Dharmesh Parikh
September 30, 2022
While Indians from India subscribe to the concept of ‘Unity in Diversity’ projecting a single portrait despite their differences in language, approach to religion and lifestyle, the diversity is even more pronounced in New Zealand which brings together Indians from four continents across the world.
Colourful Diaspora
They come together at work and more importantly at events such as Miss IndiaNZ.
Ever since it began, Miss IndiaNZ has flown the flag of cultural diversity in New Zealand. The name ‘Kiwi-Indian’ has been used widely over the years at this event.
It is an accurate reflection of the people who participate in it.
Our unique identity has become widely accepted and over the past twenty years, we have seen a mix of Kiwi-Indians, Tongan Indians, Maori Indians, South African Indians, Fiji Indians and the list goes on. I believe that Miss IndiaNZ attracts the widest range of ethnic participation than any other event in New Zealand.
You can witness beauty, brains, smartness, elegance and humour at our annual event which will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 7.15 pm at Sky Theatre in Auckland’s Central Business District. For tickets, please visit www.eventfinda.co.nz/2022/miss-indianz-2022/auckland
The main purpose of Miss IndiaNZ has always been to celebrate Kiwi-Indian elegance, fashion, music and dance.
The origins of Miss IndiaNZ
Looking back at how it all started, I recall performing at a Hindi Film Concert in 1993 which had live music, stand-up comedy and a catwalk.
I was a full-time musician then. The glitz, glamour and music were all of the essences which really memorised me. The afterthought I had following that event was how cool will it be to do something like that again. I then started to take a closer look at pageants and fashion shows; till then I had never taken notice of pageants.
I was a musical and showbiz-obsessed person since my childhood. My fascination for staging magical performances for family and friends eventually turned into a career path.
In 2002, I launched Rhythm House, a company specialising in Hindi film song and dance sequences and multicultural events and film production.
I produced the first ever Miss IndiaNZ event in 2002.
Clean and simple
The Miss Indianz event has evolved over the years and so has the way we do things.
I am always looking for ways to keep it clean and simple (just as in my experience at the concert in 1993). You may have noticed that I do not place a huge emphasis on crowns and sashes, instead there is a sharper focus on staging an extravagant event and celebrating our diversity.
When selecting the judges, the first thing I think of is how will they help elevate and promote the contestants. The aim is for more contestants to benefit from participating in the event. Similarly, my guest list includes people who are from the entertainment, fashion industry and agitators. I have seen many contestants get into the entertainment industry. Of course, their success is attributed to their hard work and perseverance; however, I often wonder if their participation at Miss Indianz was their first conscientious first step toward self-expression.
Dharmesh Parikh is the Director of Rhythm House which has been organising Miss IndiaNZ since 2002. Indian Newslink and Radio Tarana have been Media Partners since then.
Editor’s Note: As Miss IndiaNZ 2016 gets closer, there is considerable anxiety and expectation among participants, performers and others involved with the annual event.
