The Sananda Tilottama contestants 2007 from the Northeast during a grooming session in Calcutta. Picture by Pabitra Das

Just 10 more days to go for the Dabur Gulabari Sananda Tilottama 2007. Rigorous grooming sessions, photoshoots, dance classes — there is not a moment to lose for the 22 contestants who are vying for the crown.

SOMA BANERJEE got up, close and personal with the four beauties selected from the Northeast in between their catwalk session in a Calcutta hotel.

Laila Iarisha Kharkongar

Education: Majoring in English from St Anthony’s College, Shillong

Plus points: Hazel eyes, impeccable poise

Aim: To be the glamour face of Meghalaya

Hit the modelling scene: At 16 with a handful of local shows

Besides ramp walk: Is part of an all-girl dance troupe, Escapades, in Shillong

Freaks out on: Macher jhol

Favourites:

Actor — Richard Gere

Actress — Rani Mukherji

Model— Noyonika Chatterjee, Kate Moss

Films — Castaway, Autumn in New York

Food — Bengali labra and tungrugbai (a Khasi dish made with black soya beans)

Workout mantra: Is into a lot of sports, so does not need to hit the gym

Best tip picked at Sananda: Be genuine, be yourself and the world will love you for who you are

Neharika Dhalua

Education: Majoring in history from Handique Girls’ College, Guwahati

Plus points: Smile that reaches the eyes, confidence

Aim: To be a successful ramp model

Hit the modelling scene: Last year with designer Prasantt Ghosh

Besides ramp walk: Works as an amateur animal rights activist

Freaks out on: Dogs (has three of them at home)

Favourites:

Actor — Shah Rukh Khan

Actress — Rani Mukherji

Model — Milind Soman

Film — Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Food — Rice and dal

Workout mantra: Blessed with good metabolism, so needs to sweat it out

Best tip picked at Sananda: Do whatever you want, with confidence

Ananya Baruah

Education: Still in school (Army School, Narengi), passed her Class X exams last year

Plus points: Innocence and grace

Aim: To dabble in modelling without affecting academics

Hit the modelling scene: With Miss Disney at school

Besides ramp walk: Is a shopaholic. When not at home, can be found in the market

Freaks out on: Fashion

Favourites:

Actor — Brad Pitt

Actress — Angelina Jolie

Model — Muzamil Ibrahim

Film — Sleepover

Food — Biryani, butter chicken and chocolates (and that’s a model speaking!)

Workout mantra: Concentrates on abs and crunches

Best tip picked at Sananda: Learn to control your body and mind and be good to all

Popi Barman

Education: Third years BA student at SB Deorah College

Plus points: Eloquent gaze, elegance

Aim: To be an actress

Hit the modelling scene: A year ago with designer Prasantt Ghosh

Besides ramp walk: Is a dancer, performs at Bihutolis during Bihu

Freaks out on: Films

Favourites:

Actor — Tom Cruise

Actress — Jennifer Lopez

Model — Noyonika Chatterjee

Film — Kya Cool Hain Hum

Food — Alu pitika

Workout mantra: No workouts please, she is blessed with a 36-24-36

Best tip picked at Sananda: Be honest and positive