Rashmika Mandanna Joins HYBE India for Global Girl Group Auditions

The synergy between Bollywood and K-pop has reached an unprecedented level today with the official announcement that popular actress Rashmika Mandanna is collaborating with HYBE India for their ambitious global girl group project. The partnership, revealed today, September 11, 2026, sees Mandanna joining the 'HYBE India Audition: Final Call' campaign, aiming to discover and nurture India's next generation of global music stars. HYBE India, Company Behind BTS, Launches Nationwide Auditions for New Girl Group.

HYBE India Partners Rashmika Mandanna for Global Girl Group Auditions

HYBE India, the South Korean entertainment conglomerate's subsidiary, officially launched its "Final Call" audition campaign, bringing on board Rashmika Mandanna to encourage aspiring female artists. This follows the initial girl group audition round, which commenced in March 2026. The initiative has already garnered significant attention, with applicants from 28 Indian states, six union territories, and over 1,650 cities across 116 countries participating in the initial phase.

Due to this overwhelming response, HYBE India has significantly expanded its in-person audition venues. What began with auditions in 10 Indian cities and five overseas locations has now grown to include an additional eight Indian cities: Lucknow, Dimapur, Kohima, Shillong, Jaipur, Indore, Goa, and Kochi, bringing the total to 23 cities globally.

Eligibility for the auditions is open to women born between 2005 and 2011. Aspiring talents can showcase their skills across various categories, including vocals, rap, dance, acting, and modelling.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the collaboration, Rashmika Mandanna stated, "Every journey begins with an opportunity and the courage to take that first step. 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." She further added, "Honestly, I think this is a first-of-its-kind opportunity in India, and I'm incredibly excited to be partnering with HYBE INDIA on this journey." Her message, delivered in a video on HYBE Labels' official YouTube channel, aims to inspire young girls to overcome their fears and embrace the potential for a global career.

Damien Woochang Lee, CEO of HYBE India, underscored the vision behind the project: "The interest poured into the audition reveals the depth of talent and ambition present throughout India." He reiterated HYBE's goal to discover and systematically nurture individuals with the potential to thrive on the global stage, aiming to build a music ecosystem designed for India's unique cultural landscape.

Online applications for the 'HYBE INDIA Audition: Final Call' opened on September 2, 2026, and will remain open until October 31, 2026.

Rashmika Mandanna's Expanding Influence and Bollywood Trajectory

Rashmika Mandanna's collaboration with HYBE India comes at a time when the actress is enjoying immense success and an expanding filmography across various Indian languages. Known for her pan-India appeal, Mandanna recently starred in the romantic comedy Cocktail 2, which released on June 19, 2026, alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.

Her upcoming slate is equally impressive, solidifying her position as one of the most sought-after actresses. She is set to appear in:

• Ranabaali: A Telugu period film opposite Vijay Deverakonda, expected to release on October 16, 2026.
• Mysaa: A female-led action thriller set in tribal lands, scheduled for a theatrical release on November 27, 2026.

With over 51 million followers on Instagram, Mandanna's endorsement carries significant weight, reaching a vast demographic of young, aspiring artists across India. Her own journey, from Kannada cinema to pan-Indian stardom, resonates deeply with the dreams of many hoping to make their mark on the global entertainment landscape. Rashmika Mandanna To Return to Work After Hip Injury, Actress Reveals What She Will Miss.

This strategic alliance between Rashmika Mandanna and HYBE India marks a significant milestone, promising to open new avenues for Indian talent and further cement India's position on the international music stage, guided by K-pop's renowned methodology.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2026 12:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).