Models on the ramp

Kohima, Sept. 15: An explosion of glamour rocked the Nagaland capital last evening.

Oohs and ahs were heard in plenty as a profusion of pretty faces and toned bodies sashayed on the stage at the Miss North East and Manhunt contest organised by the Kohima-based Reflorescence Society.

Screen villain Amrish Puri, who was supposed to be in town for the event, did not arrive because of illness but his absence and the sound-system snags were more than made up for by the spirited participants.

Raisa Deb Barma of Tripura, the prettiest and smartest of the seven contestants representing the states of the region, deservedly won the Miss North East tiara. Dressed in a black evening gown, she walked the ramp with the confidence of a professional and answered whatever she was asked with aplomb.

In the dance round, Lilika Sumi of Nagaland was the favourite with her height and grace. She faltered in the second round, appearing a trifle unnerved by the prospect of facing tricky questions. Sumi finished second runners-up.

The first runner-up was Poonam Rana from Meghalaya, a girl with dollops of attitude. Raisa was adjudged the Face of the Year, too, while Julie from Manipur won the Miss Talent crown. The Miss Beautiful Body title went to Poonam. All the northeastern states except Arunachal Pradesh were represented at the contest.

In the Manhunt section, T. Liankhansang of Manipur became the new Mr North East. He charmed the audience with his confident gait and crisp answers to the questions thrown at him by host Bikash Tongue, who is also a talented footballer.

Nagaland had a lot to cheer about with Eugene Lotha finishing first runner-up and Razouvikhol Lulo after him. Liankhansang also won the title of Mr Physique, while Eugene was adjudged the Face of the Year and Razouvikhol as the Talent of the Year.

The first round was the most popular one with the participants dancing in pairs. The men jived with their torsos bare and the girls in short two-piece costumes. The audience announced its approval with applause and whistles.

The predominantly young crowd also got a taste of Hindustani classical music, which is rarely heard in these parts. Sarod player Irfan Khan did not admit it, but he must have been surprised by the ovation he received from an audience which was initially not inclined to sit through a classical music recital. A group of irreverent youths even said aloud that they had not come to watch somebody play the ?sitar?.

The jury included former Miss Asia Pacific Tina Chatwal, Mr India Muzamil Ibrahim and Saraswati Rai Gurung from Sikkim. Nagaland inspector-general of police (intelligence) C.P. Giri and Linda Solo completed the panel. Ibrahim, who was wearing a traditional Naga jacket, won over the crowd with a short dance sequence.

Though glamour was the USP of the contest, the organisers did not forget that the concept of ?beauty with a cause? adds credibility to pageants. A huge symbol representing the campaign against HIV/AIDS dominated the stage backdrop. A display of sportswear by unemployed youths was received well, too.