From its debut at the PBI Mumbai Show in 2024 to a strong second edition in Delhi in 2025, the MB Challenge has quickly evolved into one of India’s most exciting platforms for emerging talent.

This year, as it returned to Mumbai, the competition reaffirmed its purpose of turning young artists into a stage that transforms careers and expands possibilities.

The beauty of the MB Challenge lies in its accessibility. It welcomes stylists from metro salons, small towns, and independent setups without bias; only skill, passion, and creativity matter. Across its editions, the platform has become a launchpad, revealing the next line-up of artists ready to step into the national spotlight.

A NATIONAL PLATFORM BUILT ON REAL STORIES

Every year, the challenge brings together diverse voices of stylists who work long days behind salon chairs, freelancers building their identity, and small-town artists chasing big goals. The competition format tests not only technique but also pace, adaptability, and the ability to create under pressure. What participants take back is far more than a trophy. They return with confidence, visibility, and a renewed belief in their craft.

This year’s winners shared stories that perfectly capture what the MB Challenge represents: raw passion, self-belief earned the hard way, and the power of a platform that sees potential where others overlook it.

SHUBHAM: GROWTH THROUGH EXPERIENCE

For Shubham Sanjay Gondhalekar, a master stylist at Enrich Salon, the MB Challenge was a first-time experience, one that became a turning point.

“It feels incredible coming here,” he said. “My confidence has really improved through this. Being on stage taught me a lot.”

His journey reflects the reality of countless young artists working quietly across India. Many possess strong technical skills but lack exposure. Competitions like the MB Challenge help bridge this gap, giving talent a national- stage presence that shifts how they see themselves professionally.

Gondhalekar walked away not only with an award but also with the conviction that he belongs to bigger platforms.

AKANKSHA PODDAR: WHEN PERSISTENCE FINDS ITS REWARD

One of the most compelling stories came from Akanksha Potdar, known for her styling, braids, and affinity for men’s grooming. The journey to this year’s win wasn’t straightforward.

“I wasn’t going to participate this time,” she admitted. “Last year I was the runner-up. I had lost hope. But my mentor said, ‘This time you have to come first.’ So, I registered at the last minute.”

When her name was called out, the victory carried emotional weight. It validated not just her skill but the support system behind her. She added, “Every time I come to PB, I get extra motivated. It gives me more energy and pushes me to try new styles and move forward.”

Potdar’s story reminds the industry that success is rarely a solo journey; mentors matter, belief matters, and platforms matter.

MILIND BANSODE: A QUIET WIN FROM JAYSINGPUR

For Milind Bansode, owner of Bobby Unisex in Jaysingpur, the MB Challenge offered a chance to step beyond the boundaries of his hometown. “It felt great coming here,” he said. “We didn’t even think we would win a prize. I can’t even describe how I feel.”

Bansode’s win was more than a competition result. It represented an opportunity—for himself, for his team, and for artists working outside metropolitan hubs. His journey demonstrates how national platforms can shift the trajectory of regional stylists who rarely get recognised beyond their immediate circle.

LALMAMA: FEARLESS CREATIVITY AND A DOUBLE WIN

One of the standout moments of the event was Lalmama, who took home two awards. For her, everything about PB—scale, energy, environment—was new. But she stepped into the experience with bold creativity.

Her winning look drew inspiration from a tattoo visual she discovered online. “I saw a picture on Pinterest and thought it was beautiful. I realised I could customise it for my model. I tried my best, and that’s why I could do it.”

Winning twice left her overwhelmed with emotion. “I’m very excited and cannot contain my happiness. All this is because of God’s grace. Without Him, I am nothing.”

Her journey embodies the essence of the MB Challenge: artists discovering their voice, pushing their limits, and surprising even themselves with what they can achieve.

The back-to-back success of the 2024 and 2025 editions is reshaping how India views emerging talent in barbering. The challenge fills a gap that formal training and salon practice alone cannot meet. It creates an ecosystem where young stylists can:

• Test their creativity under real-time pressure

• Build confidence through national exposure

• Learn through observation and peer interaction

• Gain visibility that strengthens their professional identity

 • Join a larger industry community that supports their growth

For many, it becomes the moment their career pivots, where they shift from being stylists to becoming recognised artists.

LOOKING FORWARD

The MB Challenge is no longer just a competition. It is a movement enabling hairdressers from every walk of life to dream bigger. The stories from this year’s Mumbai edition underline how much untapped potential the country holds—and how transformational the right platform can be.

As the challenge continues to expand, it is carving a new space in India’s professional beauty landscape—one where talent meets opportunity, and artists discover how high they can rise when given the chance.