CSB Xclusive! Unni Mukundan - The Gay Icon Of South India

Very few would be unaware of Unni Mukundan, the South Indian sensation and heartthrob for girls and guys alike. He came to the silver screen just three years ago, but his popularity has skyrocketed even within such short span, making him one of the most desirable actors in the Malayalam cinema. The reason is simple. Unni represents the current generation's concept of a Malayalee hunk. With his good looks and equally well maintained physique, only very few South Indian actors oozes sexual appeal like him. From playing roles of romantic lead, hero, villain to character roles and even acting as a 60 year old man, Unni has tried to take up wide range of personas in these three years to showcase his versatility.

Interestingly, Unni never had an acting background. After completing school, he was working in a call center in Gujarat. But soon he became bored of the monotonous life of BPO. He decided to try his luck in the film industry. “When I was thinking of getting into films, I wanted to be a director because he is the top most authority who takes the shots.” So he searched the contact details of Lohithadas - the well known screenwriter, playwright, director, and producer in Malayalam cinema and forwarded his photographs to him. “Lohithadas Sir replied saying he will call me after 30 days and exactly one month later, he did. I was training under him for almost one and a half years. He offered me a role in his film, but then he suffered a sudden demise.” Unni finally got his debut film in Tamil and ended up playing Prithviraj’s character in the Tamil remake of Malayalam hit, ‘Nandanam.’ (Coincidently, ‘Nandanam’ is Prithviraj’s first movie as well.)

"Thankfully, I have never been out of work ever since." In fact, Unni Mukundan's dates are already filled with four movies where he is playing the lead. He does only one movie at a time and he has just wrapped up the shooting of ‘The Last Supper’, which will also be showcasing Unni’s physique as never before. “I had to lose almost 15 kilos for the role.” This required him to take up an exhaustive workout routine. He had to burn fat as fast as possible because only few weeks were left post wrapping up the previous film. “I train for two and half hours in the day and another 40 minutes in the evening. I do lots of cardio as well as weight training. Even though I have lost 15 kilos, I have tried to maintain my muscular physique.”

During his school days, Unni used to be slim and he often got bullied by other boys. “I couldn’t stand up for myself because I was so low in my confidence about my physique. I was told I was thin and weak, even though I hardly remember falling sick. This made me introvert and unconfident. I wore full sleeve shirts. I remember I had experienced problems in speaking as well.”

It was then Unni’s mother who advised him to start working out to ward off his insecurity feelings. He started exercising at the age of 15. He used all the anger and frustration which he felt towards his bullies to push himself at the gym. Unni says that brought a host of positive changes into his life. “Everything about me improved after I started exercising. My personality, the way I talk, my confidence.. By the time I reached college I was considered as one of the fittest guys around.”

Now exercising is like a meditation for Unni. “I have been in various states of body types that one can label. Skinny, lean, bulky, muscular, athlete, whatever forms you can think of. And I realized if you are trying to please other’s expectations with your physique, you will always be doing only that. One should work out for the sole aim of keeping fit and nothing else. It’s all about conquering yourself by trying to push your limits. And when you succeed in achieving that, it will help you gain confidence in yourself.”

Not surprisingly, Unni Mukundan has become the motivation for countless young guys to take up working out seriously. Through the Facebook page managed solely by him, he receives mails of gratitude and appreciation for inspiring them. “It is a great feeling to know that I was a cause of happiness in someone’s life. I started the page to get direct feedback from my viewers. My fans may not be able to meet me or talk to me when they see me in public. But through my page, they will be able to share their frank opinions and suggestions. “

So does he get messages from gay guys too? “Yes, I do. I appreciate that they see me as a gay icon. Sometimes the messages are very personal and they try to approach in a very emotional way.” But Unni understands that there is nothing to be offended about. “I don’t get repulsed when I receive such messages and I don’t question them why they have to feel that way towards a man. I know it is a natural feeling just the way I would feel for a woman.”

The exposure of being bullied and made to feel powerless during childhood makes it easier for Unni to feel all the more for the community. “I know how it feels when someone tries to exert their power on you. I have few gay friends and I realize their life is difficult. But I believe over the course of time, the LGBT community should find the strength to live openly without thinking how others would react. It’s your world that should matter first and then think about others.”

But he also gives a word of caution, “The gay community should be careful about their actions and they should act responsibly. Being a minority, it is a task to get accepted by the society. Their actions today will decide how they will be treated tomorrow, so they have to work towards a better life for their younger brothers.”

In future, if Unni is offered the role of a gay character, he says he will be willing to take it ahead. He also hopes that it could help the community in getting the much needed visibility to steer away from the stereotypes that usually gets associated with them. "Personally I feel, a gay character should not be just used for portraying sex. I would like to highlight other emotions and phases of a gay man. Before taking up the role, I would love to sit with a gay guy and understand him, what it is like to live a gay life in India and what he had to go through.”

So is he open to spreading his charm in Bollywood too? “I’m really open to acting in Hindi films. I’m fluent in Hindi because all my childhood and teenage were spent in Gujarat. If I get an interesting script and a proper launch, why not?”

Check out these related posts too! 
CSB Xclusive! Nav Sihag 
CSB Xclusive! Nolan Lewis - Mr. Gay India 2013
CSB Xclusive! Rajeev Govinda Pillai

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CSB Xclusive! Nav Sihag

Nav Sihag may not have walked the ramps or graced the glossy pages of fashion magazines; but going by his online fan following, the absence of those factors do not seem to get in the way of his immense popularity. Scores of men and women just adore the photos that he puts on his Facebook and Tumblr blog, even attracting the attention of many fashion photographers.

When asked about how all this makes him feel, Nav says, “I feel glad to know that my hard work has paid off. Even though I wanted to become a fitness model, I didn’t have anyone to guide me. I had to promote myself because I had no idea where to go or what to do.” In fact, Nav was also not fortunate to hire a professional photographer for his shoots. He and his friend shoot photographs using a Nikon D40, which he reveals are taken without any makeup or stylist.

Nav Sihag is a certified personal trainer and has also done wrestling for a brief period. Now 23, he started working out during his teen years. “Due to my family's sports background, I used to do exercise and jogging, but I started doing them professionally only 2 years ago.” Currently on a goal of putting on more muscles to qualify for fitness model, Nav is undergoing rigorous training under the eyes of the two times Mr. Haryana title winner, Ravinder Kumar.

His training routine extends up to two – three hours a day, which is split between morning and evening sessions. He also supplements the work out with a balanced diet comprising of carbohydrates, protein, fibre and fats. During his free time, Nav loves to swim and hangout with his close friends. He is a great admirer of the Italian actress and fashion model, Monica Bellucci. "I have watched her movie - Malèna. I find her very sensual and erotic, but in a very artistic way."

Nav is aware that gay men makes up major chunk of his long list of fan followers. So as a straight man, how does he feel when gay guys compliment on his looks and physique? “It feels good, but sometimes they overpraise.”  He has few gay guys as friends and he is of the opinion that gay community deserves to be treated equally. “A lot of people think that gays are not natural. But I believe there is nothing unnatural about them and they also form a part of our society. If I get any opportunity to do something for the LGBT family, I will do it for sure!”

Click on the above pics to see their high resolution unedited versions. 
Nav Sihag interacts with his fans and showcases his photos at his Tumblr blog.

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CSB Xclusive! Nolan Lewis - Mr. Gay India 2013
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CSB Xclusive! Nolan Lewis - Mr. Gay India 2013

Photography by: Blake Woodhams

Introducing to you all this year’s Mr. Gay India, Nolan Lewis! Nolan would be the third Indian to represent our country at Mr. Gay World (MGW), ever since the pageant took off in 2009. Scheduled to take place from August 1st – August 5th, MGW 2013 will be held at Antwerp, Belgium. 

Nolan was born and brought up in Mumbai and has been a model since his college days. However realizing that modelling could not be a stable career option, he was on the search for other avenues that offered a regular income. He says now he is a self-employed man and is loving what he is doing currently. “I’m a tarot card reader and a crystal healer. Occasionally, I also write astrological columns for newspapers.” Even then, he decided to give modelling another go and has now signed a contract with a model agency. He has also done a video shoot for the popular Indian girl band - Viva’s music video, ‘Jahan Ho Pyar Ka Mausam’, along with Zoltan Parag, the first Indian to participate in Mr. Gay World pageant. 

For this 28 year old guy, Mr. Gay World was not something that he had planned out. Nolan was in Johannesburg in April last year, completing a photo-shoot for South African documentary photographer, Blake Woodhams. Coincidentally, Johannesburg was hosting Mr. Gay World 2012 that very evening. “We watched the pageant, grabbed a few drinks and made a joke about how we should forward my photographs to MGW for 2013’s registrations.” And then that’s what he did. A few weeks later Nolan received a registration form and a questionnaire in his inbox. “Since India does not have a local sponsor, MGW had their director in the Philippines, Ms. Noemi Alberto, conducted my auditions via Skype. A few video-conferences later, I was chosen as Mr. Gay India 2013 over six other Indian guys.” 

The fact that India does not have a MGW representative is proving to be quite a challenge for Nolan to participate in the pageant. “I don’t have anyone sponsoring my airfare or wardrobe. That’s the basic entitlement of any contestant representing a country at an international level.” Nolan is currently on the lookout to find some corporate endorsements and a fashion designer volunteering to showcase his or her work at MGW 2013. 

Photography by: Blake Woodhams

Nolan hopes to change this situation for the future MGW Indian contestants. “I will have a chat with MGW about hiring me as the recruiting agent for the next delegate from India, since there’s no one as of now.” So would he be kicking off a Mr. Gay India pageant from next year onwards? “I can only comment about the possibility of a full blown pageant, once I’m back from MGW. But you are going to have someone representing India each year from now for sure!” 

All the best Nolan for MGW and also for the initiative that you are planning to bring for the future MGW aspirers! 

You can reach Nolan and support him by clicking here. 

Photography by: Blake Woodhams

Come to think of it, a Mr. Gay India pageant is not a bad idea after all. India has seen a remarkable progress ever since the Delhi High Court decriminalized homosexuality in 2009. The post 377 era has afforded a favourable pitch for a host of LGBT entities - from a gay travel boutique, a gay event management firm, a fashion store to a queer book store, an LGBT discount card and an annual international LGBT film festival; India has seen it all! A gay pageant would be a perfect piece for this melange aiding ourselves to be visible more conspicuously.

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CSB Xclusive! Rajeev Govinda Pillai

When an Indian makes it to walk at the London Tommy Hilfiger ramp, consider that it is no mean feat. But that’s what Kerala-born 29 year old Rajeev Govinda Pillai did. It is no surprise then that he has walked all major Indian fashion weeks including Lakme, Wills, Couture et al.

When I came across Rajeev’s pictures, it immediately clicked that he is a perfect fit for the CSB Xclusive! series. And Rajeev was more than happy to be the next CSB Xclusive! guy. During our interaction, when he revealed that he is now doing movies and two of his films were out this year with two more releases out to be soon, my jaw dropped! Ever since I shifted to Mumbai, I have not been keeping track of Malayalam movies, hence was not aware of the new faces. No wonder he has got an impressive count of fan followers from Kerala.

Before modelling, Rajeev was practicing dentistry at a clinic in Cochin and it was one of his patients who suggested him to pursue modelling. But Rajeev didn’t want to limit himself to Kerala and he decided to leave for Mumbai to try his luck.

He got his initial break from fashion designer, Chaitanya Rao. After that there was no stopping for him. He takes proud to have been part of all the major fashion weeks and I see no reason why he shouldn’t be. The photographs shared by him evidently testify that he has got the right attitude and physique to make it big in the industry.

Unlike other models, Rajeev doesn’t have a personal trainer. Working out was always a part of his life and he keeps himself updated on fashion and grooming by watching fashions shows from the west and reading lifestyle magazines.

Rajeev is passionate about cricket and has played till minor counties in England during his post graduation days. He is now undergoing vigorous practice session for his stint in Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) scheduled to start from January 2012 in Sharjah.

Having left an impressive mark in the modelling world, Rajeev is optimistic about becoming a sought after film star. However, he is also aware of the reality that nothing is permanent in the showbiz field. So when all the glitter settles down, he plans to go back to his dentist clinic which is now run by one of his friends.

Thank you Rajeev for taking time out for CSB and for sharing these amazing photographs. Wishing you many more successful movies and hope you will be the next South Indian actor to make transition to Bollywood.

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CSB Xclusive! Sahil Anand Arora

For most of us, when we bump into a fashion spread of a sexy guy, we get curious to know more about him. And then there are some bunch like 'yours truly' who get into a search mode on who clicked the snap. While being entranced by the sight of the gorgeous hunk and the creativity of the photographer, it doesn't come to us to think about those 'artists' who the make the models camera-ready, giving them a flawless look. CSB Xclusive! presents to you one such unsung hero.


Sahil Anand Arora does make up and hair styling for models for their fashion shoots. He also train modelling and self-grooming. When I first saw his pictures, I got totally smitten by his looks. This guy is the perfect blend of being uber cute and handsome (not to forget his gorgeous bod). So I approached him, asked whether he would be interested in being featured on CSB. And Ooh la la! Here he is!!

24 year old Sahil was born and brought up in Calcutta, India in a Punjabi family. He shifted to Delhi seven years ago for studies and was working as a freelancer for the past two years. He then realized Mumbai could offer much more in terms of contacts and opportunities and that pushed him to relocate to the Bollywood-city.

It's been only 5 months since he did that and things are already shaping up well for him. Here he met the illustrious fashion photographer, Sayan Sur Roy. Sayan saw that Sahil had the potential to be a model. Surprisingly Sahil happens to be camera-shy and it was Sayan who made him comfortable to pose for snaps.

And as you can see from the photos splashed across this post, Sayan was indeed right!

Sahil, thanks a lot for sharing these pics. Hope we can see you pretty soon on those ramps and billboards. So here's wishing you all the very best. Go for it and give us many more shots that will leave us spell-bound!

Photographs #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #9 (from the top) shot by Noor Khan & Photograph #8 by Sayan Sur Roy. Click them for their complete and higher resolution versions.

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CSB Xclusive! The Indian Hunk Piyush Walia

Remember some 40 posts ago (43 to be exact! :D), I talked about a guy who won a body contest organized by a health magazine? (Click here to get a refresh.) Yes, I'm hinting about the perfectly toned and charmingly handsome Piyush Walia. That time I didn’t have any "evidence" to substantiate my infatuation towards him. But this time I do have, since Piyush accepted my offer to be featured on this blog and was kind to share his portfolio with me.

22 year old Piyush V Walia started his modeling career in January last year and pretty soon he bagged the title of Mr. Body Beautiful as announced by the May 2008 issue of Health & Nutrition - Yep, the same issue that got me hooked onto him! He then became the cover guy of Men's Health India in June 2008..

(Click on the photos to get the higher resolution versions.)

Appeared on the bike catalogues of Yamaha..

And walked the ramps at prestigious fashion shows.

Piyush was one among those sexy men in the promo-shots of MTV Splitsvilla 2.

Well.. lots more Piyush to feast your eyes! (Except the left most snap in the second row, the following are the works of the illustrious photographer, Sayan Sur Roy.)

And finally, two candid shots of this amazing guy before we end this post.

Thanks for this fantabulous treat, Piyush! Wishing you all the very best and hope your career will be giving us more and more to drool over!

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