Who is Jitesh Singh Deo, Mr India World 2017?
Who is Jitesh Singh Deo? And why is everyone talking about him?
For those of you who don’t know, Deo is 2017’s Mr India World. And Unlike Anil Kapoor’s character from the 1987 film, this Mr India is not going out of sight any time soon.
On December 14, 2017, Deo managed to bag this coveted title, and an opportunity to represent India in the Mr World competition in 2020, from a group of 16 finalists – all walking the ramp in ensemble designed by ace designer Manish Malhotra, fashion director Nivedita Saboo and Peter England. At the contest judged by Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, designer Manish Malhotra and tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, among others, Deo managed to surpass others after months of rigorous training.
Rohit Khandelwal, who was the winner of the contest last year, and acted as a mentor to this year's contestants said: "It has been a wonderful journey. All the boys are winners in their own right. However, there can be only one winner. The winner is very deserving. I am looking forward to the prestigious Mr. World pageant and hope that we bring the crown home again."
Of course, all those who made it to the finals are definitely deserving of the title. But what set Deo apart?
Deo is a 22-year-old model and aspiring actor from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. An alumnus of the City Montessori School and Indraprastha Engineering College, Deo, according to a report, loves to travel and swim, and lives by the motto: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
According to the pageant’s official website, Deo also aspires to win an Oscar some day.
This attempt at the title was, in fact, not his first. Deo had earlier participated in the Mr India contest in 2015. Speaking to PTI after his victory, Deo said, “I did not anticipate it but I had some belief in myself. The power of belief motivates you always. I was speechless when my name was announced. I was blank.”
“Winning this title comes with a lot of responsibility. The competition (Mr World) is going to be more tough. Today, I am enjoying the moment but tomorrow onwards, a new journey will begin and I have to work hard,” Deo added.
Before his victory, Deo had said that if he wins the contest, he would take the opportunity to travel to “different parts of India and learn about the rich heritage and culture”.
The first runner-up was Abhi Khajuria from Chandigarh and the second Pavan Rao from Mumbai. Prathamesh Maulingkar, a model and entrepreneur from Goa, won the Mr India Supranational 2017 title.