The force behind upcoming Rubaru Mr India contest is Pankaj Kharbanda who is also Vice President of Rubaru. While he is busy putting up the best show of this year in Goa between March7-10, we caught up with him for his exclusive interview.
- Why did you thought of bring Rubaru Mr India contest to Goa 15 years after it was originally held?
The 15 years of hard work and team work definitely need to be celebrated. And for that what could be a better place then Goa? The cool breeze, sunny land and sand makes this a perfect destination to celebrate the success of this most awaited event. So we decided to say ‘Go-Goa’ this time. After holding it in the national capital of Delhi, the event has travelled to the most beautiful tourist destination. Expecting it to be a huge success.
- How were the contestants chosen for the event?
The final is a culmination of a year long exercise. We have visited most of the cities to chose the best aspirants. For last six months we conducted the zonal interviews which included three rounds – personality, talent and confidence. The candidates were also interviewed personally. So from 3,000 contestants, we shortlisted 24 who will be competing for the coveted title in Goa. The desiring one would be winning it and making it big in the industry.
- We have seen some of the contestants are from celebrity background. Won’t it give an edge to them in the contest?
That is true that couple of them are having celebrity background. But it is a coincident. We didn’t select them for their background but they climbed up the ladder due to their performance by competing with others. Now being celebrity will help them in getting more votes online but the best guy will be chosen as winner, celebrity or irrespective.
- What would be the judging criteria for the contest?
There are many criterias. But basic are their humbleness, punctuality, personality, Team bonding, discipline, determination towards work and self-confidence. The experienced team of judges will make the best decision.
- What are the future prospects for the winner?
Once a contestant is winner, from the next day itself his responsibility towards his job changes. We make it sure that they have been more well groomed fitting them into the criteria of International pageant. When they win this title, they automatically get noticed in the industry. Thereafter there is no looking back for them. Even before they go for the international event, they become pride of India.
- Who would be styling the models for the entire event?
I would be doing it myself. Being experienced for 15 years in the industry with national and international experience, no one will understand better the things.
- You have introduced online voting for the first time. How will it help to judge the candidate?
Yes, it is for the first time that in any of the Mr India event, online voting has been introduced and we are taking the voting very seriously. It indicates the popularity of the contestant, and how much he is accepted across the country. Finally, the winner would be representing India, so he has to be able to carve out himself better than the rest. We are thankful to Goa-based Neutral View Private Limited which is having national presence to team up with us. The voting is on the website www.theneutralview.com and there are times that the server crashes due to pouring response. We will be able to judge the marketing capability of the contestant through voting. The one who is leading the tally will get direct entry into the top ten.
- What are the social service activities that would be held around the contest?
The main aim is always to encourage save girl child initiative which has been taken up by the centre. This year being our 15th year, we have planned several social activities. On March 8, we will be visiting St Cruz village where we are holding special event for Orphan children and cleanliness drive. The best part is that our contestants will perform before the children and they will be judge on that. We have tied up with Hope Foundation, NGO. There will be a fashion round and also walk on the ramp. That would be an emotional moment.
