Sikkim model wins Rubaru Mr. India 2022 Grand International title

ISABELLA GURUNG

RANGPO,: Gangtok-lad Kunzang Topgay Bhutia has made Sikkim proud by winning the title of Rubaru Mr. India 2022 Grand International at the grand finale held at Chennai on October 5. He was also conferred with the ‘Best Interview’ subtitle.

The 24-year-old will be representing India in the coveted Mister Grand International, scheduled to be held in Brazil in November this year.

For the very first time in history, Sikkim secured a back-to-back victory at Rubaru Mr. India pageant, nation’s biggest and most prestigious pageant for men. Last year, Tseteej Shiwakoty from Sikkim won Rubaru Mr. India Global 2021 and represented India in Mister Global 2021 at Thailand.

Rubaru Mr. India 2022 Grand International winner Kunzang Topgay Bhutia was welcomed home by OMAS president Rinchen Dorjee Shenga, OMAS co-founder and treasurer Pranay Giri, parents Tamding Tshering Bhutia and Chung Chung Bhutia, family and well-wishers at the homecoming event jointly organised by OMAS and Bhutia’s family at Rangpo on Friday.

Rubaru Mr. India is India’s biggest and oldest running pageant for men established in 2004. Headed by Pankaj Kharbanda, the event celebrated its 18th edition, this year. Rubaru Mr. India organization holds the record of being associated with the maximum number of international modelling competitions and championships across the globe.

Rubaru Mr. India holds 70% market share in India’s men’s pageant sector and is the largest contributor to international men’s pageant industry. It is also regarded as the biggest and most celebrated national level men’s pageant in the world. Rubaru Mr. India contest has produced maximum number of international male pageant award winners and titleholders of Indian origin.

This year, three contestants from the hills, namely Kunzang, Bimersh Rasaily (Kurseong) and Biswajit Roy (Siliguri) were mentored by Mr Sikkim Manhunt and Sikkim Chronicle co-founder Yougan Tamang.

Bimersh (21) bagged the title of Rubaru Mr. India 2022 East and ‘Style Icon’ subtitle.

Similarly, Biswajit Roy (28) won Rubaru Mr. India 2022 National Universe title and ‘Perfect Body’ subtitle. Biswajit is the son of Pratima Roy and Lt. Pradhan Roy.

Kunzang is currently pursuing his higher education in economics, sociology and political science from SRM University. He won the title of Mr Sikkim Manhunt 2018 and is also a model by profession. He has walked the ramp as the showstopper at the East India Fashion Week. A fitness enthusiast and skilled sportsman, the multi-potentialite loves playing basketball and football. In addition to that, he also likes travelling, working out, reading and watching motivational videos and documentaries.

Here are some excerpts from an exclusive interview with SIKKIM EXPRESS

Rubaru Mr. India journey

Kunzang: The overall journey was very exciting, as the preparation started three months back. There were more than 36000 applicants from pan-India out of which 36 of us were shortlisted for the competition. Then, the top 20 were selected, out of which five of us won the main titles. The title I won is Rubaru Mr. India 2022 Grand International and I am proud to say that I will be representing my country in the Mister Grand International scheduled to be held in Brazil soon.

The entire journey was exciting for me because there were a lot of contestants coming from different States of India, and each had their own uniqueness and strength. It was more like a moment to be creative.

Although the journey in the finale was only for five days, we had a lot of virtual sessions, where we were given tasks online.

We were groomed by fashion choreographer and celebrity stylist Karun Raman, who was also the groomer for Miss World 2017 Manushi Chillar. Apart from that, we had personality development sessions with Dr. Rita, Rubaru head Pankaj Kharbanda and celebrated photographer Amit Khanna.

Toughest competition

Kunzang: All the contestants were my toughest competition because all of them were equally deserving with their own strength and uniqueness. Everybody was there to give their best in the competition.

Winning moment

Kunzang: When the winners were declared, my name was called out in the end. It was a very exciting moment when it they called out my name, but I was scared at the same time. Until the end, I didn’t lose hope. When my name was called out, I was overwhelmed.

Getting into pageantry

Kunzang: I feel I was a person with low self-esteem since I was a kid, but I was competitive in nature. Pageantry came into my life as a source and broke down my insecurities.

Mr Sikkim Manhunt

Kunzang: Mr Sikkim Manhunt was the beginning of my pageantry journey. I would love to thank my mentor and Mr Sikkim Manhunt director Yougan Tamang for the opportunity because had he not been there, I would not win Rubaru Mr India now.

Mr Grand International preparation

Kunzang: After Mr Sikkim Manhunt, it took me almost four years to participate and represent my State in a national level pageant. Today is the day I have made my State and my nation proud.

For Rubaru Mr India too we had about 3-4 months to prepare but for Mister Grand International, I know I only have a month to prepare for the international pageant. Although the time is limited, I will work harder and give my best. I want to give my heart and soul because I want to inspire the younger generation to believe in themselves and want to be an example of belief.