Some journeys begin quietly, not with fame or spotlight, but with a small stage, an eager heart, and a dream that refuses to fade. For Samarth Chaudhari, a theatre artist and the newly elected runner-up of Mr. India Universe from Mumbai, his story began exactly like that, with passion, patience and the belief that every small role can lead to something greater.
Samarth’s tryst with the performing arts began when he was just eight years old. His first role was a tree in a local theatre play. It might seem small, almost invisible, but it was deeply meaningful to him. That simple experience planted the seed of a lifelong passion for acting. Soon, he began performing in street plays, where he discovered the raw power of instant audience reactions. Every smile, every cheer, every silence shaped his understanding of what true performance meant.
At ten years old, he got a part in a state-level theatre competition, playing a young boy who polished shoes. But in his heart, he dreamt of playing the lead role. Determined and full of hope, he would rehearse the main character’s dialogues in front of the director, performing with all his heart. The director appreciated his passion but told him he was “too young” for the lead. That moment could have discouraged him, but instead, it strengthened his resolve. He learnt that patience and persistence were just as important as talent. He began to understand that every small step on stage was preparation for something bigger ahead.
Years later, during a regional theatre performance in Maharashtra, Samarth was cast as a comic forest officer, it was a supporting role, but he performed it with complete sincerity. After the show, a group of people from the audience started asking for the forest officer. Nervous at first, Samarth stepped forward - only to see their surprised faces when they realised it was him, without the costume or expressions of his character. They told him they had stayed through the entire play just waiting for his re-entry. That moment was life-changing for him. It was the first time Samarth felt the depth of his art - the ability to touch people’s hearts, to make them feel and remember a character. It was then he realised his purpose wasn’t just fame or glamour - it was connection. “I realised I wanted to entertain, to move people and to be remembered through the characters I bring to life,” he recalls.
After years of performing theatre across Maharashtra, Samarth decided to take a major step - moving to Mumbai, the city of dreams. The day he arrived remains vivid in his memory. He was standing near a tea stall in Aram Nagar, searching for a casting office on his phone, when he met a well-dressed man standing nearby. The stranger looked at his phone and smiled, saying, “I’m going to the same place - let’s walk together.” As they walked, the man shared stories of his own struggles in Mumbai - about learning, surviving, and growing. His calm wisdom left a lasting impression on Samarth. Five years later, destiny brought that scene full circle. Samarth stood again at the same tea stall - this time, confident and ready for an audition. A nervous young woman approached him, asking for help finding a casting office. Smiling, he said, “I’m going to the same place - let’s walk together.” He shared his experiences and the lessons Mumbai had taught him - about patience, authenticity and perseverance. When he parted ways with her, he realised how far he had come - from a dreamer seeking guidance to someone now capable of guiding others. That quiet moment of reflection summed up his growth. “Mumbai didn’t just change my career,” he says. “It changed my perspective.”
While continuing his theatre work, Samarth also explored the world of modelling and pageantry. His natural charm, strong presence and expressive personality made him stand out. He won the Mr Aurangabad title and became the first runner-up in a regional modelling competition. These achievements that marked the beginning of his journey in the pageant world.
On October 5, Samarth travelled to Jaipur for the very first Mr India Universe competition. The grand finale took place on October 13, and Samarth’s years of theatre discipline and emotional depth shone through. He secured the title of First Runner-Up, along with two major awards (Mr Congeniality and Best Personality). Among all the contestants, Samarth received the maximum votes from his co-participants, who admired his warmth, humility and supportive nature. His journey from a young theatre artist to a nationally recognised pageant star was complete - and yet, it felt like just new beginning to him.
What makes Samarth Chaudhari stand out isn’t just his achievements — it’s his heart. From playing a silent tree to becoming one of the most loved personalities at a national pageant, his journey proves that staying grounded and true to one’s craft earns lasting recognition. Built on patience, empathy, and authenticity, Samarth’s story reminds us that real artistry doesn’t chase fame — it touches hearts.
Photography by VJ Suraj.
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