Karnajit Ningthoujam, Talikaba Longkumer and Papu Medhi Crowned 15th Gatsby Mega Mister North East 2026
Guwahati; Rongili Barta: In a grand showcase of confidence, charisma, and contemporary masculinity, Karnajit Ningthoujam from Manipur, Talikaba Longkumer from Nagaland, and Papu Medhi from Assam were crowned winners of the 15th Gatsby Mega Mister North East 2026 at a high-energy Grand Finale held in Guwahati. Upholding the pageant’s distinctive format, the three winners will share equal honours and responsibilities as titleholders.
The 15th edition followed an extensive audition process conducted across eight Northeastern states, both on-ground and online, drawing participation from hundreds of aspiring contestants. After multiple screening rounds, the shortlisted finalists underwent an intensive grooming and mentoring programme in Guwahati before competing in the Grand Finale, where they were evaluated on personality, fitness, intelligence, stage presence, and overall confidence.
Conceptualised by fashion entrepreneur Abhijeet Singha, the pageant is produced by Mega Entertainment and marketed by Mega Activation, continuing its established vision of identifying and grooming male talent from the Northeast and “Taking India to the World Stage.”
Congratulating the winners, Abhijeet Singha said, “Fifteen years of Gatsby Mega Mister North East reflects the evolution of male pageantry in the region. What began as a regional platform has grown into a credible gateway to national and international arenas. Karnajit, Talikaba, and Papu embody discipline, character, and global ambition. I am confident that they will carry forward the legacy of representing the Northeast with pride on larger platforms.”
The newly crowned winners will now embark on a transformative journey that includes professional representation, advanced grooming, brand engagements, structured mentorship, and opportunities for national and international exposure. The platform has consistently enabled its titleholders to compete at global pageants and modelling platforms, reinforcing its reputation as one of the region’s most influential male talent incubators.
The 15th edition was presented by Title Sponsor GATSBY, with support from Furniture Partner Nilkamal, Beverage Partner Coca-Cola, and Fashion Partner Trends, under the Incredible India banner.
Congratulating the new winners, a spokesperson from Gatsby said, “Mega Mister North East represents a distinct cultural confidence that is both authentic and progressive. At GATSBY, we believe grooming is not about conformity, but about enabling self-expression that feels natural and instinctive. The North East has consistently influenced national conversations around style and individuality, and this partnership reflects a shared sensibility — movement, presence, and personality that are lived rather than performed. Through this association, we celebrate a generation that owns its space with quiet assurance and contemporary rhythm.”
Special recognitions were also presented during the evening, with Karnajit Ningthoujam being awarded the Coca-Cola Refreshing Personality title for his vibrant presence and confident appeal. Alex Lalhruaitluanga was honoured as Nilkamal Mister Popular, reflecting strong audience support, while Talikaba Longkumer received the GATSBY Style Icon award for his distinctive sense of style and contemporary flair.
The Grand Finale brought together fashion, performance, and celebration of regional identity, further consolidating Guwahati’s position as a key hub for fashion and pageantry in the Northeast. Over the years, winners from Gatsby Mega Mister North East have gone on to represent India at prestigious international competitions, strengthening the pageant’s credibility and global footprint.
With the crowning of Karnajit Ningthoujam, Talikaba Longkumer, and Papu Medhi, the 15th edition of Gatsby Mega Mister North East marks another milestone in a journey that continues to shape internationally competitive talent from the region.