Candid Shot: Phanendra Kaushik Prasai of Nepal

Meet Phanendra Kaushik Prasai of Nepal who won Mister National Universe 2018 during a pageant held in Thailand on June 18.

Kaushik, a promotional model, has just arrived in Katmandu where he had a simple celebration with his family, friends and fashion designers after his win. "I have yet to do the big celebration which I'm not sure when exactly."

Asked about his name, the Nepalese said: "Kaushik is the name of an Indian Hindu sage (rishi) and since I grew up in India, I was given the name as a pet name." Right now, he's in a very serious and committed relationship.

Kaushik has a younger sister. He studied Information Management for his Bachelors from Orchid College.

Just like in the Philippines, Nepalese love pageants, he says. "There are a lot of pageants in Nepal for all men, women and kids. There are new pageants every once in a while too. This year we saw about 30+ new ones all over Nepal. Apart from giving opportunities and exposure to contestants, they're also a business for the organizers. There are a number of them that do very well and some don't. So they are a pretty big thing here in my country."

Let's get to know more of Kaushik who also describes himself as a nature-loving person.  Say Namaste to our new Mister National Universe! - ROBERT REQUINTINA with images by Joy Arguil

1) What are the lessons learned in joining an international pageant?

"The most important thing I learned was first we were all from different countries and ethnicities but we all shared the same dream. It united us and we were all like a big family within a few days. All of us had strong bonds and we supported each other even though we were competing against each other. Another lesson was that kindness will always do you good. It was a beautiful experience overall."

2) What's the most cherished material thing you have right now and why?

"Everything that I own right now are the most cherished things. I am grateful for the life I have right now and I don't want to take anything for granted at any point."

3) What are your thoughts about people who do not believe in God?

"I don't think of Atheists as bad people because they have their own opinion. I am a strong believer in God and I always thank God for all the good things that I get. I would, however, want them to have a little faith in God. Faith can be powerful in times of need."

4) Who are your three sexiest female celebrities in the world?

"No one."

5) Three celebrities you want to have dinner with and why?

"I would love to have dinner with Robert Downey Jr., Robert De Niro and Shahrukh Khan. I am a huge huge Marvel fan and Iron Man is my best character. RDJ is the perfect actor for the role and I've watched almost all of Robert De Niro's movies, I am a fan. I grew up watching Shahrukh Khan's movies and he was an idol since the beginning."

6) If you have $1 million dollars, how would you spend it one day?

"If I have $1 million, I would like to build a school with a free education system for poor children. I would love to open a charity for the homeless, provide them food & shelter. I'd buy a nice house for my family & a car for my father. As for me I'd buy myself a KTM Duke 1290."

7) What is the theme song of your life?

"I don't have one actually."

8) One celebrity you would want to have selfie with?

"I would love to have a selfie with our Nepali celebs Aayushman and Aashirman DS Joshi. I get confused with the both of them quite a lot and I think people would love a selfie of the three of us."

9) If you were asked to perform in front of the Pope or President Trump, what will you do?

"Do a speech on women empowerment and equality."

10) If you were in a Time Machine, what era would you like to go back and why?

"Well, I'm a curious person on educational things. I think I would go back to the era where life first started. I would absolutely love to witness such events with my very own eyes."

11) What are your thoughts about same-sex marriage?

"I fully support same-sex marriage. Everybody has the right to love and to choose their life partner. Love always wins."

12) Do you still remember that naughtiest thing you've done when you were a kid?

"I don't really know. I remember when I was a kid, I was bitten by a dog & had to get an injection. I just ran all over the hospital & the nurses had to chase after me."

13) The best food you've ever tasted?

"TOM YUM!!! There's no explanation for this. It is simply so good."

14) You’re on your way to a march and someone hands you a blank sign and a marker. What do you put on your sign and why?

"Love, not war." Because we should spread love & make peace, not hatred and start wars."

15) What do you think is the most important quality of a millennial man.

"I think it would be being a true gentleman. Treating everybody equally and being kind to everyone in today's world is very rare. We've heard that millennials are the most depressed generation so I think we, men and women both, should be kind to one another. "

16) Do you agree that a third restroom should be built for transgenders? Why or why not?

"I don't think it is necessary for a third restroom for transgenders. People should accept other people by their choice. How they identify themselves is important and as long as they are happy and comfortable in their choice is what should matter. We shouldn't be intolerant towards them. They aren't any different from us." 

17) When is the right time to listen and when is the right time to speak?”

"A person expressing themselves is the best time to listen. I believe that one should always listen first before speaking. The right time to speak would be when someone is doing wrong to other people. It is the best time to speak up."