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May the best man win!

All roads led to the Hotel Crowne Plaza Surya in New Delhi this past week where the regional (northern) round for the 12th Grasim Mr. India had taken place. The chilly evening witnessed a glittering gathering of mediapersons, judges and other invitees who watched 140 contestants vie for the coveted Grasim Mr. India (north) 2006.

Grasim Mr. India is a 14-day contest with days prior to the main event used for grooming and training of the contestants under the guidance of an international choreographer. In addition to the main event, there are five sub-contests like Grasim Mr. Physique, Best Dressed Male, Mr. Photogenic, Best Smile and Mr. Popular.

The judges who came from the fields of modelling, choreography and events, were Sheetal Sharma, Anita Ramchandani, Sonia Swami, Anshuman and Anil Kaushik. After three rigorous rounds of introduction, ramp walk and a special talent show, the judges finally selected 20 participants from the North.

Claimed to be a perfect platform to showcase the talent of the aspiring Indian men, Grasim Mr. India provides the final winner with an opportunity to compete globally at various international pageants. Following the footsteps of Sunil Mann, the last year's winner from a small town in Haryana, many aspiring youths from smaller towns participated in the contest this time too. Having role models like John Abraham, Dino Morea, Akshay Kumar and Sunil Mann, it suddenly seemed that making big in the international pageant is easier. And the growing modelling world and the film industry being looked as a possible platform for a brighter future, these men have big dreams of their own.

Talking about modelling as a career, Sityendar Sonu, a participant in early 20s, said, "I participated in this contest as it is the only way to get instant fame and recognition." Sandeep Sehrawat, yet another participant, a postgraduate in English, says, " Modelling is a launch pad for acting and at the same time adds a glamour factor to it."

The finals are to take place in Malaysia this February. But until then, it is an ongoing tussle among the contestants in a show of brains and brawn.

ARPITA SINHA

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