The amazing journey of Rohit Khandelwal

Fresh from his ‘Mr World’ victory at Southport, United Kingdom, city-based model and actor, Rohit Khandelwal returned to India last week.

The pageant, which was held on July 19 at the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, had 47 participants, saw Khandelwal winning a cash prize of $50,000 along with the coveted title. Not only is Khandelwal the first Indian to win the title, but he is the first Asian as well.

From being a ground staff with SpiceJet to being the most desirable man in the world, the tall, handsome 26-year-old has come a long way.

In a candid chat with The Hans India, Khandewal shares, “I was so nervous during the competition but, I decided to give my best. Because participating in this competition was a wonderful feeling and I did not want to step back.”

Recalling the moment of victory, the suave hunk says, “When I was announced as the winner I was speechless for that moment and even now I don’t know how to express my happiness. I feel so privileged and humble to be ‘Mr. World’.”

“I was very naughty during my childhood. After completing my studies, I decided to go to Mumbai to make my identity. It was difficult for me to leave my family of course. And, the struggle was intense,” he shares from his early days.

“It’s been three years that I have been in Mumbai. I struggled a lot as it was not easy for me to achieve my aim and passion,” adds Khandelwal.

After facing ups and downs in the difficult city, opportunities came his way with commercial ads and he received his first big break when he shared screen with Kareena Kapoor. Steadily, he tried his hand in television serials like Yeh Hai Ashique and Million Dollar Girl.

“I worked in many small projects and never left hope and took every step with confidence,” informs Rohit about the beginning of his career.

“Things just happened in my life I saw the ad for ‘Mr India 2015’ and had a burning desire to join the competition. I learned to dance in 15 days and took care of my looks and diet to give my 100 per cent to the competition,” recalls Khandelwal.

A model’s primary strength is his/her looks and Rohit is very particular about his. “When it comes to my looks, I visit a salon regularly to get my hair trimmed correctly. I go to a gym regularly and follow a particular diet to keep myself healthy,” he says.

And, what exactly constitutes his diet? “Well, it’s mainly carbs and high fibre until 6 pm and then it’s salads, sprouts, eggs, brown bread, which help in maintaining my fitness,” he shares.

“And, of course at least eight hours of sleep is necessary to keep me active,” adds a disciplined Khandelwal.

The fan base for Rohit doubled overnight and he is now a household name across the country, thanks to his wondrous feat. So, how is he dealing with added fame? He laughs and says, “It feels good to have fans all around and I love my fans a lot. I always make it a point to reply to them.

Every budding star has a role model. So, who is Rohit’s? “My role model is Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham as there is a lot to learn from them,” he informs.

What’s next? ‘Mr Universe’ title? Or is it Bollywood? “It has been an amazing journey to this point, and I cannot wait to see what happens next,” he smiles. We wish him luck and hope he continues brining more laurels to the city.