They say life changes in a blink provided you have cried for that change. Such is a Delhi-ling, Bharat Kundra who ended up as Mr. India, 2007 – Loving and nurturing his dreams. An engineering graduate who always had that clandestine affair with modeling finally embraced it on being motivated by a crony. He discovered the aisle to stars when he handed his form for the auditions of Grasim Mr. India, on the very last day. And there started the starry journey to dizzying heights and shimmering lights.
Being a regular attendant of his love, he dipped in the iridescent waters assimilating the biggies like Hugo Boss, Volkswagen, Airtel and Puma, just to name a few. By now, the face and the thought of the Indian advertisement gestalt – chiseled faced, baritone sounding and cherubic hearted, Bharat Kundra is eyeing the cinema.
Tell us briefly about your journey so far by now?
I started modeling in 2007 during my final year of Engineering. I had already got job offers from two companies to join them during my Engineering stint. But I always wanted to try my hands in modeling which was further timely pumped by my friends and colleagues. So after almost completing my studies and having a job security, I finally decided to take a chance and got my basic portfolio done, just for the experience. After a few weeks I saw vertisements of Grasim Mr. INDIA 2007, inviting contestants for auditions, I was not too sure about it but later on one of my close friends encouraged me to send my entry form, which I managed to send on the very last day by hand! Destiny had it! I cleared the auditions and was called for the finals in Mumbai after two months. That’s when I worked hard and dedicated myself for the contest. Winning the title was a great experience, it changed my life! After winning it, I ecided to take a break from my Engineering job and took up modeling as a profession and signed a contract with Elite Model Mgmt in New Delhi. After being signed by Elite, my career took a suave flight and I started getting good modeling assignments. I worked in New Delhi for some time before moving to Mumbai in February’09. It’s been three years now and I got an opportunity to work with some of the leading Fashion designers, horeographers and Brands. Some of the leading brands I have modeled for are Hugo boss, Volkswagen, Puma, Samsung, OCM, NIIT, Central Mall, Tata Docomo, Airtel, Godrej, TVS, Transitions Eye Wear, Metro Shoes and Lifestyle. I have done commercials for Liril, Godrej, Closeup, Mobilink, Lemon mobile, and Kotak Mahindra. I have also been a part of the international campaign for HSBC Bank.
When and what was your first modeling assignment?
My first experience with modeling was during Grasim Mr. INDIA auditions where I got
selected for the finals in Mumbai. It was days before getting selected for it that I had have already done a print shoot for Airtel.
What did you aspire to become as kid?
During my teenage years I was very much into sports and would dream of being an athlete or a Cricketer one day. Later I got bugged to be a chef (since I am really found of cooking). But my desultory fancies finally embraced engineering as I wanted to do MBA after that. Modeling was never considered a career option during college days but it was always my passion. Now, I thank God for giving me such a wonderful career.
Your greatest achievement till date?
My greatest achievement till now would be winning the Mr. INDIA title, more so because that was the turning point in my life.
What do you think of bollywood as a career option?
I definitely look at acting as a career option. This does not include only Bollywood but International Cinema and Theatre too. There is a huge market for independent cinema and short movies worldwide, which I am very much willing to be a part of.
When not modeling what are you most likely to be found doing?
Yoga, working out, sports, dancing, reading, traveling, watching and studying movies and learning acting.
Any social cause that you feel strongly for and want to be( or you are ) associated With?
I strongly feel about the issue of global warming and domestic waste Management. There is a lack of awareness among people regarding them. Another issue which I believe in is the modernization of rural India’s agriculture by making it a valuable business opportunity. I have already started working on these causes bit by bit.
What has been the most touching moment of your life?
Ummm……. While shooting for Lifestyle someone complimented me saying “I’ve never seen someone loving his profession more than you do”. The moment turned so precious for me.
Your take on modeling industry in India and abroad?
Indian modeling is slowly catching up to international professional standards. I feel modeling agencies like Elite and others are bringing a certain level of professionalism in the present unorganized industry. I believe every model should try to expand his horizons and learn from different cultures by working internationally.
What is fashion for you?
Fashion for me keeps changing with the place and the situation I am in. Besides, my daily brushes with life comes with a new definition everyday. Personally speaking, I am more fond of smart classic colours, styles and cuts.
Your icon/ role model in life?
I really admire Mahatma Gandhi for his principles of brotherhood, peace and non-violence. His words, ‘Be the change you want to see in the World’, rules my attitude. Besides, Mr. JRD Tata is the one whom I truly admire for having the vision and making it come true.
Your take on work pressure leading models to substance abuse and suicides?
Modeling has work pressure just like any other profession. It depends individually how one handles it – some handle it really well. On personal notes, I feel that cliché pressure on models is much overrated. Do you think a soldier on the border does not face work pressure? or a person responsible for air traffic at the airport (ATC) does not have work pressure? These people have greater responsibility and thus the greater pressure than the models.
Your fitness regime?
Workout well + Eat well + Sleep well= Happiness. I try to follow a discipline in
my day to day life, except few days…..(laughs).
Any interesting experience in your career span?
Every work that I do is an interesting experience for me, but to pick out one would be a
Tough job but working with the international crew for the global HSBC campaign that I did in Hong Kong was pretty interesting. I made lots of new friends from different cultures, I understood how alike we are, despite such disparities.
PEEK-A-BOO
FAVORITE FOOD : I love ‘Samosas’.
FAVORITE PERFUME : Aqua Di Gio
FAVORITE INTIMATE WEAR BRAND : Zara, Papi.
FAVORITE DESIGNER : Rohit Bal for his grandeur and extravagance and Rajesh Pratap Singh for his simplicity and elegance.
FAVORITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION : New Zealand since I am an absolute adventure sports freak.
THING YOU HATE AND LOVE MOST : I love simplicity and elegance and not hate really but I can’t stand the people with negative vibes.
THING YOU ARE ADDICTED TO : Popcorn at movies.
YOU ARE SACRED OF : Dark confined spaces.
MUSIC YOU LOVE TO LISTEN TO : Indian classical ragas and popular music.
ANY GUILTY PLEASURE : Chocolates.
