Cosmopolitan India turns 30: revisiting our most iconic anniversary covers

Turning 30 has us feeling all the feels. So we’re doing what any self-respecting Cosmo girl would: raiding the archives for our most iconic anniversary covers. Plus, some of our fun, fearless, and fabulous cover stars left us a little note. Once a Cosmo girl...

Kalyani Priyadarshan

“I think I’m a Cosmo girl because I know who I am but also I’m very excited about who I’m becoming. I like the choices I’ve made so far but also very happy to grow and evolve and change my perspective based on life experiences. Basically, I don’t have myself figured out and I love that.”

Rukmini Vasanth

“Wishing Cosmo India a very, very, very happy anniversary. What makes me a Cosmo Girl is my inherent curiosity and sense of adventure about the world. Also, my unabashed and unafraid adventurousness, and the desire to know lots of things about the world around me. A renaissance girl, so to speak. Here’s to many more years of doing what you do best! Lots of love, always.”

Krithi Shetty

“Happy anniversary, Cosmo India. For me, life is about embracing my individuality, making mistakes, having fun along the way and staying confident. And I’ve always seen a Cosmo Girl as someone who’s unafraid to express herself. So, that’s me.”

Sharvari

“30 years is such a big milestone, and I’m so happy to have been a part of it. I’ve genuinely loved spending time with the Cosmo team, there’s such a warm, easy energy about everyone, and I think that’s what makes Cosmo feel so special. I’ve always loved how the magazine brings together fashion, beauty, pop culture, and conversations in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Thank you for all the love and for making my time with Cosmo so much fun. Here’s to many more years of doing what you do best! Lots of love, always.”

 

 

 

Shaili Singh

“My fondest memory of Cosmopolitan is getting the opportunity to share my journey as an athlete. It was special to see my story being recognised beyond the track and to inspire young girls to dream big, believe in themselves, and never give up.”

Sahher Bambba

“Happy 30 years, Cosmopolitan. Here’s to three decades of celebrating women, inspiring confidence, and reminding us to be unapologetically ourselves. Cheers to many more.”

 

 

 

 

Palak Tiwari

“Cosmopolitan is one of those iconic magazines that you grow up loving. I remember going to bookstores, seeing Cosmo on the magazine stands and thinking, ‘Oh my God, how cool must it be to be a Cosmo girl!’ The term encompasses everything you wanted to be when you were young. She’s vivacious, happy, confident and a diva. The fact that I got to be on a Cosmo cover is, I think, one of the highlights of my life. I’ve always loved Cosmo and always will.”

Ayushmann Khurrana

“Growing up, I’ve been surrounded by women who have always had a strong sense of who they are. They’ve taught me that strength can take many forms. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s the importance of being free to be yourself. I think that freedom also comes through in the choices we make. I suppose that’s a little bit of the fun, fearless and fabulous spirit that Cosmo would always approve of!”

 

 

 

 

This article originally appeared in Cosmopolitan India's September-October 2026 print issue.

Also read: Krithi Shetty is your new best friend

Also read: Rehearsing life with Rukmini Vasanth