Fashion designer Garima Garg and last year’s runner-up Pritikongana Barman at the launch of Dabur Gulabari Sananda Tilottama 2011 in Guwahati on Friday. Picture by UB Photos

Guwahati, June 17: Pritikongana Barman describes it as a “fairytale” experience. Clad in a blue-and-black dress, the 1st runner-up of Dabur Gulabari Sananda Tilottama 2010, was a picture of grace and beauty.

Unveiling the beauty contest’s Call for Entry Campaign for this year, Pritikongana and designer Garima Garg described the contest as celebration of beauty and personality.

“I am a totally different and better person now. It’s not just about looking good. During our grooming days, Noyonika (Chatterjee) taught us how to talk, walk the ramp, shake hands and everything. There was also the fitness regime that we needed to follow. All this has left a lasting impression on me,” she said.

Pursuing her graduation from a college in Delhi, Pritikongana said she did not know yet whether she wanted to be a model or an actress but the experience she had at Sananda Tilottama would give her a headstart in anything she chose to do.

Designer Garima Garg, who was a member of the preliminary round’s jury last year, said, “This is a good opportunity and a platform for the girls of the region. This event is not only about outer beauty. The emphasis on personality development, etiquette, soft skills and fitness regime helps the participants explore their inner self.”

The girls of the Northeast had always made it to the top 10 of the event. “Like Pritikongana, there are many from the region who have made it to the top 10 of this event. This is a good platform for the models here. I have also noticed that models who have returned after participating at the event always do better in various fashion shows here,” Garima said.

Terming the event as eastern India’s most prestigious beauty pageant, the organisers said the event this time would be bigger and better than before.

“The winner of the contest will get a chance to have her portfolio shot by an ace national photographer and the opportunity to walk the ramp for a fashion designer,” one of them said.

However, that is not all. Television partner of the event ETV Bangla will give one of the 10 finalists a platform to act in one of the serials on the channel. Besides these, the winner, first runner-up, second runner-up and the rest of the seven finalists will get cash prizes for participating in the event.

Entry forms will be available in Sananda, Anandabazar Patrika, The Telegraph and also on www.tilottama.in. Entry closes on July 11. Shortlisted contestants from preliminary rounds held in Calcutta and Guwahati will participate among the 10 finalists of Dabur Gulabari Sananda Tilottama 2011.