Been around since: 1994

Claim to fame: Runners-up at Gladrags Megamodel 2000. Has been part of most big shows in the city, as model or choreographer.

Role to play: Nayanika Chatterjee’s assistant for the Tilottama grooming programme. Apart from giving the contestants tips on styling and conduct, she is trying to impart knowledge and confidence that will carry the girls through, on ramp and off it.

Tilottama to me is: “A genuine, solid platform for newcomers, irrespective of which industry they go into.”

The girls this year: Contrary to general notion, Ria feels that the average height of the contestants has been good this year. “They are also quite a confident lot,” she adds.

SUKALYAN BHATTACHARYA

Dancer, choreographer

Been around since: 1995

Claim to fame: Choreographed Nouveau Male, a show in New York for designer Sharbari Datta as well as Smirnoff Urban Fusion, a fashion award show. Has also choreographed dances in Bengali films like Alo and Abar Ashbo Phire.

Role to play: Teaching the girls basic body movements, postures and group dance choreography with an aim to improve their “fashion walk”. Is also choreographing the opening act for the big night.

Tilottama to me is: “A great platform. It’s not just about one winner; all the 20 Tilottama girls always get noticed.”

The girls this year: “They are a mixed lot. Some have great expressions, others have graceful carriage. They are all hard-working but the real test only begins after May 27.”

PREETOM MUKHERJEE-ROY

Fitness expert

Been around since: 1992

Claim to fame: Instrumental in breaking free of the multigym mould. Pioneered international-style gyms in Calcutta that boast separate sections on weight, resistance training and cardio-vascular exercises. Was also associated with the setting up of Addlife, hailed as “one of the first high-tech gyms” in the city.

Role to play: He is the girls’ fitness expert and has designed personalised workout programmes for each contestant. He also oversees all their fitness activities at Solace.

Tilottama to me is: “A great stepping stone for the girls to get totally groomed. It teaches them all they ever need to know to fit into the glamour industry.”

The girls this year: “They are raw but are extremely hard-working. The changes in them so far are phenomenal,” feels Preetom.

UMA MAZUMDAR

Grooming expert

Been around since: 2000

Claim to fame: Taking finishing school lessons at G.D. Birla Educational Centre and conducting workshops at other institutions.

Role to play: Teaching them table etiquette, everything from the right posture at the dining table to cutlery and crockery handling to a guide on all the various glasses.

Tilottama to me is: “It’s a grand opening for young girls. It doesn’t stop at the finale; the valuable training will last them forever.”

The girls this year: Are from various professional and family backgrounds, they are “nice people, well-mannered and eager to learn”.

MIR

Radio jockey, compere

Been around since: 1994

Claim to fame: Apart from being a television and stage anchor, represented east India in the The Great Indian Laughter Challenge.

Role to play: He is in charge of the girls’ diction and is training them on voice modulation, and how to face judges (with an entire exercise on mock questions). Apart from pageant-related grooming, he is also teaching them how to talk and put their point across.

Tilottama to me is: “A platform that never fails to throw up great potential. The sheer glamour it has been carrying for the last 10 years is great, a very fitting tribute to the beauty of a woman by Sananda.”

The girls this year: Are a very good lot. “I am glad that so many Northeast girls are part of the final gang. Them representing their region is a big boost. They have great potential and I hope at least one of them features in the top three.”

Pictures by Pabitra Das and Sanjoy Chattopadhyaya