Kamleshsingh Shadhu: Balancing His Medical Career and Passion for Modeling

Kamleshsingh Shadhu, a medical professional, is preparing to walk the runway at the Global Student Fashion Week in Vietnam, slated for 2026. Earlier this year, he made a significant impact at the India International Fashion Week 2025. At 34, he skillfully balances his medical career with his passion for modeling.

Originally scheduled for December 2025, the Vietnam event has been postponed to the following year. Kamleshsingh, a resident of Floréal, is already preparing both physically and mentally. "My main goal is to represent Mauritius with pride," he shares. Professionally known as a doctor, he is also referred to as Vasu.

This will not be his first international appearance. On August 15 and 16, he participated in the India International Fashion Week.

His modeling journey began in 2022 when he entered a beauty pageant, where he was awarded first runner-up in the Most Popular Face category, and also won the Best Leadership title while ranking third overall. Later that year, he took part in another contest, finishing as the sixth runner-up.

In August 2024, he was crowned Mister Friendship Mauritius, a title that marked a turning point in his career. This win opened doors for him to participate in the international finals of Mister Friendship in Taiwan. He captivated the audience in an original tuxedo made of mesh, featuring a black jacket and pants adorned with floral patterns. This bold outfit garnered recognition from fashion show organizers, designers, and industry magazines. "This is how I was spotted by the organizers of the Global Student Fashion Week. They invited me to take part in their event," he recounts.

Kamleshsingh distinguished himself by winning the title of Mister Friendship Africa, securing a place in the global Top 12 and achieving first runner-up in the Public Choice Award category. "Becoming an ambassador for Africa opened international doors for me, but I always remember to showcase Mauritian creations to highlight the creativity of my island," he emphasizes.

However, a modeling career was not his initial aspiration. "I grew up watching my grandmother and mother sew. Their elegant and refined creations introduced me to aesthetics and an appreciation for beauty," shares this young man from Grand-Port. Simultaneously, he nurtured a dream of becoming a doctor, driven by his passion for the sciences, particularly biology and chemistry.

After completing his education at Sookdeo Bissoondoyal State College in Rose-Belle, he moved to China in 2010 to pursue medical studies. He earned his MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) from Nanjing Medical University, continuing his training at the university's First Affiliated Hospital. "Sewing actually inspired me to specialize in general surgery," he explains with a smile. He returned home at the end of 2019.

His journey has not been without challenges. "I often faced belittlement and mockery. People told me I'd never become a doctor because I didn't come from a family of doctors, nor a model because I didn't know anyone in that field. I decided to push beyond these limits," he confesses.

He draws inspiration from Reita Faria Powell, the first female doctor to win the Miss World title in 1966. "Her story convinced me that I, too, as a medical student, could achieve my dreams," he adds.

Kamleshsingh believes that the modeling industry in Mauritius could better support local designers. "If we want to advance the industry, we need to give more visibility to Mauritian artists," he asserts. During the fashion shows he organizes on the island, he regularly collaborates with designers to promote their work.

Today, he utilizes his medical knowledge and his reputation as a model to help the less fortunate. For him, medicine and modeling complement each other. "These two worlds have taught me to remain positive in the face of criticism, manage stress, and stay grounded. Without either of these worlds, I wouldn't be who I am," he states.

He also seeks to dispel misconceptions about modeling. "Many think it's an easy world filled with perfect faces. But they are unaware of the effort and sacrifices it entails. Physical and mental preparation is crucial," he insists.

Has he ever had to choose between his two careers? "Yes, that has happened. When I had to represent Mauritius internationally, some tensions arose in my work. But thanks to strict discipline, I managed to overcome these difficulties," he recounts.

Outside of his profession and modeling, Kamleshsingh enjoys hiking in nature, practices yoga, horseback riding, and dancing. He also confesses to having inherited his love for philately from his mother.