Miss India Worldwide knocks on our doors

While the progress of the annual Miss Indianz series has been a source of endearment for scores of aspiring models and film stars (some of them have actually made it to Bollywood), New Zealand’s status as a land of beauties would be enhanced if a proposal to conduct the Miss India Worldwide Pageant 2012 becomes a reality.

Auckland based Reshabh D Parikh Productions has the license to conduct the global event in New Zealand. Its Director Dharmesh Parikh was honoured with the National Director of the Year Award (at the Miss India Worldwide Pageant 2010 held in Durban, South Africa on March 25, 2010) by the New York based India Festival Committee which organises the event (see Indian Newslink, April 1, 2010).

“Subject to satisfactory resolution of a number of issues, formalities and agreements, we should be able to organise the event in 2012 in New Zealand. We will make a formal announcement through Indian Newslink in due course,” Mr Parikh said.

But his immediate concern is to ensure the success of Miss Indianz 2010, due to be held at the Auckland Town Hall on August 7 from 745 pm.

Twenty-five young women of Indian origin will participate in the contest vying for the title, with the Winner and the First Runner-up qualifying to enter the Miss India Worldwide Pageant 2011.

Following is the continuation of the profiles of the contestants, which began in our July 1, 2010 issue.

Hemalee Patel

A passion for modeling and ambition for “being somebody” are the factors that motivate this young woman in life.

“This is a lifetime opportunity that cannot be missed,” says Hemalee Patel, who is among the Miss Indianz 2010 contestants.

“I wish to gain more confidence that can potentially help me in my future endeavours in show business.”

Hemalee says she loves dancing and has been an entertainer at weddings, parties and other social occasions.

As well as eye on the Pageant Title, this recent graduate is looking for a satisfying and progressive career opportunity.

Nicole Singam

Teenagers are ambitious and even aggressive and this 19-year-old is no exception.

She is keen to launch her career as a lawyer and fight for those who do not have resources to defend themselves.

“I have always been supporting the cause of people whose voices are not heard in the society. I take pride in whatever I stand for and I have never let anyone cloud or taint my judgment anytime,” Nicole Singam said.

She is also keen to contribute her mite for the betterment of the society.

A swimmer, debater and charity event organiser, Nicole says she has been a winner of several awards.

She is currently moonlighting, but would soon join the AUT University to pursue a degree course in law.

Rashmi Kumar

Beauty contests help enhance self-esteem.

That is the firm belief of Rashmi Kumar, who says the forthcoming contest would be the first of its type in which she would be engaged.

“I have participated in many music and dance competitions but a beauty pageant is different. It would perhaps be a stepping-stone for a career in the glamorous profession of advertising.

“Miss Indianz 2010 promises unlimited opportunities and I hope the experience will enable me to establish my own advertising agency someday; that is my ambition.

“Besides, such events also enable me to be recognised better,” Rashmi said.

Sharon Kaur

A student of the University of Auckland, undergoing a conjoint degree course in Law and Arts, Sharon Kaur has her life and career objectives well defined.

“My aspiration is to become a lawyer, help and support people from all over the world. I would also like to become a Human Rights Specialist.

“I will pursue excellence in whatever I do and be successful,” she said.

The 17-year-old says life is to be enjoyed to the maximum extent possible.

“We live only once and hence must make full use of our existence,” Sharon said.

Zainab Khan

A recent migrant from India, this teenager is keen to fulfil her dream of becoming a top model.

Zainab Khan admits that she has no experience in the field but is willing to learn.

“Even as a child I dreamt of being in show business and Miss Indianz 2010 contest provides the perfect opportunity. I am enjoying every moment of it,” she said.

She follows the Eminem song, Lose Yourself, the lyrics of which advises people, “You got once chance and one opportunity.”

Zainab has just completed her Foundation Course at Selwyn College in Auckland (she did her Year 12 equivalent of NCEA Level Two in India) and is considering future possibilities of a scholastic career.

“I love photo shoots, especially on the beach,” she said.

We hope our photographer Anas Khan (who runs our Model of the Fortnight section reads this).

Indian Newslink will profile the remaining contestants in its next issue.