Becoming Mr World has been a big boost to Khandelwal’s career.
Just last month at the Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2016, he walked the ramp for well-known designer Ajay Kumar who was showcasing Benares, his autumn-winter collection. Khandelwal was the showstopper of the night. He says: “From the time I came to Mumbai in 2013, I’ve been trying to take part in the Lakmé Fashion Week, but I was never selected. This time I was the showstopper and the more established male models I used to admire were standing behind me.”
Kumar was all praise for Khandelwal who wore white and black patterned trousers teamed with a peach-pink kurta and a cropped mustard jacket. The entire ensemble was rounded off with patterned shoes. “My clothes are very colourful and he carried them off really well. He walked with a lot of confidence and pride. Off the ramp he was very humble and obliged everyone who wanted to click a picture with him,” said Kumar.
Khandelwal says he was honoured to model Kumar’s clothes, saying, “He does wonderful work.” He adds: “For me, being Mr World is not about extreme sports, for me style is really important.”
On August 30, Khandelwal was named “Indian of the Year” at the annual 21 Young Guns Award in Goa, an event promoting the achievements of young people in various fields. “Just follow your heart,” he advises. And adds: “Everything is possible.”
