Meet Jay Paradkar, born in Mumbai and hailing from Sindhudurg (Malvan), he is currently based in Thane. At 21 years old and standing 5’8” tall, he holds a degree in Chemical Engineering.
A polyglot, Jay is fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi, Konkani, and Malayalam. His interests and skills extend beyond academics, ranging from cooking and powerlifting to dance and problem-solving in complex calculations. Coming from a family background of officers, doctors, and political figures, Jay has grown up with strong values of service and responsibility. Over a decade ago, his family established a government-supported foundation to support underprivileged and disabled children in accessing quality education, while also providing financial assistance to victims of natural disasters. For the past three and a half years, Jay has been working as a project manager within the foundation, leading and managing several initiatives dedicated to uplifting communities and nurturing mankind. His life so far has been defined by resilience, curiosity, and determination. Each challenge and milestone has shaped him into a grounded and ambitious individual who values growth, service, and leadership. This October, Jay will take his journey a step further as he competes in Jaipur for the title of Mr. India Universe, with the aspiration of making a mark for himself while inspiring others to embrace their strengths with confidence.
Here is an exclusive interview with him.
Q. You are a national finalist of Mr. Universe India, how do you feel about it?
Answer: To be a national finalist of Mr. India feels like I am standing at the intersection of my vision, dedication and hard-work. It is not just a title, it is an Answer to every early morning, every late night and every moment where I chose purpose over comfort. Do I feel honoured? Yes, but more than that I feel aligned. This is more than about walking ramp or glamour, it is about representing my values I stand by, the path I carved for myself, empathy, self-evolution and the qualities that I bring to the table. I have always believed that true greatness lies in the ability to uplift and empower others while rising yourself and this platform gives me the chance to do exactly that. There’s a quiet a thrill in knowing that I’m not here by luck, but by vision and discipline. I created this moment with sweat, strategy, and soul. And now, as a finalist, I don’t just feel proud I feel charged. Charged to represent a new kind of man: one who leads with strength, speaks by heart, and lives with purpose. So yes, I feel ready. Not only to compete but to contribute. Not just to impress but to inspire. Because Mr. India isn’t the destination it’s the beginning of a legacy that I am ready to leave behind every step I take
Q. What strategy or approach did you follow while preparing for the national finale?
Answer: I approached the national finale not as a competition, but as a multipurpose project of my dreams. My strategy was built on three factors: optimization, presence, and emotional intelligence. Coming from an engineering field, I’m trained to analyse systems, identify inefficiencies, and optimize outcomes. So, I applied that mindset to myself. I broke down the preparation into modules physical conditioning, stage presence, communication, and mental resilience. Each module had its own measures, feedbacks, and elegance. I wasn’t just training hard I was training smart. But I didn’t stop at specific factor. I focused on fusion ensuring that my physique, personality, and purpose weren’t just individually strong, but flawlessly arranged. Every workout was paired with a dream. Every speech was infused with authenticity. I wanted the judges to see not just a contender, but a strong and graceful identity. And most importantly, I leaned into emotional intelligence. I studied not just poses, but posture how to command a room with silence. I practiced not just answers, but presence how to make people feel heard even in a spotlight. I understood that charisma isn’t about volume it’s about vibration. In short, I didn’t prepare to perform. I prepared to resonate. Because when strategy meets soul, the result isn’t just impressive it’s unforgettable.
Q. Who or what has been your greatest support system throughout your journey?
Answer: My greatest support system has been an example of strength, my family, my Friends, and my discipline. But if I had to name the most unwavering force, it would be something less visible yet profoundly powerful: my values. In a world of chaos, my values have been my compass. They’ve kept me grounded when the spotlight tempted ego, and lifted me when self-doubt crept in. The discipline I learned through powerlifting, the empathy I cultivated through my social work, and the precision I gained as an engineer, all stem from a deep-rooted belief in purpose over applause. Of course, my family has been my cheering team, always present. Their quiet faith in me has been the kind of luxury no stage can offer. And my friends, who saw potential before it was polished, gave me the courage to dream audaciously. And my manager Mr. Mathew who always guided me to the right direction. But ultimately, it’s been the alignment of my inner world with my outer pursuit that has carried me through. I didn’t just prepare for Mr. India I evolved for it. And that evolution was powered by a support system built not just on love, but on legacy that I am ready to share.
Q. What is the biggest challenge and how did you overcome it while preparing?
Answer: The biggest challenge I faced wasn’t just physical it was also mental. Preparing for Mr. India demanded more than just muscle and discipline, it required me to confront my own doubts, fears, and limitations. There were days when my body ached, when my progress felt invisible, and when the world seemed to question my dream. But the real battle was within staying true to my purpose when no one was watching. Competing for this title requires the acknowledgement of the fact that your are not only representing yourself but a country. What helped me overcome it was remembering why I started. I wasn’t chasing a title for vanity I was chasing a vision. I wanted to become a symbol of resilience for every child who’s been told they’re not enough, for every individual who’s been overlooked. I’ve worked with underprivileged children and differently-abled individuals, and their courage reminded me that strength isn’t just about lifting weights it’s about lifting others and seeing life from a different point of view. So I trained not just with intensity, but with intention. I embraced every setback as a setup for a comeback. I leaned on my values, my community, and my belief that true greatness lies in service. And slowly, the challenge became my fuel. I didn’t just prepare to win I prepared to inspire.
Q. Please take us through your off-camera life. What other things keep you occupied in your everyday life?
Answer: Off-camera, my life is a small world of purpose, people, and personal evolution. I’m deeply rooted in family. Before the spotlight, there’s the warmth of home the aroma of morning chai, the wisdom exchanged in casual conversations, and the presence of those who’ve loved me long before any stage ever did. They’re my compass. They remind me that humility is the most elegant trait a man can wear. But I’m also a man in pursuit of knowledge, of growth, of impact. My days are filled with learning: from engineering journals to leadership podcasts, from social psychology to spiritual philosophy. I believe a man should never stop evolving, because the moment you stop learning, you stop leading. I spend time mentoring underprivileged children and differently-abled individuals not out of obligation, but out of reverence. Their courage redefines strength for me. They’ve taught me that true power lies not in dominance, but in compassion. And then there’s the iron the barbell, the silence of the gym, the discipline of powerlifting. It’s where I meet myself without filters. Every rep is a reminder that progress is earned, not given. So while the camera may capture the polished version of me, it’s in these off-camera moments where I’m a son, a student, a servant, and a seeker that my real story unfolds. And that story, I believe, is what makes the man behind the frame unforgettable.
Q. What qualities do you believe set you apart from the other candidates competing this year for the title of Mr. India?
Answer: What sets me apart isn’t just what I bring to the stage but it’s what I carry in my soul. I’m a chemical engineer by education, a powerlifter by passion, and a changemaker by choice. I’ve spent years training processes in industries, pushing limits in the gym, and empowering children who’ve never been given a fair start. That blend of intellect, grit, and compassion is rare and it’s real. But here’s the quality that truly sets me apart, I don’t chase excellence I create it. I treat every challenge like a formula waiting to be cracked, every setback like a sum to be solved. I’ve trained my mind to be as sharp as my physique, and my heart to be as strong as my will. And while many prepare to impress the judges, I prepared to impact the nation. I see Mr. India not as a title to wear, but as a cause to carry. I want to be the man who walks into a room and reminds people that greatness isn’t loud it’s purposeful. So yes, I may stand tall with strength and style. But what truly sets me apart is this, I’m not here to be admired. I’m here to be remembered.
Q. What are your hobbies and areas of interest?
Answer: My hobbies are a reflection of who I am not just as a competitor, but as a man constantly evolving. I’m deeply passionate about powerlifting. It’s more than just moving weight it’s about mastering your mind. Every rep teaches me patience, every failure teaches me humility, and every breakthrough reminds me that strength is earned, not given. It’s where I build not just muscle, but character. I also have a strong interest in human psychology and leadership. I’m fascinated by what drives people, how influence works, and how true leaders create impact without needing applause. I read, I reflect, and I apply because I believe a man should be as mentally sharp as he is physically strong. Another part of my life that keeps me grounded is social work. I work with underprivileged children and differently-abled individuals, and honestly, they’ve taught me more about courage than any textbook or training program ever could. It’s a humbling experience that reminds me why I chase excellence not for recognition, but to be in a position to uplift others. And finally, I value solitude and self-reflection. Whether it’s journaling, reading, or simply sitting in silence, I believe a man should know how to be alone with his thoughts. That’s where clarity is born. That’s where purpose is refined. So yes, my interests are diverse but they all serve one goal, that is to become a man of depth, discipline, and direction.
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