His aim - to win Mr World

There are many successful models who have gone onto careers in the movies and other fields from the exposure they received from modelling. In neighbouring India John Abraham and a Hollywood Mark Wahlberg comes to mind as well as former US President Gerald... who all but... was a model. We spoke to one such model turned actor, 23 year old Ariyanathan Navaneethan.

Known as "Nava' among his friends, he is currently employed as a customer service executive and trainer at the Global Service Centre of HSBC at Walikada, Rajagiriya since April 2004. Educated at Wesley College, Colombo 09, he was the deputy head prefect of the College in 2002. As Nava believed sports should be an integral port of school life he played Hockey and even represented Sri Lanka at an under 21 tournament in India as the team goal keeper a position he occupied even in the College hockey team as well.

Nava started his modelling career after the 2004 Mr. Lanka competition where he made it to the final 10. After the exposure the received from the competition he got an opportunity to participate in fashion shows. 'I had the privilege of training under some of the best and the most famous names in the fashion industry which I think boosted my chances of becoming a successful model'.

Speaking of modelling as a career for young men Nava says, "It's a rewarding career but lost of people think it is an unsuitable profession. Some people also think it doesn't pay well, but the actual situation is that if you keep to world standards you can lots of money as well a reap other benefits from it'.

According to Nava the experience he gained from modelling has taught him how to groom himself, build up a good physique and also build up a good personality with a positive attitude towards life. Having learnt the art of modelling by observing such illustrious a and world famous models such as Tyson BeckFord and Marcus Schkenberg, Nava says he respects what Sri Lankan models such as Roshan Masilamany have done for the profession.

Using this as a stepping stone to launch a film career Nava appeared briefly in a musical scene in the film Nilambare, although he is not so keen on a career in acting. 'I would like to continue as a part time model while doing my present job, which I also enjoy a lot' Nava said.

'I plan the week ahead and work according to a plan. I make sure that I achieve the required target at the right time, and then I finish the work properly and find time to relax as well' Nava said.

Commenting on how he juggles several; careers at a time, he says, 'you need commitment, dedication and hard work to achieve any target and realise you dreams in any field.' Having been born to a family of mixed parentage (his father is a Hindu while his mother comes from a Buddhist family) he is influenced by both religions. My parents never pressurised me to follow any religion or any career. They allowed me to follow any path in life according to my own wishes and my own talents' Nava commented.

Nava's ambition in life is to someday win the Mr. World Model Competition and bring glory and fame to Sri Lanka. 'When I am in a position where I have influence and prestige I would like to help lot of children who are underprivileged. I think children are our future and would like to help them in any way especially in their education and also to fester their talent' Nava said. He feels very passionate about this cause and says that he is not just interested in making a lot of money, staying at home and concentrating only on himself. Nava also feels that it is his duty to help others since he was also helped by many people to whom he feels he owes a debt of gratitude.

F.F.