Desi News — Celebrating our 28th well-read year!

View Original

MEET DHAVAL

Mr India wants to set off a global chain reaction

Name:  Dhaval Panchal. In Hindi, Dhaval means white. It can also translate to purity. In Hindu culture names are chosen astrologically, it is important that the name we are given has positive energy, leading to a successful life.

Currently: I graduated from the University of South Carolina with Fine Arts and Computer Science. I won the Mr. India Global 2017/2018 title in Los Angeles recently. I’m an Instagram blogger and fashion model, a  brand ambassador for the clothing line Express and ABC’s Next Bachelor Award winner. I am the Star Plus TV People’s’ Choice winner and have worked in movies such as The Hunger Games, The Internship, Let’s Be Cops and The Mule and television shows such as Homeland, Necessary Roughness Season 2 and Single Ladies. As a DJ, I go by DJ Ka$h by Dhaval.

Favourite colours:  Red, blue, white, etc.

Favourite brand: Express.

Favourite bollywood stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone.

Favourite hollywood stars: Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Will Smith, Megan Fox and Nina Dobrev.

Favourite movies: All-time favourite Bollywood  movies are Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kal Ho Na Ho. All-time favourite  Hollywood  movies are Dear John and The Lucky One.

Favourite singers: Lauv, Bazzi and Post Malone.

Favourite songs: Mine, I fall apart, and Getting over you.

Favourite TV shows: Fresh Off The Boat and Ball In The Family.

Favourite ice cream flavours: Mango and vanilla.

Favourite cuisines: Italian and Mexican.

Favourite restaurant: Waffle House.

Favourite sport: Basketball (Lakers, baby!).

Favourite sportsperson: Kobe Bryant.

Favourite author: Nicholas Sparks.

Favourite activities: Travelling, making new friends, playing 2K (I love basketball).

I hang out: With everyone.

I’m freaked out by: Spiders and snakes.

I  need: A million dollars!

I want to be: A lead role actor and professional model.

My role models: Hrithik Roshan and Justin Bieber.

Tips to save the planet: Share the knowledge! Often, when people are damaging the environment, it is because they don’t have the facts, or haven’t considered a particular course of action. If each of us comes on board and makes just one small change, the effect could be immense. Think of it as a mass chain reaction. Let’s work together to make the world a better place.  

Becoming mr india was: One of my life’s greatest experiences and achievements. As I stood on the stage with my fellow competitors, waiting to hear the host announce the winner, my heart was racing, I was drenched in sweat and all I could think of were the people who have showed me unconditional support throughout my journey. When I was declared the winner, I was at a loss for words! Since a very young age I have dreamed of making miracles happen and doing big things. However, as I started getting older, I quickly realized that life is not all luck and miracles. In order to achieve something, you have to work hard for it. I have always set my goals, priorities, and expectations higher than what others might have set for me. As my father says, “Nothing in life is for free”.  My all-time fa-vourite yet simple quote is “Create the highest, grandest visions possible for your life because you become what you believe”.

 In a perfect world: Everything would be perfect because it’s a “perfect world” right?


• More about Dhaval Panchal on www.OfficialDhaval.com.

Be a Desi star!  If you’d like Desi News readers to ‘meet’ you, call 416-695-4357 or write to desinews@rogers.com to arrange a photo session! It’s fun and it’s free!