Introducing…India!
Kerala’s representative, Vishnu Raj Menon took over the Mr India title from predecessor, reigning Mr World, Rohit Khandelwal on 11th December 2016. First and Second Runner Up titles went to New Delhi representatives, Viren Barman and Altamash Faraz, respectively. Sixteen contestants, from throughout India, were shortlisted to compete in the national final. The contest was broadcasted on Zoom TV.
Vishnu Menon, Mr World India 2016-19 (centre) Mr India 2nd Runner Up, Altamash Faraz (1st left) Mr World, Rohit Khandelwal (2nd left), Viren Barman, Mr India 1st Runner Up (1st right) & Bollywood actor, Hrithik Roshan (2nd right)
Eminent panelists from India’s fashion and film industry mentored competitors. Bollywood actor and Mr India mentor, Hrithik Roshan, told Times of India,
"I am very inspired. This competition is not just about looks. It shows lots of characters. These people, while doing their jobs, took out time and disciplined themselves to reach this far. I think that is commendable. I think, if they can achieve this, they can achieve whatever they want in life,"
Vishnu won the Peter England Mr Photogenic preliminary award, which stood him in good stead for the final. He spoke about the contest with Times of India,
“I was at a loss for words when I won and I still feel the same. I feel very happy and proud of myself that, despite such intense competition from various quarters, I came out as the winner... It is a huge honour and responsibility to represent India on an international stage. I would like to thank the Times Group and the entire Miss India Organisation for their continuous love and support…I will try to put my best foot forward in every step of the pageant. I am going to give my best not just in the pageant but in the preparations as well. I will focus on all areas of improvement and present the best version of myself.”
Vishnu’s brother, Jishnuraj, gave a touching message, on his brother’s victory,
“When I got the news of his win, I was happy but not at all surprised. I know very few people like him who work very hard on staying fit. In fact, close to five years back, I got inspired by him to start working out and he still motivates me. He has always been a very focused person, and I really hope he works hard for winning the Mr World title.
Vishnu is a 25-year-old civil engineering graduate from MVJ College and an avid biker! He has also been a model and track and field athlete since his youth. He credits this as giving him a winning mentality and positive attitude. Vishnu explains, "Atheltics has played a major role in the way I prepared for this competition. I know what it takes to work hard and stay focused to win so I used that experience to my advantage."
Vishnu made an honest and inspiring social media post on his Mr World preparation,
“The most challenging part of my preparations for Mr World was communication skills. I was not very fluent in English and conversed mostly in my mother tongue Malayalam and Tamil. During the Mr India pageant, it didn't affect my confidence because whatever I said, I conveyed with conviction and I feel that's what mattered. Regardless, I am giving my 110 per cent to improve my language skills. Thank you Vikas sir for helping me overcome my weaknesses and transforming them into my strengths.”
