Twenty-five-year-old Karan Rao from the City has bagged the second runners-up position and the ‘Best Model’ category at the grand finale of the Gladrags Mega Model and Manhunt Contest 2008.

The contest was judged by well-known names from the modelling and film industry like Arjun Rampal, Mahima Choudhary, Koena Mitra, Sabyasachi Mukherji, Paritosh Joshi and Maureen Wadia. Karan was brimming with confidence when he spoke to Metrolife. “I attribute my success to hard work. This is one step up the ladder for me. I will be climbing the rest as well,” he says.

Karan, who also holds a Master’s degree in film and TV production from the UK, rewinds, “I took up modelling as a hobby after my course in the UK.” He has not looked back since then. The buzz for this year’s Gladrags Mega Model and Manhunt Contest was not about just having the best body, but also having the determination, the right attitude and poise.

Karan describes the contest as a fantastic experience which has given him tremendous recognition nationally. “The training process teaches you discipline and determination. It is also about understanding one’s strength. And it has given me a sense of realisation,” he elaborates.

Karan’s liking for films is quite evident when he speaks. “ I am passionate about acting and making films as well. I know most of the South Indian languages. And I am getting offers from Bollywood.’’ As for the preparations to take that big step, he adds, “I have done a lot of PR work. I would probably do an acting course and perhaps a course in Hindi diction.”

Besides the show business, he is highly vocal about his love for sports. “I play a lot of cricket, basketball etc.’’  When asked whether models can act, he retorts, “I’ll prove that they can.”