Photos: Robert Trathen
He’s internationally recognised for his modelling, with a growing following of Traitors fans worldwide. So it’s hard to imagine that a man who commands attention wherever he goes was once shy and lacked confidence.
Colin Mathura-Jeffree is eagerly anticipating jetting off to India next year for his latest gig. It’s a complete juxtaposition to the nervous man who flew to Mumbai on his first-ever solo trip three decades ago.
“The first time was in the early ’90s, on a modelling job,” he recalls. “I was out of my depth because it was the first time I had travelled by myself.”
Then in his early twenties, Colin featured in a magazine as an international model of Indian heritage. Soon after, he received a letter bearing a royal postmark from a young woman saying how much she admired his work.
About to go to India and knowing nobody, Colin contacted the author, Padmaja Kumari Parmar, the daughter of the House of Mewar – the world’s longest-serving dynasty since 734 AD – who met him at the airport.
“I was taken to a royal dinner hosted by the Maharani [Queen],” tells Colin, 52. “They supported me in so many ways. They really looked out for me.”
The pair remains close and Colin is excited to show his fellow travellers Padmaja’s city in his role as ambassador for travel company Luxury Gold, with his first tour going to India for 14 days next April.
“Every step Padmaja takes is driven by a passion to protect and nurture Udaipur and its people, ensuring its heritage thrives for generations to come,” he explains.
With his modelling background, people associate Colin with labels including Versace, Krishna Mehta and Jean Paul Gaultier. At home with opulent luxury, the TV star looked every inch the sophisticated country gentleman alongside quarter horses Gypsy and Smoky when the Weekly caught up with him.
“I’ve always loved the equestrian look – it’s almost as if the jodhpurs and riding boots are homage to Royal Indiam – it’s very Ralph Lauren,” he says. “And I do love any opportunity to dress up, as anyone who watched Traitors will know!”
It’s that charm that makes Colin the perfect person to show visitors a slice of India.
“I am not there as the guide,” he tells. “Life is about experiencing things together – chaos, drama and wonderment.”
History fascinates Colin. When he complained of boredom as a child, his father Clifford told him, “Open your eyes to the world.” So he did. “I studied anthropology, religions and psychology because I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life.”
Colin, who is “single and always ready to mingle”, was a teenager when he was discovered in Auckland on his first day at university in 1991.
“I thought it was a joke,” he remembers. “I was this skinny, gangly guy with super-long hair.”
He built a career out of his good looks, honing his modelling skills in India before returning to New Zealand. Since then, he’s been a guest judge with Tyra Banks on America’s Next Top Model, and a series judge for the New Zealand version.
“There was a decade of no connection with anyone in India,” he says. “I thought I was past my use-by date, but I catapulted back with Top Model, and when Facebook and Instagram expanded.
“Everybody talks about the negatives of social media, but when my mum Rosalie died, people reached out… Miss Indias, Bollywood actors and royalty from around the world.”
It also led to his most recent visit to India prior to Covid.
“My friend Shyla Lopez, Miss India 1992, wanted me to go to a ’90s fashion industry reunion in New Delhi. Fifty people – designers, stylists, models, former pageant winners – all flew in. In life, all you have is moments, and you just take them and make a necklace out of it. I’ve learned to be a chameleon. One thing India taught me is the only constant in life is change.”
He adds, “Life is full of imperfections and I accept my flaws. People think I go to the opening of an oyster. I turn down a lot – I won’t do anything dull or compromising.
“In Xena Warrior Princess, I was a king of India and I came in riding on horseback. I’d ridden a horse before, but not to the level where I could come riding into a besieged kingdom with all these explosions going on. I felt magnificent on a horse.
“I don’t live in regret,” he says. “I’m not perfect, but I am happy. I will always lean in towards laughter.
“I wake up at 4am every day and it’s like the world does a refresh. I’m excited to be alive.”
For more about Colin’s 14-day Imperial Rajasthan – A Heritage Journey, visit luxurygold.com
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