Second runners-up of Sananda Tilottama 2010, Sonika Chauhan (left), with panelist, actress Madhumita Mohanty, at a media conference in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, June 22: With a promise to make it even bigger and better, beauty pageant Sananda Tilottama in association with Dabur Gulabari, unveiled this year’s logo for the contest at a city-based hotel today. The event also marked Sananda Tilottoma’s entry into its 15th year.

Last year, the screening round for the pageant was held for the first time in the state and gorgeous damsels participated in the event, which was held in Bhubaneswar. This year, registration forms for Sananda Tilottama will be available with The Telegraph and various other local magazines and newspapers. The last date for registration is July 11.

A number of tiers will be held after the initial screening for the contestants. The selected candidates will go through a second round of screening in Calcutta. The preliminary round will be held on July 27 in Calcutta.

“Apart from cash prizes, the winners will have the privilege to make their portfolio photographed by an eminent photographer, walk the ramp adorning designer wears and act in one of the serials produced by television channel Etv Bangla,” said Rajesh Chugh, business head of Anandabazar Magazines.

The 10 finalists selected from the various preliminary rounds will get an opportunity to undergo a month-long grooming session under the expertise and supervision of renowned model Nayanika Chatterjee.

The best names in the beauty business will also be a part of the intensive grooming sessions. The finals are scheduled to be held on August 31.“To be a part of Sananda Tilottama was an overwhelming experience. The one-month grooming session changed my life. Once a tomboy, now I have learnt the etiquettes and decorum a girl should know. Not only that, after joining the pageant, modelling offers started pouring in,” said model and second-runner up of Sananda Tilottama 2010, Sonika Chauhan, who was present during the release of the logo. Well-known television personality, Madhumita Mohanty, who was one of the judges last year, was also present during the event.

Girls from all over the eastern zone — Calcutta, Guwahati, Siliguri, Durgapur and Bhubaneswar — will be participating in this event.

Established and glamorous models and actors like Bipasha Basu, Koena Mitra, Celina Jaitley, Reshmi Ghosh had started their career from Sananda Tilottoma. Home girl Poonam Dhal made it to the final top 10 last year.