo shoot at the age 15. She has represented Sri Lanka in the “Supermodel Of South Asia” competition. On TV she starred in the reality show, Making of a Model.

What’s next: She’s completing a degree in marketing and management, and plans to expand her modeling career in India.

JANNATUL FERDOUSH PEYA, 24, BANGLADESH

Born and raised in a conservative Muslim family in a small town, it wasn’t easy for Peya to establish a career in modeling. Her love for fashion and a chance meeting with a well-known Bangladeshi photographer led her to win the Miss Bangladesh contest just after she finished school. In 2010, she bagged her first big campaign with clothing line Aarong and soon ventured into acting.

What’s next: She is also in talks to do more Bengali films. And will be moving to U.K. to pursue a course in law. This girl is definitely on a roll!

VARSHA THAPA, 22, NEPAL

In 2011, Thapa became the first Nepalese model to walk the New York Fashion Week. She also worked with designers like Misonni, Prabal Gurung, Vivienne Westwood, Uniqlo, and Steve Madden.

What’s next: She now wants to write a book chronicling her experiences as a model.

If you still think beauty can’t be accompanied by great brains…think again!

Check out the entire fashion spread in Vogue India’s October 2016 issue that had hit the stands on October 8, 2016.