Mumbai, Dec 15 (IANS): Jitesh Singh Deo from Lucknow on Thursday bagged the Mr. India World 2017 title. He will represent India at the Mr World competition.

The finale of the gala sponsored by Peter Engand, was held at Bandra Fort here. It was judged by Bollywood's "Queen" Kangana Ranaut, designer Manish Malhotra and tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi among others.

Kangana announced Deo as the winner.

An actor, he loves travelling, swimming, and outdoor sports, and he believes in the mantra, "Be the change you want to see in the world", according to the pageant's official website.

Abhi Khajuria from Chandigarh was the first runner-up and Mumbai's Pavan Rao, an actor, dancer and model, was named the second runner-up. Prathamesh Maulingkar, a model and entrepreneur from Goa, won the Mr India Supranatural 2017 title.

They will all compete at different international pageants.

The winners were chosen from 16 finalists, who walked the ramp in wardrobe designed by Malhotra, fashion director Nivedita Saboo and Peter England.

The contestants underwent rigorous training and workshops under the mentorship and guidance of Rohit Khandelwal, who was the winner of the contest last year and went on to win the Mr. World 2017.

Khandelwal said in a statement: "It has been a wonderful journey. All the boys are winners in their own right. However, there can be only one winner.

"The winner is very deserving. I am looking forward to the prestigious Mr. World pageant and hope that we bring the crown home again."