Two hours to go before the 10 finalists of the New Nihar Naturals Sananda Srimati would take centre stage.... Preparations in the greenroom were on in full swing and adrenaline levels ran high. As make-up professional Nabin Das did up their faces, hair stylists from Bridgette Jones’ Fashion Salon worked with the tresses. The srimatis were busy chatting, giving each other last-minute pep talks. Model Nayanika Chatterjee, who spearheaded the month-long grooming session with model Jessica Gomes as her assistant, was sharing her advice: “Enjoy. If you make a mistake, smile through it. Win hearts with confidence.”

The three winners of New Nihar Naturals Sananda Srimati. Pictures by Pabitra Das

The contest

The ladies turned on the charm right from the introductory dance performance. As proud husbands, sons, daughters, friends and families in the audience cheered, the 10 in red Suchismita Dasgupta ensembles performed Mahamaya, choreographed by Sukalyan Bhattacharya. “It is of women, women and more women that would be the talk of the evening,” opened emcee Mir. And the giant screens played audio-visuals of the contestants talking about themselves. Each AV was followed by the contestant walking the ramp in western casuals from Khadims Egaro. In denims and tunics, the ladies looked smart.

The next round saw the women in suits from Azura. As the music played, the ladies — smiles in place alongside gracious gaits and oodles of poise — made pretty pictures on the ramp. The final round had sensuous drapes by designer duo Swapan and Seema.

The beauties faced questions with aplomb. Queries like “housewife or doctor, which role would you choose?” and “how would you work towards the upliftment of mankind?” drew smart answers. The girls sported jewellery from Senco Gold in all three rounds.

Expert eyes

On the judges’ seats were actress-anchor Mandira Bedi and actress Churni Ganguly, film-maker Anjan Dutt, vice-chairperson and executive director of Indian Institute Of Cerebral Palsy, Sudha Kaul, and urologist Deepak Mukherjee.

“Had I not been in this profession, I don’t know if I could carry myself on stage as smoothly as these 10 have done. All of them are winners,” smiled Mandira. “It is great to have such contests that do not make marriage the end for women,” said Anjan.

E-quotient

Singer Penaz Masani belted out a medley of yesteryear hits like Aaiye meherban, Ek ladki bheegi bhaagi si, Dil deke dekho and more. Her second stint comprised Punjabi and current Bollywood hits. A classical dance performance by Madhubani Chatterjee completed the entertainment package for the evening.

Penaz Masani in performance at ITC The Sonar, Calcutta

Winners

The sub-contest winners were announced first. Pratiti Rakshit walked away with the Srimati Sutanuka and Srimati Kalabati titles. Atoshi Roy was adjudged Srimati Srimayee and Srimati Kuntala. Manjurika Bose bagged the Srimati Gharani title. Nandini Roy Chowdhury was Srimati Dasabhuja.

Antara Das Roy bagged the New Nihar Naturals Sananda Srimati crown. “I want to balance my professional and home front with equal ease. It is a great platform for us ordinary married women to be extraordinary human beings.” Nandini Roy Chowdhury was first runner-up and Sumana Chattopadhyay the second runner-up.