The road to fame

Young Indian women who wish to enter the entertainment industry will be presented with an opportunity to do so through two talent pageants being organised for GCC countries. Miss India Universe 2002 and Miss Kerala International 2002 will allow contestants the "platform to showcase their talents on an international level", according to the organisers.

For the first time, Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the UAE, will play host to the twin pageants conceived for the "international Indian woman with substance". "The emphasis is on personal skills, intelligence and beauty," said Ramesh Menon, the pageant producer.

"Single Indian women residing in the Gulf countries, between the age group of 16 to 25 years, can participate in the contests tailormade to give them an opportunity to enter the entertainment industry, be it music, television or films."

Miss Kerala International 2002 was officially launched yesterday with the preliminaries to be conducted by next month. Thirty contestants will be picked from the GCC countries and each will undergo a six-day grooming session. The finals will be held on April 5, with three winners being chosen.

"The top prize is Dhs 15,000, followed by Dhs 10,000 and Dhs 5,000 for the second and third place winners respectively. They will also receive a value-added package such as computers, educational course sponsorships and other gifts that will help them learn and grow," said Menon.

"It is more a personality pageant and aims at choosing a cultural ambassador for Kerala. It is not just about physical beauty but more to do with personality and inherent talent.

"We are looking at achievers who can truly represent Kerala and India, its vast and rich culture and heritage.

"It's all about beautiful people who believe in themselves... and wish to reach out. It's about talent, about an individual who wants to excel in life and be a role model for others," he said. Menon added that Dhs 500,000 is being invested into the contest to ensure it is on a par with international standards.