The neighbourhood is home to many who come seeking job and a brighter future. One among them is Suraj Darjee (24), who lives in Dhandeeswaram.
Suraj hails from Darjeeling and came to Chennai in search of a job, but he got more than he imagined.
Today, he is the proud winner of Mr South India title bagging the gold medal and is waiting to participate in the Mr Asia competition that will be held in February.
He speaks to News Today about his journey from Darjeeling to working in a hotel to pursuing body building.
“I came here in 2011 in search of a job. I worked for a restaurant, and in my free time began going to the gym. While growing up, I had a huge desire to build my muscles and watched a lot of wrestling matches on TV. It was my dream to join a gym and work-out, and I got to do that here. I was just 53 kilos when I came here, but after joining the gym, I got the much needed motivation and began beefing up,” says the youngster in fluent Tamil.
The last four years has been a turning point in Suraj’s life. He is coached by Bala who runs a gym in the neighbourhood. “In 2016, I participated in the Mr Tamilnadu contest, and there is no looking back since. I won more medals the following year, including an Over all Championship in 2017. And this year, I have won the Mr South India competition,” he says proudly.
Although he weighs 98kg, during competitions he tones it down to 70kg. Ask him about his life in Chennai, his face brightens up. He says even though he has a sibling staying with him here, he mostly spends time with his Tamil friends.
Suraj is hopeful of winning the competition in February, but financial constrains have put him in a fix. “I train five people in the gym and my parents are happy with what I am doing, but my earnings are not enough. Most of the time, my trainer Bala becomes my financial support. Mr Asia competition is a huge deal and I am looking for sponsors.”
Suraj can be reached at 99403 54527.