Agartala / Guwahati, June 30 (TIWN): In the presence of around 1000 spectators from all across the northeastern region, Pawan Chhetri from Jorhat, Assam became the 9th Garnier Men Mega Mister North East 2018 at the ITA Cultural Complex, Machkhowa on Friday evening. Besides,Mitrayan de Sarkar from Agartala, Tripura and Hirok Jyoti Kalita from Tezpur, Assam became the 1st and 2nd runners up respectively.

Mega Mister North East is the biggest manhunt of northeast India, which has been conceptualized by leading fashion entrepreneur Abhijit Singha, has been produced by Mega Entertainment. The grand finale of the 9th edition witnessed the participation of 48 contestants, who travelled to Guwahati for almost a week of activities which included grooming and training sessions conducted by Contestant Directors Piyush Sharma andDipankar Buragohain. This was followed by rehearsals, leading up to the Grand Finale of the biggest manhunt of North East India. The pageant has been supported by Title Sponsor Garnier Men, supported by Assam State Biodiversity Board, Hospitality Partner Radisson Blu, Fragrance Partner Axe and Education Partner ITFT College.

 Jorhat-born Pawan Chhetri is a fitness trainer at Jorhat. A graduate from CKB Commerce College, 21-year-old Pawan thanked everyone for the support and said that the title will enable him to live up his dreams. “I heard about this manhunt from one of the ex-winners and thought about trying out my luck here. I just wanted to take back some wonderful memories and great experience. I never expected to become the winner of this contest. Thanks to Abhijit sir, Mega Entertainment and the judges for thinking me worthy of this title,” said Pawan. Pawan’s mother is a beautician and it was through her support and trust that Pawan made it to the contest. His father is an air force official, stationed at Jorhat.

 First Runner’s up Mitrayan De Sarkar, who hails from Agartala, said that he was happy that his hard work was appreciated by the panel of judges.Mitrayan is a freelance voice over artist and a filmmaker. He has studied electrical engineering and his mother is a retired government employee.

 Hirok Jyoti Kalita, who is a fitness trainer based at Tezpur, was the second Runner’s up at the 9th Garnier Men Mega Mister North East 2018. “I am speechless! I was greatly inspired by the 2013 winner Piyush Sharma. Ever since he won, I wanted to participate in this event and hence, I started preparing myself for this contest. I am so glad that my hard work finally paid off,” he said. Hirok’s father is a retired police officer and his mother is a homemaker.

 9th Garnier Men Mega Mister North East Pawan Chhetri has won a prize package worth approximately Rs. 5,00,000, including a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000, gift hampers from Garnier Men, the official sash and trophy of Garnier Men Mega Mister North East 2018, a round trip to Dubai, an international destination photoshoot, fitness counselling and membership at Chisel Dighalipukhuri for a year, gift hamper from Rang De Basanti Urban Dhaba, portfolio shoot by leading fashion photographer Rahul Biswas, public relations and reputation management for the reigning term from Life’s Purple and digital celebrity management from One & Zero – The Marketing Trend. Additionally, he will also get a scholarship for a 3-years bachelor’s degree course in Media & Entertainment at ITFT, Chandigarh and a 6-months Aviation & Hospitality course from TRIG Empowering Institute, Guwahati.

 The three winners will be offered professional representation by Mega Entertainment, a professional grooming session, which would guide them further on how to carry themselves forward in the professional sphere. Besides, the winners also get the opportunity to walk the ramp in various national and international shows.

 The judges who sealed the fate of this year’s winners included: Mega Miss North East 2013 Juhi Gogoi, Mega Mister North East 2015 Babul Boro,Fashion & Lifestyle Promoter Monika Devi, Hotelier and entrepreneur Bobby Singh, and Mega Miss North East 2016 Meriya Priyadarshini Subba.

 The pageant organizers were also judged for a series of sub-awards. Rakesh Okram from Manipur was awarded Radisson Blue Mister Hospitality; Mithun Debbarma from Tripura won the Chisel Dighalipukhuri Best Physique title; Debashish Sonowal Borah fromAssam was given the Assam State Biodiversity Board Mister Eco award; Runtu Rabha from Assam won the Garnuer Men Ultimate Fighter award; and the first runner up of the contest Mitrayan De Sarkar from Tripura won the AXE Find Your Magic subtitle.