Panaji (GOA)

When and how did you start modelling? Were you studying or working before that?

I began modelling during my college days. I have vivid memories of my first shoot when I was in the second year of my college.  I am a professional boxer and have been training since childhood and therefore always had a good physique. This gave me the confidence to start modelling along with my boxing career.

Why modelling when you could have settled in for a more stable permanent career?

I have never believed in settling for anything less than what I deserve. Modelling, ever since I started doing it, has never been just a career option for me, it has been a passion. Coping up with my boxing schedule and giving equal attention to both these fields was a challenging task.  Both fields are very different from each other. Boxing gives you bruises and modelling demands you to look good for the camera.

Tell us about your first assignment. How did it happen? What was the experience like?

My first modelling assignment was a self-discovery in every sense. I was like any other opportunist who wouldn’t let go of a good opportunity in hand. It just happened to me. I was a substitute for someone else and it just happened to work in my favour when the main person couldn’t make it to the shoot.

What do you feel makes you a good model? Your face, body, or attitude? As opposed to others?

The confidence in my eyes makes me exclusive as compared to others. When I looked into the camera for the first time I wasn’t directed about how to pose or hold my body. It came so naturally from within. My versatility as a model and being able to interpret the needs of the photographer into the shoot gives me another upper hand.

Why Rubaru Mr India when there are so many local pageants happening?

As I said, I am a believer and I have never settled for anything less than what I believe I can achieve. I aim for stars. Rubaru Mr India is the most reputed and revered pageant for men. It will open up new avenues for my future and the benchmark it has established for itself is very high. Being a part of this makes me proud.

Did Mr India just happen to you along the way – or were you preparing to take part in the pageant?

I have been preparing my self for this since last year.

Tell us about how you train for it. What is the regimen like? What are the challenges involved?

My fitness regime is quite challenging. Since i am a professional boxer, a good body has never been a problem. I have my early morning boxing training and then rigorous gym sessions in the evening. To maintain the aesthetic body, diet plays a very important role. This is the most challenging part for me. To choose health even when you’re starving. Discipline plays an important role here. Pushing yourself beyond the walls even when your body is sore takes the best of you.

What makes you feel you should be the chosen one? What’s different about you as a contestant?

I am a professional boxer and currently ranked No. 1 in all India. My perseverance, hard work, confidence, compassion and positivity makes me exclusive.

How will winning Mr India pageant affect your life?

It will open up new avenues for my future and the benchmark it has established for itself is very high. Being a part of this only makes me proud.

what are your views and thought for the cause of campaign of saving girl child? How will you educate others to stop this in our country?

I think gender sensitization is one way in which we could create awareness about the importance of a girl child. The sensitization needs to be done at every level. in schools, in colleges, in offices, in government departments etc. Especially, in rural and backward areas where the sex ratio is poor, gender sensitization campaigns should be held at Panchayat levels too. We need to get to the roots to eliminate it from the roots of our society.  The stigma attached to the birth of a girl child needs to be removed. Our societal roots are ruptured on the basis of such notions. We need to send out the message that a girl child is not a liability but an asset as much as a boy child is. Our government has introduced many such campaigns to spread awareness, ‘ Beti Bachao and Beti Padhao’ being one such campaign.