Pageant News Bureau - Manhunt International 2001

By Alex Liu
Special to PNB

Manhunt International 2001 was successfully concluded on Nov. 12 at the Beijing Poly Theatre in Beijing, in the People's Republic of China. Forty-three guys from around the world came to Beijing to compete for the prestigious title.

They arrived on Nov. 3 and, like millions of visitors before them, toured the world-famous sights of China. They visited the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall of China. And they didn't neglect the Silk Road Market, where the shopping was superb.

For the outdoor photo shoot, the Manhunt men were taken to the famous Shao Lin Kung Fu Temple, where they were taught Tai-chi.

They all enjoyed it tremendously. They were entertained by a demonstration of the awesome martial art of Kung Fu. And for dinner, they had Peking Duck, the crown jewel of Chinese cuisine.

In the World Final show, contestants appeared in their national costumes, Kung Fu outfits from the renowned Shanghai Tang, swimwear, casual suits, casual wear and their own tuxedoes. The show drew a full house. Among the audience of 2,600 were 500 media representatives from throughout China and around the world.

The winner's circle

The winner was Rajeev Singh, a 25-year-old businessman and part-time model from India. The title had eluded India many times since the country began participating in Manhunt in 1994. India was fourth runner-up in 1994 and 1997, and first runner-up in 1995 and 1999.) Singh's victory was the fulfillment of a long quest.

The first runner-up was Leon Zhang Wei Biao, a 21-year-old marketing student from Guangzhou, China. The second runner-up was Luis Nery, 23, a model and actor from Venezuela. The third runner-up was Adnan Taletovic, 34, a professional model from Croatia. The fourth runner-up was Kenneth Bryan, 21, a sales executive representing the Cayman Islands.

The show was recorded for television, and was shown on Nov. 18 in many countries, drawing more than 500 million viewers in China alone.

The man

The new winner, the first Asian ever to prevail at Manhunt International, hails from the "Pink City" of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Rajeev, whose name "Singh" means "Lion," is a descendant of a family of warriors known as the Rajputs Singh, from Rajasthan. They were great fighters, protecting their maharajahs and country with pride, courage and tenacity.

He himself fought many battles to win the ultimate Manhunt International 2001 title. First he won the North India Manhunt 2001 contest, then the All India Manhunt, then the real battle in Beijing. This is a man among men.

Rajeev also bagged the Best National Costume Award and the Sharmoon Best in Evening Suit Award.

Since his victory, he has begun to receive modeling offers from agencies in China, Southeast Asia and Europe. He is also setting his eyes on Bollywood, and begins his first film in December 2001.

And ladies, he is still up for grabs!

Rajeev is still a very eligible bachelor, and says his perfect woman would be one who is on his wavelength.

For more information about Manhunt, see www.manhunt.com.sg

A big showin Beijing

A big show
in Beijing