[2] Unlike other beauty pageants, Gladrags contest was notable for its focus on the swimsuit round, with winners often featured on the magazine cover.

[5] In 2001, Rajeev Singh of Rajasthan became the first Asian and Indian[citation needed] to win the Manhunt International contest.

[6] He also won two sub-awards at the contest including Sharmoon Best Dressed Gentleman Award and Best in National Costume.

India has produced many runners-up at the pageant, most notably Dino Morea,[7] Zulfi Syed[8] and John Abraham,[9] all of whom have since established themselves in the Bollywood industry.

In 2005, Sidharth Shukla, runner-up of Gladrags Manhunt 2004, represented India at the Best Model Of The World contest held in Turkey and became the first Indian to win the title.