August 11: The day that the 10 finalists of Dabur Gulabari Sananda Tilottama 2010 were both looking forward to and dreading. The day they were to take a model’s ultimate test — walk tall and confident in a bikini for the pageant’s swimwear sub-contest, eyes watching every move they made and flashbulbs clicking every step they took. And later, take a plunge in the breathtaking infinity pool atop Swissotel with the Rajarhat skyline adding to the drama.

As the aeroplanes took off in the background, all the 10 beauties began strutting their stuff with actress Locket Chatterjee, model Rachel White, designer Chhuti and singer Rupankar judging them. The girls wore their widest smiles (and little else!). And they had their reasons. Thanks to a rigorous grooming schedule at Shakespeare Sarani’s VLCC, toned tummies did justice to the striped, printed and monotone bikinis from La Lingerie.

Hectic preparations in the restrooms preceded the plunge-in-the-pool moments. After all, getting bikini right and sexy is no cakewalk. As they slipped into their two-pieces, stylist Sandy and make-up artist Nabin Das waited in the wings with a bronzer and baby oil concoction. “Rub it evenly all over your body. Keep in mind that your bikini should not get dirty,” instructed Sandy. Nabin touched up on the gloss. Kohl-lined eyes and some fresh orchids added to the Hawaiian look.

Post some posing, it was time to have fun as the girls climbed into the pool and a splash bash followed. Some fearless ones swam to the edge, while others splashed around.

Before the pool party kicked off, the girls were busy walking the red aisle in the hotel’s banquet, Bern, for a series of sub-contests. Dressed in off-shoulder pink tops and pleated denim skirts or shorts, they sported minimal make-up, glossy lips and kohl-rimmed eyes. Rupankar stumped quite a few with his posers. “Speak in Bengali,” he instructed Mayuri Chatterjee. “Yes, good afternoon too!” he added.

The judges were a happy lot. “They are very mature, confident and achievers,” smiled Locket. And while Chhuti found them “smart”, Rachel felt that the pageant had “raised the bar”. And they all had best wishes for the 10 glam girls who are all set to battle it out on August 22 at the mega finals.

Priti Kongkana	Rusha Ghosh
Dipna Patel	Sonika Chauhan
Riya Basu Thakur	Poonam Dhal
Rajkanya Baruah	Mayuri Chatterjee
Indrakshi Bhattacherjee	Arpita Sinha

sub-contests

• Dabur Gulabari Miss Beautiful Skin
• Dabur Gulabari Miss Beautiful Smile
• Dabur Gulabari Miss Congeniality
• Fem Miss Photogenic
• Fem Miss Beautiful Legs
• Dabur Vatika Miss Beautiful Hair
• Women’s Horlicks Miss Fit and Active
• VLCC Miss Confident
• VLCC Miss Perfect 10
• Seagram’s Blenders Pride Magical Nights contest
• Apollo Miss Good Health
• Tanishq Miss Bedazzled
• Simaaya Fashion Diva
• Himalaya Miss Beautiful Eyes
• Metro Shoes Miss Personality

Which of the 10 finalists has the best bikini body according to you?
Tell t2@abpmail.com