This week, we had an inspiring chat with the remarkable Christian De Zilwa – Mister International Sri Lanka 2023. De Zilwa humbly opened up about the incredible journey he embarked on to attain this prestigious title and shared the struggles he encountered along the way, highlighting the immense support he received from his loved ones and mentors.

• Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Christian. I’m 20 years old. I’m a past Peterite and a cricket player as well. As most of you are already aware, I’m currently a fashion model, public speaker, fitness coach, and entrepreneur. I represented Sri Lanka at Mister International 2023 in September at 19 years of age and I was also the youngest member in the competition. 

• What led you to participate in the Mister International pageant of 2023?

I was nominated by my agent whom I also consider my mentor, Brian Kerkoven. As someone who grew up with low self-confidence, I took this opportunity as a chance to prove my true worth and break the stereotype that the younger generation is not as competent as the older generation.

• Who was your pageant world role model and what did they teach you?

My role model was none other than the winner of Mister International 2023, Kim Goodburn. Participating in a competition by his side was a true honour and the one thing I learnt from him was to always be confident and humble but to also know your true worth.

• You have mentioned that BK Agency’s Brian Kerkoven has been instrumental in your modelling career. Could you tell us more about it?

Yes, I consider him to be my mentor and second father, and the reason I say this is because he guides me in all aspects of my life, aspects that aren’t related to modelling as well. In the industry of modelling, he has made sure he gets the maximum out of my potential and he always gives me advice, takes me to shows, and introduces me to seniors in the industry – all of this has boosted my career in truly inexplicable and unimaginable ways.

• What are some challenges you faced in your modelling career? And how did you overcome them?

One challenge I faced during my pageant was my weight. Two months before the pageant, I was 92 kg which is a little heavier than I prefer to be, so with two months of preparation in the gym and strict dietary adjustments, I managed to lose 10 kilos which was a major achievement in my books.

• Apart from your parents, who were some of the most supportive people who stood by you throughout your Mister International pageant journey?

Apart from my parents, I would like to give a huge shoutout to Kamil Hewavitharana who, alongside Brian, made sure everything was taken care of for me for the pageant.

I would also like to thank my girlfriend, Lisara Gallage, and her parents as they helped and supported me so much with everything leading up to the day I had to leave for Thailand.

• What is your favourite way to stay in shape?

I love working out and I love challenging myself with new dietary adjustments. I personally love to maintain a rather neutral physique which is neither on the leaner side nor on the bulkier side as I feel that is what a healthy physique should look like.

• What’s your advice for all the young aspiring models all over the world?

Don’t let your age put you down. Use it as an advantage to say that you achieved so much at such a young age. Don’t let it be a negative factor. And always be humble no matter how far you get in the industry. 

PHOTOS © CHRISTIAN DE ZILWA