Amidst the riot of pride colors in the ‘financial capital of India’ The Lalit Mumbai proudly hosts the country’s most inclusive pageant; ‘Mr Gay India 2019’. The pageant is a strategic part of the #PureLove campaign, led by The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group to foster inclusivity and diversity within organizations.

Leading up to the finale on Thursday was a battle amongst hundred and more participants, however only top seven made it to the final showdown. These finalists represent their talents, and states – Jharkhand, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Mumbai by breaking the stereotype and taboo.

Chief Guest for the finale at The Lalit Mumbai was Bollywood actor and Equality Champion for United Nations-Human Rights, Ms. Celina Jaitley. The panel of judges also includedDiwakar Pundir; Former Mr. India and an actor, Anjali Lama; Asia’s first transgender model, Sushant Divgikar aka Rani Ko-He-Noor a VJ, actor, drag artist and Mr. Gay India 2014; and Fiza Khan India’s first plus size model and reality TV Star.

Sushant Digvikar; National Producer, Mr Gay India says, “I am super excited for the fifth edition of Mr. Gay India 2019. The Lalit is the only chain to embrace diversity and give wings to the LGBTQIA+ community through their initiatives and inclusive policies. I am proud to be associated with both The Lalit and Keshav Suri Foundation in their mission of Embracing, Empowering and Mainstreaming LGBTQIA+ community.”

The contestants will be competing on different rounds including National Costume, Talent followed by a question-answer round. The winner of the pageant will represent India at Mr. Gay World in Capetown, South Africa.

Mr. Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and Chairperson and Founder; Keshav Suri Foundation, is elated about the association with Mr Gay India pageant. He says, “It is imperative to create inclusive platforms for the community. Such initiatives are the need of the hour to make inclusivity the norm.”