On July 19, Rohit Khandelwal became the first Indian and Asian to win the Mr World title at a grand ceremony held in Southport (UK). Since his homecoming, Rohit has had a packed schedule - a hero's welcome at the Mumbai airport, dancing with kids at an NGO in the city, being congratulated by CM Devendra Fadnavis and Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, flying to Hyderabad to meet his family and friends and attending various events. Even as his journey from winning the international pageant to becoming a hero in India will be aired on Romedy Now and Zoom today, we catch up with the suave young man to know more f about his life after the win...

Life has taken a 360 degree turn for you.
Oh yes, my schedule has become quite crazy, but I am enjoying every bit of it. It's been a couple of weeks since I returned from Southport and I've been busy with interviews and attending work-related meetings. I have some interesting endorsements and shoots lined up as well. After winning the Provogue Personal Care Mr India 2015, a whole new world of opportunities opened up for me. I had a bigger platform to express my views and do my bit for society. The hunt for the next Mr India will commence soon and I want all the youngsters, who are looking for such wonderful opportunities, to apply and put their best foot forward.

So, is it all work and no play for you right now?
(Laughs) No. While work did take up a major chunk, I am enjoying spending time with my family and friends, and meeting fans to thank them or supporting me. Now, when I walk on the road, people recognise me. They ask me about my experiences. When I travelled by air recently, the crew wrote me a letter and we clicked pictures. The pilot told me that I have made the country proud.

Were you prepared for this kind of fame?
No, I wasn't. I didn't expect anything of this magnitude to happen to me. Life was slow but steady and I'd planned what I wanted to do. But I won Mr World 2016 and life changed completely. And it changed for the better.

What have you learnt during the course of this journey?
I've become more humble and have acquired a lot of knowledge about things that I wasn't familiar with earlier. I got into the habit of learning new things. I always believed that hard work pays, and with that turning out to be true in my case, I've now started working 100 times harder. Now, I believe in myself a lot more. I'm now more confident and have matured as a person.

Are you in touch with your co-contestants?
We've formed a chat group and are always sharing pictures and videos. We wish each other on birthdays and some of us have even made plans to catch up soon.

Looking back at your stint during the pageant, what do you think has been your best achievement?
I won the Multimedia sub-contest and it was very important for me. I'm an introvert and getting out of my comfort zone to make videos was a big thing for me. But, I recorded so many videos on new locations, introducing myself and giving a little background information on the destination. Now, I've become a social media-savvy person and I'm online almost all the time. But for me, the most difficult task was to compete in the extreme challenge round. I had to run 5k in the dunes in freezing temperature and under difficult conditions. I never thought I could do it; I've never pushed my limits so much. It seemed fun during rehearsals, but overcoming the hurdles was such a huge thing for me.

So, how does your future look like?
Very bright (laughs). For now, I'm going to Washington to be a part of the Miss World pageant in December. I also have a couple of other projects lined up. If Bollywood happens in the meanwhile, I'm game for it, too. But most importantly, I will be focusing on the cause I've taken up - child education. It's important for every individual to have basic knowledge and education is the birthright of every child.

Catch Mr World 2016 tonight at 7 pm on Romedy Now and at 9 pm on Zoom. Also, watch 'India Celebrates With Mr World 2016' at 11 pm on Zoom.For more, log on to http:www.misterindia.net

Rohit Khandelwal, winner of Provogue Personal Care Mr India 2015, has created history. Yes, the young man from Hyderabad is the first Indian, in fact, the first Asian to win the coveted title of Mr World 2016. He competed with 46 participants from across the world to bring home the honour. The event was judged by a reputed panel of jury comprising experts from various countries.After several rounds of subcontests, including Mr World Talent, Mr World Sports Event and Mobstar People's Choice Awards, he was adjudged Mr World 2016 at a grand ceremony held on July 19 at Southport Theatre, Floral Hall, The Promenade, Southport (UK). He also won the Mr World Multimedia Award at the event and a cash prize of of $50,000.

Before embarking on his journey, Rohit had said that winning the pageant was important to him because no one else from the country has brought the title home before. And now ecstatic about his dream turning into reality , Rohit, who looked dapper in a tuxedo designed by couture designer Nivedita Saboo for the finale, says, “It was an unbelievable moment; it's yet to sink in that I've won Mr World 2016. And the fact that I'm the first Indian ever to win this title internationally makes me proud. It has been my dream to win the title and I'm very thankful to Mr Vineet Jain (MD, Times Group) and the Miss India Organization for giving me this opportunity and guiding me throughout this journey.“ Rohit adds, “My parents had tears in their eyes when they said I've made them proud.“

So, what helped him clinch the title? “I gave my best in every round. For instance, I performed to Malhari (from Bajirao Mastani) in the talent round. Though it was a short act, I actually learnt sword fighting for it.In those 10 days that I spent with my co-contestants, I made a lot of friends. They liked my attitude and voted for me. The fact that I've been actively involved in causes and have conducted workshops gave me an edge over the others,“ he replies.

Recalling how he impressed Megan Young (Miss World 2013), who was hosting the show, in the finale round, he says, “I just had one minute. So, I got down on my knees and proposed to her with Shah Rukh Khan's famous Om Shanti Om dialogue. She loved it when I explained the meaning in English.“

Rohit's fitness level, art of communication and style quotient was much appreciated and he gives credit for all this to the experts who trained him.A firm believer that `more than talent, success depends on honing your skills', Rohit says he can't wait to come back home and share his victory with his loved ones. Celebrations and a grand welcome await him in India today! For more information, log on to http:www.misterindia.net