Naomi Janumala. Picture: Fenty Clothing Campaign 
Celebs

'It was like working with an elder sister': Naomi Janumala on her bond with Rihanna

Naomi was born and raised in Mumbai and started her career as a model almost three years ago.

H Prasad

Indian-born model Naomi Janumala made headlines when she announced that she is the face of Rihanna’s Fenty Clothing Campaign.

In an exclusive chat with Indulge, the 19-year-old told us that Rihanna was like her elder sister on set. “On the set, it was like working with a friend or an elder sister. She was so sweet and funny, everyone on set thought that we’ve been friends for a long time because we clicked immediately. It was so natural, she brought out the best in me without me even realising. I actually fell in love with her after the shoot day, no kidding,” she shared.

Naomi with Rihanna

Naomi also added that she always looked up to the pop star. “I used to dance to her songs at parties, but had never imagined that I would get to spend a whole day with her. She’s an actual queen and she knows what she wants. I look up to her.”

Naomi was born and raised in Mumbai and started her career as a model almost three years ago. Today, she is the face of campaigns for Alexander Wang, Adidas, H&M, Nike x Nordstrom, Levi’s, American Eagle, Opening Ceremony x Disney and Matthew Adams Dolan, among others. 

Read our exclusive cover story here.

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