Supermodel, film star or simply beauty queen.… On Saturday night, one among the 20 finalists of the Dabur Gulabari Sananda Tilottama ’08, in association with EverYuth Naturals and Seagrams Blenders Pride Magical Nights Cassettes and CDs, will take a step closer to her dreams.

Currently in its twelfth year, Sananda Tilottama is eastern India’s biggest beauty pageant. From 4,000 entries, 20 young girls, mostly in their late teens, were chosen to battle it out for the coveted crown.

Spearheaded by model Nayanika Chatterjee, a month-long grooming session included dance classes, workouts, body polishing, skincare workshops, diction lessons, medical check up, poise, pose and catwalk lessons. A girls’ night out full of fun, music and masti, a sizzling swimsuit round and much more were some of the highlights.

Nail-biting night

The finals, to be held at the ITC Sonar on June 21, will see the results of the month of hard work, bringing with it new nail-biting moments, entertainment and excitement. The judges will include big names from the modelling fraternity, industry and entertainment. The winner will walk away with a crown, a sash and a host of goodies.

The girls begin with a dance sequence choreographed by Sukalyan Bhattacharya. Then they will take the ramp in Western casuals from United Colours of Benetton. Next will be a fashion sequence in Indian wear by designer Komal Sood.

The shortlisted 10, dressed in Swapan and Seema gowns, will field questions from the judges.

The contestants

Sanjukta Das, Sampurna Lahiri, Sohini Bhattacharya, Sangeeta Pachani, Suchira Chattopadhyay, Debopriya Das, Chirasree Singha Roy, Sanjana Anand, Tiffany Brewer, Ushoshi Sengupta, Devishri Thakur, Santa Rajbangshi, Prerna Rodney, Rishika Jaireth, Koyel Nath, Pooja Chowdhury, Shagun Kichlu, Sanghita Bhattacharya, Neha Shaw and Priyanka Sarkar.