Mr. India International Darasing Khurana talks about representing his country at an international pageant and his dream
How has life changed post, Mr. India?
It’s been magical. I ensured that after winning the title, my first step was to associate with an NGO called Datri as their brand ambassador and promote blood stem cell donation across india. I always wanted to associate with a cause. Ever since I won, work for the NGO has kept me busy. Apart from that, it feels great that the fashion weeks where I would walk as a runway model, now invite me to be the showstopper.
How was your experience preparing for your International pageant ?
It was a roller-coster ride. I had hectic travel plans, appearances and NGO promotions, all happening at the same time. And it was important to maintain a healthy diet along with exercise regime which was tough since I would be hopping flights most of the time. I wanted the world to know what Indian culture is all about and hence I wanted to make some videos which I could show at the pageants. I travelled to various places and shot around different forts of India. I made another video which covered the streets of India (things like street shopping, street food, tea stalls, etc. were shown).
Also, because I was a fashion consultant myself, I wouldn’t like anybody else doing my wardrobe. I had to work on that to carry over 20 looks.
What keeps you motivated to do so much?
The smiles. When I am on tours to promote my cause of blood stem cell donation. I make people understand how we work and motivate them to register. We have registered over 3,70,000 people so far, and done over 370 transplants. When I meet the families of the patients and see them happy, it’s like a reward.
Apart from that, awards keep me motivated. Every time I get an award, it’s an additional motivation.
What awards have you won?
Wow award for being the most promising face of the year 2017. Business icon award for excellence in modelling. Style icon of the year 2018 at Rajasthan style awards and Wow starlite ‘social Impact award’ 2018.
Were you a full-time model even before Mr. India?
Not at all. I would just do few shows for fun, otherwise I was a full-time celebrity fashion consultant. I had the opportunity of working with Hrithik Roshan, Siddharth Malhotra, Vidyut Jammwal, Irrfan Khan, Maneish Paul, etc. I am glad I could work with them. It was a great learning experience.
Where did you study fashion?
Fashion is not a construct for me but my passion. For me the body is a versatile showcase which deserves the right curation. I have a MBA from NMIMS.
Will we get to see you on screen?
I did a show hosted by Shilpa Shetty Kundra, called ‘Hear me, love me, see me’ on Amazon prime. There are a couple of other projects in the pipeline.
