Munish Sood
Mandi
Sixteen-year-old Aarav Thakur from Sundernagar, Mandi district, has brought glory to Himachal Pradesh by clinching the First Runner-Up title at the prestigious Mr., Miss and Mrs. North Indian Star competition, held on July 19 at Chandigarh’s Tagore Theatre Auditorium.
The national-level pageant drew nearly 70 contestants from across North India. Aarav impressed the jury and audience alike with his confidence, stage presence, communication skills, and overall personality, earning widespread appreciation.
This achievement adds to Aarav’s growing list of accolades. Earlier this year, he secured the Second Runner-Up position in the Mr. and Miss Northern competition and finished among the Top 20 finalists, showcasing his consistency on competitive platforms.
Beyond modelling, Aarav is also an accomplished sportsperson. He captains his school’s football team, has represented Himachal at state-level tournaments, and was honoured as his school’s Best Athlete. His ability to balance academics, sports, and personality development reflects his dedication and all-round growth.
School principal Mohit Chugh praised Aarav’s achievements, noting his excellence across academics, sports, and co-curricular activities. Aarav’s father, Rajesh Thakur, a noted photographer, credited his son’s discipline and perseverance, adding that Aarav aspires to represent Himachal Pradesh on national and international stages.
Aarav’s success has been hailed as a proud moment for Sundernagar, Mandi, and the entire state, proving that with determination and talent, youth from smaller towns can shine on prestigious national platforms.
