Handsome, yet shy, is your first impression of ex Mr. India Diwakar Pundir. Far from clean-shaven, a sexy stubble is the look he’s been sporting recently. You think it’s his style, but no, it’s a necessary requirement for his forthcoming film, something he can’t talk about. "It’s all hush hush," laughs this Rajput who attracts quite a number of admiring glances.

And so we get down to the interview, only to discover he’s not particularly comfortable talking about himself.

So tell us about your background, Diwakar…!
Diwakar: As the son of an army officer, I got to travel and live in various parts of India – a situation I enjoyed immensely, because I loved the travel and the exciting people I got to meet. The process of going through so many places and meeting so many people taught me a lot, which is required in this profession.

School was in Shimla and college in Delhi. Flying was accomplished in Lucknow, after which I taught it in Jaipur. It was only after flying lost its excitement that I started l Graviera Mr India contest last year, and won. I was the new "Man of The Year"ooking for something else to do. So I applied for the (He says with some amusement).

What was the next step after winning the title?
Diwakar: Immediately after I won the Mr India Contest, I went off to Germany to participate in the Mr. International Contest where I stood third.

After returning from Germany, the natural course would be ramp modelling. But after two or three shows, I decided that this wasn’t for me. It just didn’t click. I don’t like doing ramp modelling.

What about advertisements?
Diwakar: I have done a lot of ads: Allen Solly, Fair and Lovely, Tata Safari, Pepsi, Picnic (the chocolate) and Citizen Watches are just a few of the ads I’ve featured in.

I’ve also done a video for Anuradha Paudwal, a serial called "Kaun", and of course, the famous number by Sonu Nigam, "Ab mujhe raat din". And then, there’s the movie...

So was it luck or destiny in your case?
Diwakar: Both! I have definitely worked hard, and because of that luck has been on my side. I firmly believe that you make your own destiny. There may be several inevitables, but ultimately, it’s you who have to make things happen. Besides, I enjoy my work. It’s more fun than work for me. I guess that too makes a very big difference.

And what about acting? Is that what you always wanted to do?
Diwakar: Let me first tell you that I have not trained formally as an actor. I have taken no training. And no, no cliched phrases like – ‘it comes to me naturally,’ either. I firmly believe everyone acts in everyday life – some more, some less. All you have to do is exaggerate those acting abilities in front of the camera. If you can do that, even you can become an actor. I feel one has to be true with their emotions.

Any plans of storming Hollywood?
Diwakar: The future is open. It could be anything that’s in store for me. Just as long as it is exciting. I would like to go to Hollywood and try my luck there, however.

Diwakar Pundir

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Diwakar Pundir