He got third time lucky. This time, he was shortlisted for the competition ("Maybe I groomed myself better"). Better news followed: he was also among the 31 finalists. And on Sunday, March 14, he fulfilled a long cherished goal: he was crowned Grasim Mr India 2004.

I cannot tell you how much I have learnt from the time we have all been training together. Fitness expert Mickey Mehta would train us rigorously every day. Sabira Merchant taught us etiquette and diction.

When I came here, I felt so small. I didn't know the first thing about clothes. I didn't know the right manners. I didn't know how to eat with a fork and spoon. So all this was so helpful.

But the best part was no one ever let me feel that I was any lesser than the other. I have only known encouragement from them. They kept boosting me, saying, "Yeah man, you can make it. Go for it." That gave me immense confidence. After that, Bhagwan ka naam leke chadh gaye stage pe.

Also see: Mega Bus

Tell us what you think of this slide show

Send this page