March 2004
Grasim Mr India is model from Haryana
Mumbai: Sunil Mann, a model from Haryana, beat 30 other
contestants from across India to be adjudged Grasim Mr. India.
Mann would now represent India at the Mr International pageant
in Turkish capital Ankara later this year.
The grand finale, held in Chitrakoot Grounds in Mumbai, was
the culmination of a series of sub-contests which began early
this month. Besides the main award, the contestants competed
for the titles of Grasim Best Talent, Grasim Best Costume
and Grasim Mr.Photogenic. Judges for the contest included
Bollywood
superstar Hrithik Roshan, director Farhan Akhtar, and actresses
Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure, while actor Saif Ali
Khan gave a rivetting dance performance.
The answer to the question - Is God a man or
a woman? did the trick for Mann.
Speaking in chaste Hindi, Mann wowed the judges and the audiences
when he replied that God is neither a man or a woman, but
the Truth, which is onmipresent. Mann said that he was proud
of his mother-tongue, and would speak in Hindi at the Grasim
Mr. International contest also. "I am very happy to speak
in Hindi and will continue to do so in the international arena
too," said Mann.
The pageant was sponsored by Grasim Industries, a unit of
Aditya Birla Group, the Indian corporate giant. Male pageants
are being increasingly seen as a passport to the world of
glamour, and are increasingly gaining popularity in
India. This year, organisers of the Grasim Mr. India contest
received 15,000 entries, out of which 31 contestants were
shortlisted on the basis of their looks, height, talent and
ability to carry themselves to the finals on Saturday.
Internationally, men from Venezuela, Brazil and Egypt have
been known to have the best bodies and personalities but now
it seems Indian men are giving them a run for money. Indian
men are admired for their well chiseled Aryan looks, toned
bodies and good English accent that makes them an attractive
package for the international audiences.
Mar 14, 2004
Now, Sikh models make a mark on the ramp
Amritsar: The world of fashion modelling
and the ramp is perhaps one area where the Sikhs had not really
made a mark so far. But that trend is now changing. Sikh youngsters
with that rugged turbaned look made a fashion statement recently
at a very special show in Amritsar. With the rise of fashion
and haute couture in Punjab, its about time the Sikh youth,
in tune with trends and fashions, eager and willing to take
up a different career path, joined the bandwagon too. The
opening up of several modelling agencies and training
workshops for Sikh youth has meant a growing rush of youngsters
wanting to join the fashion industry as ramp models.
"It feels very nice. It seemed a little
fancy initially, but I'm getting used to the idea and enjoying
it now. It's a new concept on the verge of huge popularity.
Sikhs are doing well in every field. This will be another
achievement and milestone for them," Rupinder Kaur, a
participant in the show, said. "We had some starting
problems. But our guides, some of the best professionals sorted
out all misconceptions and problems clearly. They have given
us a lot of confidence," said Harvinder Singh, another
model. Many of these rugged-looking turbaned models have now
secured contracts from print and television advertisers. Others
hope to be working soon as models on the ramp with designers.
"We have to take the tough decision of making a start
somewhere.
We've made a good start and we are confident that more people
will come forward. There is a lot of potential here for Sikh
youth," said a participant, Gurdeep. "They have
the determination. This keenness to take it up. They
pick up points like the catwalk very fast. Provided they have
given good trainers, the future is bright. They want to move
into this and they love it, though the community has never
done it before," says model trainer Radha Sood.
Mar 12, 2004
Contestants gear up for Mr.India pageant
Mumbai: India's sexy hunks are all set
to parade their wares at the Mr.India 2004 pageant in Mumbai.
The pageant, organised by Grasim suitings, will be held on
March 17. The winner will represent India at the Mr.International
pageant in Turkish capital Ankara later this year. Former
Mr.India Aryan Vaid and Bikram Saluja won the Mr.International
pageants in 2000 and 2001.
Both Vaid and Saluja later joined movies. Harsh Madhok, a
participant, said the pageant provides a passport to the world
of glamour. "This is a very unique male pageant, if you
have studied it over the years. It does not deal with just
the way you look but the entire persona. If you make it then
you really go places and international assignments,"
said Madhok.
Out of 15,000 entries, the organisers have shortlisted 31
contestants on the basis of their looks, height, talent and
ability to carry themselves. Sonia Swamy, event director of
Grasim said, over the years, the viewership of the event has
increased. "Earlier, we used to have 400 applicants but
this year there are
15,000 applications. Lots of people watch, that's the reason
there are so many applications. People have seen that advertising
trends have also changed, now a particular product is not
only sold by women but there is a father-daughter relationship.
So these are changing trends and it will take some time,"
said
Swamy.
Internationally, men from Venezuela, Brazil and Egypt have
been known to have the best bodies and personalities but now
it seems Indian men are giving them a good competition. Indian
men are admired for their well chiseled Aryan looks, toned
bodies and good English accent that makes them an attractive
package for the international audiences.
Mar 6, 2004
