Dharmesh Parikh 
Excitement abounds as we begin our countdown to the 15th Annual Miss Indianz cultural and fashion bonanza, with hearts filled with gratitude, gratification and goodwill.
Jayaram Ramineni
In that mood, I recall the with pleasure and tears my association with the late Jayaram Ramineni whose creativity shaped the formative years of this pageant.
His fashion designs not only made our contestants sparkle on stage but also helped them to make a career in show business – or at least catapulted them to fame before they entered married life or changed their career path.
Jayaram was a great friend, with an impressive record of achievements in the Indian fashion and film industry. His designs enhanced the beauty of charm of women and his soft-spoken nature and affable manners made him a great partner at the Miss Femina beauty contests.
Pooja Chitgopeker
Pooja Chitgopeker, the first winner of Miss Indianz in 2002 was at her sartorial best, thanks to Jayaram’s exquisite designs. After winning the Title, she pursued her higher education and took up many modelling and other assignments in Show Business. In 2007, she won the ‘Miss India Earth’ and ‘Miss Earth Air’ titles, bringing joy and pride to her family and friends. On January 7, 2011, she married Vikram Aditya Kumar, an America-born entrepreneur based in Chicago.
Pooja became a mother about three months ago, much to the delight of all of us.
Jayaram is no more with us but I remember with gratitude the support that he extended to our annual event until he died about eight years ago.
Worldwide audience
Miss Indianz continues to gain nationwide traction and in recent years, we have experienced significant growth of online audience.
We started this event when there was no Facebook. We have kept up with evolving technology and have been reaching out to people worldwide.
I attribute the success of Miss Indianz to our contestants.
Having strong media partners means that we can continue to promote great content.
Indian Newslink and Radio Tarana have been a part of this wonderful journey.
Miss Indianz 2017 will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Town Hall in Auckland. Tickets are now on sale.
Dharmesh Parikh is Director of Reshab D Productions (Rhythm House Limited) which organises Miss Indianz and other events.
Indian Newslink presents the last instalment of Miss Indianz 2017 Contestants.
Deepshika Prasad
Born in Fiji, Deepshika Prasad moved to New Zealand with her family when she was nine years old. Even at that tender age, she dreamt of becoming a model.
Deepshika is currently studying to become a nurse next year; however, her cherished desire in show business continues to grow.
“This hope encouraged me to enter the Miss Indianz 2017 contest to make my dream come true and achieve something in life. I also hope to gain self-confidence and be just myself. That in itself is a great thing,” she said.
Yashnal Devi
A freelance photographer and pageant contestant, Yashnal Devi loves to be behind as well as in front of the camera. Besides being a Bollywood aspirant, she has done bungie jumping, parasailing, jet boating, water rafting and jet skiing.
As a Fiji Indian (from Lautoka), Yashnal believes that she the best of three worlds, including Fiji, New Zealand and India.
“I am hoping to gain basic skills and knowledge of show business through Miss Indianz 2017,” Yashnal said.
Miss Indianz
15th Annual Event
Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 730 pm
Townhall, Auckland CBD
Tickets on sale now
www.rhythmhouse.co.nz
