Rohit Khandelwal, a popular actor and model from India, wins the coveted Mr World 2016 title. (Source: Mr World Official/Twitter) Rohit Khandelwal, a popular actor and model from India, wins the coveted Mr World 2016 title. (Source: Mr World Official/Twitter)

Rohit Khandelwal, popular actor, television personality and model from India has won the prestigious title of Mr World 2016 and with that he becomes the first Indian to do so.

Rohit Khandelwal of INDIA is Mr World 2016! Standby for more details or visit our twitter page @mrworldofficial… https://t.co/5BaUBnQRG3 — Mr World Official (@MrWorldOfficial) July 19, 2016

The pageant was held on July 19, 2016, in Southport, UK, which saw 47 participants from around the world. Khandelwal has also won a cash prize of $50,000 along with the coveted title, say media reports. Khandelwal also competed for various subtitles at the pageant, including World Multimedia Award, World Talent, Mobstar People’s Choice Awards and many more.

At the Grand Finale, Khandelwal looked dapper in a tuxedo by designer Nivedita Saboo. “My family, friends and my fans have been a constant support for me and this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my well-wishers,” he said in a statement after winning the title.

Rohit Khandelwal Photos: Meet the first Indian to win Mr World

According to reports, the actor-model had graduated from Aurora Degree College and first worked as a SpiceJet ground staff, and then as a technical support assistant for Dell Computers. He went on to act in a couple of TV series, and audiences may remember him as Veer from Yeh Hai Aashiqui and Sreedhar from Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya.

As soon as the news was out, Twitter was full of congratulatory messages:

Introducing… Mr World 2016, Rohit Khandelwal of INDIA! #MrWorld2016 pic.twitter.com/32m8QVAdvd — Mr World Official (@MrWorldOfficial) July 19, 2016

Thank you Rohit Khandelwal – Our Mr World 2016 #MrWorld2016 pic.twitter.com/xnB0qehnmt — Femina Miss India (@feminamissindia) July 20, 2016

Happy 😊

Yes

Thanks to all who have been supporting

Thank you so much

❤❤❤❤ pic.twitter.com/TAeTCck7gP — Rohit Khandelwal (@irohit67) July 20, 2016

Here are some photos from the event.

Rohit Khandelwal wins: The 26-year-old actor from Hyderabad claimed the ultimate prize winning over 46 other finalists, who represented their respective nations. The selection was made from thousands of applicants from across the world after year-long series of events that culminated in the Grand Finale on July 19. (Source: Mrworld.tv) Rohit Khandelwal wins: The 26-year-old actor from Hyderabad claimed the ultimate prize winning over 46 other finalists, who represented their respective nations. The selection was made from thousands of applicants from across the world after year-long series of events that culminated in the Grand Finale on July 19. (Source: Mrworld.tv)

Rohit Khandelwal was handed the mantle from Mr World 2014 Nicklas Pedersen. (Source: Mrworld.tv) Rohit Khandelwal was handed the mantle from Mr World 2014 Nicklas Pedersen. (Source: Mrworld.tv)

The final event included several routines that the contestants had practised for over the past week, showcasing their talent. (Source: Mrworld.tv) The final event included several routines that the contestants had practised for over the past week, showcasing their talent. (Source: Mrworld.tv)

Left to right: Contestants from China, Poland, India, Scotland, Left to right: Contestants from China, Poland, India, Scotland, England , Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, El Salvador and Kenya. (Source: Mrworld.tv)

The Grand Finale was hosted by Filipino superstar and Miss World 2013 Megan Young as well as professional singer and former Mr England Jordan Williams and Frankie Cena of Canada (Mr Canada 2012). (Source: Mrworld.tv) The Grand Finale was hosted by Filipino superstar and Miss World 2013 Megan Young as well as professional singer and former Mr England Jordan Williams and Frankie Cena of Canada (Mr Canada 2012). (Source: Mrworld.tv)

Khandelwal had previously won Mr India 2015. After winning the Mr World title, Khandelwal said, “I feel so privileged and humbled to be Mr World 2016. I would like to thank all my fans and all the people who have been giving me all their blessings. It is only your love and support that has been my inspiration to win Mr World 2016. It has been an amazing journey to this point, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.”

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