Name: Manoj Dhanwani

Designation: Managing Director Megan Impex

Sun Sign: 23 September, cusp Virgo-Libra

Foray into the business of watches and timepieces:
I was initiated into the horological field when I used to stay in Dubai. Very soon, I expanded the company's existing range of brand of watches in the low-segment, mid-segment range and a few Swiss brands.

On returning to Mumbai, I decided to launch Megan Impex along with my partners (actually family members) and took the plunge into the watch business. More so because it was the natural choice after the successful stint abroad. It also gave me an opportunity to pursue my passion in dealing with 'Fashion and Lifestyle' branded watches especially in the mid-segment.

Bringing the Giordano brand to India:
We brought the Hong Kong based international brand, Giordano Timewear, to India. The brand Giordano Timewear caught my imagination and fascination. "Giordano Timewear" represented excellence in craftsmanship and innovative designing and best of all: value-for-money. In the mid-segment Giordano Timewear had a distinct edge in quality, workmanship and pricing.

The challenge was to scale up distribution, marketing, communication and the product mix. This smooth transition was facilitated by an in-depth study of the prevailing conditions in the Indian horological market.

At present, Giordano Timewear is now available in 125 outlets in 20 prime centers of India. The retail outlets, carefully chosen by Megan Impex team consists of a mix of traditional outlets (retail points for watch trade) and non-traditional outlets (departmental stores, fashion and boutiques. In fact, retailers prefer to keep Giordano watches in their stores as the product has carved out a niche for itself amongst Indian consumers.

Stint in modeling:
For someone who stumbled into modelling accidentally, I suppose I attained quick success within a short time span. In a short span of time, I had completed a wide gamut of advertising assignments. In fact, my varied repertoire of work at a young age would even make a veteran model envious.

My first ever ad film was for Hongkong Bank, in which I played an upmarket businessman. People identify me with the picture perfect torso baring ad film for "Provogue Shirts" and the "Pepsodent" commercial in which I enacted the role of a 37-year old. Nothing could highlight my versatility more than the fact that he was simultaneously playing a teenager in the film as well as a 37 year old in an ad film, when in real, Manoj happens to be a 26 year old young man.

My versatility as a model left a lasting impression on both the advertising agencies as well as the audiences - even today people remember me. Top fashion gurus like Hemant Trivedi swear by me - I was a favourite for both ramp as well as fashion catalogues.

In just a few months, my ascending ad film career graph included work of repute. A sample of which is press advertisements for Bajaj Auto, Bisleri Soda, Sheetal Catalogue, Jeaneration shirts, Spykar Trousers, Cotton World Cup (UK), covers for three health magazines.

TV stint:

I have done TV commercials such as Pepsodent Toothpaste, Apollo Tyres, Provogue Shirts, HSBC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Finance, Boomer Bubble gum. I have acted in TV serials such as Anand Mahendroo's Fitness Programme Body Basics. I have also done music videos such as Abhijeet's Karz (Remix) and K Vikas' Jaane Jaana. I often watch television - provided I get time.

Foray into films:
Besides being an accomplished model, I managed to make a mark even in films. I acted in Columbia Tri-Star's Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi produced by Tyger Films. I ended up tapping my hidden potential as a natural yet controlled performer.

My character, a 17-year old teenager named 'Haklu' captured the hearts of both young and old.

My strengths:
My captivating smile, my chiselled six pack body, my ability to look both - a boy next door as well as a dashing hunk of a man. These qualities have enabled me to enact numerous characters in ads with much ease.

His ability to portray a unique "personality" and "cherish life" attitude are depicted at every stage of his social and professional life!

Five years from now:
To successfully mix business with modelling! I hope that Giordano becomes very popular in various parts of the country. To introduce several new watch brands in India.