Hyderabadi atop the world

There is a dash of romanticism to the very mention of ‘Mr World.’ That an Asian, and a Hyderabadi at that, has been crowned with the title for the first time is reason enough to raise a toast. Rohit Khandelwal is the first Hyderabadi show-stopper since Diana Hayden, who won the ‘Miss World’ title in 1997, which, incidentally, was a year after ‘Mr World’ was introduced.

Indian divas for a long time have ruled the roost in the glittering world of modelling and beauty pageants but there has been a dearth of big names when it comes to male models, although there have been celebrated designers, who have styled the most beautiful of women now and then.

Taken under any yardstick, Khandelwal, winner of Provogue Personal Care Mr India World 2015, has carved a niche for himself despite not making any lofty claims as is the wont of celebrities in the industry. The 26-year-old starry-eyed Khandelwal, who moved over to Mumbai in pursuit of his goals after quitting well-paying jobs, three years back, has been a leading model and a television personality.

The adulations and moments of national fame, notwithstanding, he comes across as a humble person, who did not forget to acknowledge the Indian organisers in his hour of crowning glory that came after he pipped 46 other contestants at Southport Theatre & Convention Centre in Southport. It will be doubly sweet for the Indian, as the honour comes as a memorable pre-birthday gift as he will turn 27 on August 19.

It is surely a major turnaround for Indian men considering that not many have made a name for themselves in the fashion world. The men are more than happy to get a role in a Hollywood or be nominated for the Academy award.

Khandelwal’s coronation may not open the floodgates for him or other Indians but the satisfaction that they can compete and perhaps score over contemporaries from abroad and pocket a cool $50,000 will get bolstered hereafter.

After all, in the final run-up, the Indian emerged on top while pushing Fernando Alvarez from Puerto Rico and Mexican Aldo Esparza Ramirez to the first and second runner respectively.

While on pageants, it is interesting to recall that when Indian women were crowned ‘Miss Universe’ and ‘Miss World’ in almost close succession there were doubts about the conduct of the extravaganza. Rumours did the rounds that the cosmetics industry, which enjoys a massive market in India, had a major say in the eventual selection.

Following the accusations, the numbers of Indian women wining global acclaim dwindled to alarming levels. One is not doubting the behind-the-scene manipulations but then there is this dictum ’no smoke without fire.’ For now, Khandelwal whose dreams took shape in the by-lanes of Hyderabad and worked with SpiceJet and Dell Computers has now become a world conqueror.

Having made it to the big league, actor-model Rohit Khandelwal has made it to the top of the world. India in general and Hyderabad in particularly will be proud of the son of the soil.