IndiaPost.com - Nikhil in top 10

LOS ANGELES: Nikhil Dhawan, Mr South Asia 2007, became a top 10 finalist at the Mr International 2007 pageant held in Kuching, Malaysia, where he represented India. Nikhil won the spot to represent India at the world pageant when he won Mr South Asia 2007 at Jinder Chohan's 16th annual pageant.

Nikhil mentioned, "All in all being a part of Mr International 2007 was a great experience for me. I learned so much, not only about modeling, but about life. My goal leaving home was to make top 5, and I finished sixth.

Not making top five disappointed me at first, but after I looked at the top 5 contestants - they clearly deserved it. Also knowing that I was the youngest in the top 10 was a boost to my confidence." Nikhil adds, "Representing India was one of the most beautiful things I've ever done. The first couple of days everyone called each other by their country, and I thought it was kind of funny.

Then I thought people would eventually start calling each other by their name, but it didn't happen. Even the last day, people were still calling me "India". It finally hit me that being called "India" for 10 days was the greatest thing ever because I was an acting ambassador to my country."

Jinder K. Chohan, Director of Mr International for India, stated about Nikhil's performance at Mr International 2007, "Nikhil did an excellent job, and Nikhil and his family should be proud of his huge accomplishment. I'm glad Nikhil was able to have this experience at a young age, as it's going to help him in his future endeavors in the entertainment industry.

The other contestants from around the world were so great, and fortunately he learned a lot from the more experienced models." Mr Brazil - Alan Bianco Martini Malgioglio, a 28 year old banker and model, was crowned Mr International 2007. First runner-up went to Mr Korea - Oh Jong Sung and 2nd runner-up was Mr Greece - Aristotellis Spyridon Bolovinos.

The rest of Top Ten Finalists were: Mr Venezuela - Alberto Garcia, Mr Lebanon - Bassel Abou Hamdan, Mr Costa Rica - Berni Madrigal, Mr Latvia - Armands Berzins, Mr Singapore - Gabriel Goh and Mr USA - Jacob Hill. Mister International 2007 was chosen by an international panel of celebrity judges which included: President of the ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association Singapore -Galen Hogan; President of Society Atelier Sarawak, President of the ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Association Malaysia and internationally renowned designer -Edric Ong, Radio Personality -Jennifer Lau; Indonesian renowned designer -Wayan Widiatmika; Model Agent -Melinda Omar; Inter-Tourism player -Audrey Wan Ullok, International Artist and Sculptor from Ireland -Daf, and internationally renowned artist -Ramsey Ong. Days before the competition, Nikhil recalled, "We toured the city and were in the newspapers everyday. We were considered famous in Malaysia and every time we would go to the mall or any public place, people would hound us for pictures and even autographs."

During the two-hour event, the contestants competed in three categories: swimwear, evening wear and interview. Mr International 2006 Wissam Hanna crowned his successor at the conclusion of the two-hour pageant, before a live audience of 1,500, followed by worldwide viewing audience. When asked what his best moment at Mr International, Nikhil said, "My most memorable events of the trip are all the charity events we attended. We did a charity fashion show in front of a large crowd. We also gave food and presents to the Salvation Army Boys.

We arrived at a local restaurant before the children did, so when they came we gave them Happy Meal's and toys. That's when I realized how much I take life for granted. It was Christmas day and these children were happy with just some food from McDonalds.

When they were eating their french fries, they forgot about everything around them and just went into a trance eating their fries. They had the biggest smile on their face and were not thinking about anything.

That day really touched me, and I've concluded that I will help build a charitable organization in the near future. Spending time with other contestants was great fun. By the end of the trip, we all became like brothers and it was hard to say goodbye."

Jinder announced, "Milan Rao, who recently won my title Mr South Asia 2008, will compete in Mr International 2008 representing India. Milan is already preparing for the world pageant, and now he's able to get fresh tips from Nikhil."