The magazine became a stepping stone for many women who would go on to become recognizable faces in Bollywood and the South Indian film industries. Actresses such as Katrina Kaif (early in her career) and numerous other starlets utilized the magazine to shed innocent public images or to court controversy for publicity. This transition marked a change in the magazine's identity: from a platform for everyday women to a purveyor of celebrity skin, mirroring the trajectory of Western tabloids.
The magazine's portrayal of women evolved significantly over four decades:
Over the years, Debonair Magazine has featured some of India's most talented and sought-after male models. These models have not only graced the pages of the magazine but have also walked the ramp for top designers, appeared in commercials, and worked with leading brands.
By the early 2000s, the rise of the internet and more "acceptable" avenues for bikini modeling—like the Kingfisher Calendar —began to erode Debonair's unique position. While it eventually evolved to incorporate digital trends, it remains a nostalgic touchstone of 80s and 90s Indian pop culture.
Founded by entrepreneur Susheel Somani, Debonair was originally designed to fill a gap in the urban male market. Under early editors like , the publication established a unique identity that balanced provocative imagery with sophisticated articles and fiction. The Launch: The magazine debuted in April 1974. Debonair Magazine India Models
Founded in 1971, the Indian edition of the British men's lifestyle magazine offered a radical departure from the norm. While it featured interviews, fiction, and political commentary, it was the centerfold—the "Debonair Model"—that became its defining feature. This paper examines the unique characteristics of these models and how they reflected the changing aspirations and anxieties of the Indian male urban elite.
: Often called the "lost glamour girl of the seventies," she was a frequent cover star under famed editor Vinod Mehta. Protima Bedi
For many young women, appearing as a Debonair cover model served as an alternative, fast-tracked entry point into the highly competitive Hindi film industry. The magazine regularized showcasing fresh talent right at the beginning of their careers.
While best known for its "girly magazine" reputation, Debonair was a literary powerhouse. Under editors like and Anil Dharkar , it published serious journalism and creative writing from luminaries such as Ruskin Bond . This duality defined its legacy: a magazine that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee reportedly once hid under his pillow. A New Chapter The magazine became a stepping stone for many
A useful feature for Debonair Magazine India Models would be a "Where Are They Now?" Retrospective
After a period of dormancy and a rebranding that removed nudity to target a younger demographic in 2005, the Debonair brand was relaunched in 2022 by the Be Debonair Foundation. Now part of the Mavilach Group and edited by Ratnakar Mavilach, the magazine has adopted a new look and a different focus. It continues to be a monthly English-language entertainment and lifestyle magazine, but the topless centre-spreads are a thing of the past. The contemporary Debonair now features articles on topics ranging from digital culture and influencer marketing to leadership and resilience, a far cry from the "desi Playboy " identity it once held.
Other actresses, including and Karisma Kapoor , also had early associations with the publication. This crossover between the "soft porn" men's magazine and mainstream cinema was a unique feature of India’s relaxed censorship laws of the era.
Models for the magazine were marketed as "Debonair Girls," representing a mix of modern, bold, and unconventional beauty. However, editors noted the difficulty in finding willing participants due to societal stigma. Key Contributors and Evolution The magazine's portrayal of women evolved significantly over
Debonair was founded in 1973 by Susheel Somani, the owner of the G. Claridge printing press. The first issue was published in April 1974. The magazine was originally modeled after Playboy and was best known for its topless female centerfolds. Early editors included Ashok Row Kavi and Anthony Van Braband. Vinod Mehta, who would later become a legendary figure in Indian journalism, also worked as an editor.
Juhi Chawla, one of Bollywood’s most beloved actresses, was featured in the magazine during the early stages of her career. Her appearance underscored the magazine's prestige as a legitimate platform for aspiring talent. Similarly, stars like Madhuri Dixit and Padmini Kolhapure were associated with the publication in various capacities, highlighting how the magazine bridged the gap between raw glamour and mainstream cinema.
| | Focus & Content | Key Strategy | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1970s - 2005 | Indian men's magazine, known for topless centerfolds. | Direct "Playboy" model, pushing boundaries. | | 2005 - Present | General entertainment & lifestyle magazine. | Removed nudity to target a younger, broader audience. |
Debonair was founded in 1973 by Susheel Somani, with its first issue hitting stands in April 1974. Published by G. Claridge Printing Press—one of the best in the country—it was envisioned as the "Indian Playboy." However, India in the 1970s was not the U.S. There were no Hugh Hefner penthouses or centerfolds of international supermodels. The initial launch was chaotic; early editors Ashok Row Kavi and Anthony Van Braband left quickly.