The career of one of the most in-demand male models, Arry Dabas, is a story of magical beginnings — he did not choose modelling… modelling chose him! Rohit Bal and Prasad Bidapa spotted the handsome young man during Men's Fashion Week in Bengaluru where he was interning with the Taj Hotels. He dropped in to meet Mr Bidapa and he's never looked back since!

His professional portfolio includes TVCs for Parle Mini Milano, Dixcy Scott and Gen X; print for Vimal, Collective, Bibi Russell, Aussie Bum, to name a few. But his most endearing quality is his humility. ''I've walked for every major designer and choreographer. I'm proud that they repeat me and am thankful for that. That said, nobody is born a model. Everyone needs to be groomed, trained and polished. I'm lucky I'm photogenic and being 6.2 tall helps. Staying ripped is a challenge but I'm very disciplined with my diet and exercise. I groom rigorously and go to the spa and salon every few weeks for massage, facials, body scrubs, skin polishing and also for manicures and pedicures. Discipline is key. I’m never late for fittings and rehearsals or for photo or television shoots. You have to be dependable and focused and learn to listen to the photographer, director or choreographer to deliver what they want.''

Did I mention he represented India at the finals of Manhunt International 2012 in Bangkok? ''It was an exciting and different experience. Representing India at the Bangkok finals opened a window to the world. I won 'Mr Photogenic' and came in the Top Ten. The preparation was rigorous but I loved the two weeks we spent training there. Strength training was important and grooming, particularly so. They expect you to look superb and be fit. Prasad Bidapa styled my wardrobe and I needed a lot of day wear as well as formals. My main challenge was that I had just two weeks to prepare but it was a head rush to stay on top of it! I think I was the contestant who made the most friends. We have a Whatsapp group running till today and many of the boys have remained in touch. I was a professional model back then so that was a huge advantage because many of the boys were raw; I helped them improve their walk and presentation. I don't think I would do anything differently today. I gave it my best shot and had a great time!''

How do you keep in shape, I ask him? ''I'm very active and start my day at 7 a.m. with a glass of green tea and 5-km run. I gym for at least two hours four times a week. I swim regularly and detox with water and occasional fasting.’' And his icon would be…? ''I like and admire many people, from Gandhiji to Abdul Kalamji, from Akshay Kumar to Salman Khan; these are our icons and we must take the best inspiration from each one of them and mould ourselves to become individual and inspiring to others'' he says. It's this attitude that will take him places. And then he adds, ''They say male models are dumb but it's usually jealousy at play!! I'm not concerned about what detractors have to say because I'm confident that the important people in my life know my true worth. Professionally, it's important to be part of a good agency that can guarantee you good, consistent work. At the same time, you need to build a personal network. There is still a section of the industry that is disorganised and manipulative but when you work with the best there's never a problem.’' Before we wrap up the interview on a positive note, he reveals, ''I'm casting for a few projects as I'm interested in joining the film industry now. I have trained with the Adishakhti Group and I love acting. In fashion, I have shoots lined up for Myntra and with some designers. I'm preparing for Colombo's Swim Fashion Week so I need to be in great shape! I also train contestants for Mr India and Prasad Bidapa Megamodel Hunt and the projects are up soon!''

Arry Dabas, it seems, is fairly content with his lot. With his career already geared towards the stratosphere, and various new ventures taking shape, you’ll be seeing a lot more of him on the catwalk, on screen. I wish him luck!

— JASMEEN DUGAL