Kudla Hunk Alester aims for ‘Mr India Manhunt Intl’ title

Kudla Hunk Alester D’Souza aims for ‘Mr India Manhunt International’ title

Mangaluru: Okay, being a male model doesn’t mean getting a free ride to the best parties in town. It takes hard work to be a male model, as well as long hours, and sometimes, little payoff. Modelling is a career which can last from your youth to when you’re older. The demand for different looks is really diverse so when you’re still growing and not quite as filled out, you are perfect for some campaigns, then as your body grows that opens up different campaigns and opportunities.

Also, you can be deemed too big one day and too skinny the next day, without your body changing at all. You soon learn that you’ve not changed, it’s just that brands have different fits and the shape that suits a particular brand’s clothes, might not size up for you. Another good thing about entering into modelling is that you get to go to some of the best parties in the world. The fashion industry really know how to throw a good bash. It’s great fun, you meet some amazing people, get to experience things you’d never thought you’d experience and collect some good memories along the way.

Having considering all these facts and benefits, 23 years old, 6 ft 2 inches Alester D’Souza from Mangaluru, who after graduating in Mechanical Engineering at MITE-Moodabidri has convinced himself to get into the world of modelling and acting. Having won couple of awards in Modelling contest like First place in Mr Konkan 2014 held in Mangaluru, and also in Muscle Mania Model India 2014 in Bengaluru, Alester has also stepped into acting in Kannada movies which are yet to be released. With Milind Soman as his role model, Alester is anticipating to become a professional model and also a actor, unleashing his hidden talents together with dedication and commitment. He believes in the saying, “Where there’s a will there’s a way” and if you are determined enough, you can find a way to achieve what you want, even if it is very difficult” – and Alester is confident he can achieve success in the modelling and acting field with hard work and determination.

Born in Mangaluru to Antony D’Souza who is now employed in Muscat, and Janet D’Souza, a housewife, Alester completed his Mechanical Engineering at Mangalore Institute of Technology and Engineering, Moodbidri-after which he did modelling shoots for Zuesse Fitness Centre in Mangaluru, and couple other fitness outfits. He was a National Level athlete in school, and also won a medal at VTU body-Building competition. He has also taken part in Navaras Fashion Week, Myntra Ramp Walk, and also worked with top designers in modelling business. Having full support and encouragement from his parents to enter into the fashion/modelling/acting world, Alester says there no looking back to step into the engineering field.

Come September 1 to 5, 2016, Alester will be competing in the Mr India Manhunt 2016 to be held in Delhi, and the winner in this pageant will represent India at the Mr Manhunt international in China-so far only one Indian has won this contest- and Alester is looking forward to be the next Indian from Kudla to bag this prestigious award. Team Mangalorean wishes him all the success in this Beauty Pageant for Men. Success galore!

Following are the excerpts from the exclusive interview with Alester D’Souza:

Q:How did you first get into modeling and acting? What does your parents think about you being a model?
My parents are very supportive, when I said that I want to take up full-time modelling rather than struggle around to find a suitable job to fit my engineering qualifications. And since I like to be fit and healthy, I thought modelling would be a right choice to expose myself to the outside world.

Q:Why have you decided to go full-time modelling and acting, even though you completed your engineering studies? What does your career do for you?

Since I had a passion for fitness and modelling I started doing few shoots in Mangaluru itself and later I found that I was earning much better in this field than engineering.
Also,every year there are a lot of engineers graduate and a very few people get into the core jobs.

Q: What are the pros of being a model?

The best thing I like about this field is I can devote all my time to fitness and a healthy lifestyle. The industry is huge, there is so much to experience and it gives you an opportunity to travel the world, which is something a lot of people want to do. I just think it’s something fun that you can enjoy, even if it’s tough work and not everything might be fun but everything is definitely an experience that you can learn from. That is something that I like very much, I want to know the world and travel to all the cool places, meeting new people and learn everything I can from it, and modeling gives me that. I’ve learned a lot from doing what I do.

Q : What do you love most about modeling?

When people look at you and get inspired with your achievements. There are a lot of things I love about modeling. First you will have a chance to travel a lot. Will have an opportunity to travel the world and meet people from all different cultures and backgrounds, I’ve met so many amazing people already, I love it. It’s an opportunity for me to really push myself physically and see what I am capable of accomplishing with my body. Also there is no ceiling in the modeling industry. I would say modeling is a great platform to positively impact people. Many models have huge social media followings; I see that as an opportunity to use your following in a positive way to help people.

Q: What keeps you motivated? What were the major milestones that gave you that “extra” motivational boost?
My school days being an athlete, training every day in the morning and evening. There isn’t a whole lot to keep you motivated in this industry outside of yourself. My family and friends are supportive which helps, but there are so many ups and downs in this industry. The thing that keeps me going is never being content. I know every day that I can be better, and I know agencies see that in me and I truly believe it will take me far in this industry. I also don’t compare myself to other people within the industry. A lot of models will say they aren’t as good looking, in shape, pretty, tall…etc as someone else and end up going crazy thinking that way.

Q: What’s the biggest misconception about the male modeling industry?
There are a lot of misconceptions about the modelling industry like some of them would be models drink and smoke, models are not clever etc. In fact, models need to be very disciplined.

Q: What are your other passions outside of modeling? What does your career do for you?
I love to travel and modelling gives me a lot of opportunities to travel to different places.
Being a model helps me enjoy life like I want it. It has really given me lots of opportunities and makes me work even harder and set higher goals in life. To just be able to travel around the nation, and may be soon abroad, I like this and want to explore new locations every time which will truly be an adventure. It also strengthens me as a person in my social life.

Q: What do you do to stay in shape?
The only secret to staying in shape is to eat healthy and workout. I work out at least 5 days a week, sometimes two times a day, either at the gym or jogging. I am always very active and can’t sit down for too long without doing anything. I eat very healthy, but sometimes it feels like I’m shoveling food down my throat every minute. This gives me the energy to workout and keeps my body in form. I like to experiment with different kind of food and juices because finding a balance between healthy and taste can be difficult sometimes. But I do pretty well with that actually!

Q: Other than modelling/acting, what are your hobbies and favorite hangout spots in the city?
My favourite hangout spot in Mangaluru would be Zuese fitness.

Q: What are some of your best tips for someone who wants to break into the modeling world? Any last advice for beginners or anyone looking to get into modeling?
The most important thing would be stay fit. My advice to anyone would be to get into this field only if you have the potential and talent to achieve something big. I still consider myself as an aspiring model but my advice would be to never forget who you truly are and don’t let the media and others change that in a bad way. Stay mentally strong and believe in yourself. Confidence in yourself can make up for a lack of experience.

Q: What are your future goals, dreams and plans? Any upcoming projects you are working on?
Right now I’m only focusing on winning “Mr India Manhunt International title”. Also, I have an offer in a Kannada movie so I’ll be working on that.