31/01/2022
“I have always been focused in studies, been into sports and have taken part in the cultural events too; may it be in school or college. But there was something in me that wanted to go all out and do something out of the box. I thought – why am I limiting myself? Why cannot I just explore, for once?!
When lockdown happened, Pratikshya (one of my close friends and a model) once said, “You have a great height and a nice personality. Why don’t you try modelling?” I pondered over that statement for some days. I used to look at social media posts of models and the ramp walks, and something in me said that I want to do this. I didn’t know how & why, all I knew is there is that I wanted to try it. I didn’t know if I will succeed or no, but I knew I will get to learn a lot.
I began with doing the registration for ‘La lotus fashion Mr. Odisha Pageant 2021’ on 4th January 2021. And I had my 1st ever auditions at Hotel Mantra Palace Rourkela, on 27th January 2021. To be honest, I was dead nervous the day before the auditions. I don’t have a stage fear but the ramp has a different feel altogether. But whole of the time I had just one thing in my mind – I can do it. Following that, I kept going. In the auditions, I remember, in the talent round I chose a random person and did 20 squats with that person seated on my shoulder. That was a fun day and it was a great experience. But I was keeping no expectations from the auditions. After 3 days, I got to know that I was selected and was chosen for the further rounds. I was surprised and had a confidence boost too. I was happy!
The mega auditions, due to Covid, were held online. In that we had Personal Interview rounds and I was asked ‘what will I do for the society if I win?’ I had the answer very clear in my mind. I said I want to educate the underprivileged and get them to learn self-defense. Another thing was promoting blood donations. I, myself, donate blood and I encourage everyone to do so. These weren’t just answers, I genuinely stick by it! Further, the show kept getting delayed due to Covid but the procedures kept happening online. I was later informed that I have crossed the semifinals to become one of the finalists.
In September 2021, my college reopened. As I am an agricultural student, we have a lot of field work to do. Gradually I noticed that I was losing focus from my academics. Then came a time when I had quit the show. I informed the founder (Manali ma'am) that I want to quit. All she said was, “Asit, it’s your decision. But any day you want to rejoin, you are welcome!”
3 days before the finale, my mom asked about the finals. By then, she had no clue that I had quit the show. When I told her she asked me to go without a second thought. Genuinely, at that moment, something in me just made me call Manali mam and I told her that I wanted to rejoin. She welcomed me back with open arms. I am really glad I went for the show :)
Following days went by with me being in portfolio shoots, shopping and everything. And all this while I was so nervous because while others had had one year or so to prepare for finals, all I had was 2 days or less. I was really very scared. Then, on the finale day, in the morning we had a Q&A rehearsal round. When I was asked a question during rehearsals, I couldn’t answer. I was so blank. I didn’t know what to do. I felt helpless.
After the rehearsals, I went back to my room and I just cried. I cried my heart out. There’s this guy called Girija, he’s like my brother. He just said, “Focus on the show. We have seen your hard work. Just have faith on yourself. Everything will be good; everything will be fine!” I got up, got dressed and I was good to go.
The show started and the rounds began. In the National Costume Round, I was dressed in a Sambalpuri saree, with silver filigree jewelry and an iconic sword (Khanda) that represents the rich culture of Odisha! There was ethnic round as the 2nd round, after which subtitles were given and I was given the subtitle of ‘Mr. Multimedia’ as I make YouTube videos and reels.
After the formal (3rd) round, top 6 were selected. When I was called for the top 6, I just couldn’t believe it was real. I was elated to no end. Further in the Q&A round, I was so nervous that I was shivering. Still, I kept my posture right and answered all the questions that came at me. Everything happened and then, it was the time for results. I expected to be a second or first runner up, max. Nothing more than that!
As the announcements began and my name wasn’t there, neither for the second runner up nor for the first runner up. I told myself, it’s okay because it’s the first time that I have tried my hand in a modelling show. I consoled myself. And then I heard my name being called as the winner. I couldn’t believe my ears and I just cried happy tears, right there!
The first thing I did, after the show, was I called my father and I was continuing to cry. He thought I lost. He started consoling me. When I told him I won, even my parents started to cry. Because they have seen my journey, all along. That’s one moment I can never ever forget in my life. It changed everything, all for good.
Then when I went back to college, the reaction was completely different. I was criticized a lot due to my choice of taking up modelling. But now it was all so different. Everyone just surrounded me and it was such a great feeling!”
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"I have learnt a lot in this process. I mean, honestly, it’s not easy for men from a middle-class family to do something out of the box. I was scared when I took this field but I learnt the way to overcome my fears. That’s when I got my way to victory.
I feel grateful enough to have such a supportive family. They have supported me at each step of the journey and I am really thankful to them for it. Also, I really look up to my father. He is my role model. And Mr. Rahul Rajashekharann Nair has been an idol as I have got into modelling keeping him in sight!
I have faced a lot of criticism and I still do but I take it in very sportively because I believe they aren’t my haters; they are my motivators. They are just motivating me to get better. Every time I have told myself just one thing and I always stick by it – I can do it! And that’s one thing I would want everyone to inculcate in their lives too. It gives a lot of positivity and confidence…"
