Full Name: Salil N. Gaunekar
City: Ponda
Age: 29 years
Qualification: M. Pharm
Profession: Pharmacist
TNV: When and how did you begin modelling? Were you studying or working before then?
SG: It all started in 2013. I initially tried my hand in print shoots and my pictures turned out to be good. People really appreciated me. So I decided to explore other aspects of modelling like runway modelling and started watching videos on how to walk and talk.Yes, I was studying before then.
TNV: Why modelling when you could have settled in for a more stable permanent career?
SG: I really dont think modelling is an unstable job. If you are confident enough and know how to potray yourself you can be successful in any career.
TNV: Tell us about your first assignment, if any How did it happen? What was the experience like?
SG: It was a printshoot of a fashion photography and a friend of mine referred me to a photographer. I absolutely loved and enjoyed doing the phtoshoot and did not feel out of my eliment even for a second.
TNV: What do you feel makes you a good model? Your face? Your body? Your attitude? As opposed to others?
SG: I would definitely say my confidence differentiates me from others. Being confident is one of the most important things when it comes to modelling. I always stay positive and confident, even in stressful situations. I’m a hardworking guy and I don’t dwell on my past failures. Instead I see those failures as an opportunity to learn.
TNV: Why Rubaru Mr india when there are so many local pageants happening ?
SG: I believe Rubaru Mr. India will be a huge stepping stone in my modelling career and it will help me mould myself into the best version possible.
TNV: Did Mr. India just happen to you along the way – or were you preparing to take part in the pageant?
SG: I was preparing to take part in the pageant for quite some time now and I’m thrilled to finally be a part of it.
TNV: Tell us about how you train for it. What is the regimen like? What are the challenges?
SG: Needless to say I’m working on my fitness. I have a pretty strict schedule when it comes to my workouts and nutrition. I’m also working on my speech. Speaking fluently in English was a bit of a challenge for me in the start but I am working on it every day and I’ve come a far way.
TNV: What makes you feel you should be the chosen one? What’s different about you as a contestant?
SG: I am confident, optimistic, hardworking and pretty good at interacting with people. I think these are some of the things necessary to be a good model. Also I’m open to new learning experiences and bettering myself and have clarity about what I want in life. Hence I feel I should be given a chance to showcase my talent.
TNV: How will winning the Mr. India pageant affect your life?
SG: It will most definitely change my life for the better. As I said earlier, it will be a huge stepping stone in my career. Winning the title will be a huge achievement. It will help me shine in the modelling world and take my career to greatest heights.
TNV: What are your views on ‘Save Girl Child Campaign’?
SG: As the saying goes “When you educate a man, you educate a man but when you educate a woman, you educate a generation”. And I completely agree with that. Hundreds of years have witnessed Indian families not rejoicing on the birth of girl child not only in rural areas but also in educated urban circles. Female foetecide was common. However, after the campaign of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ there have been awareness created to improve efficiency of welfare services intended for girls. The campaign is a great initiative to make more people aware about the situation. I personally think people need to change their mindset about raising girl child and it won’t happen overnight. But with the right guidance and talk, this issue can be solved in no time.
