1. Pantaloons Femina Miss India East 2012 Calcutta: The Dream Run Kolkata, December 5, 2011 (Washington Bangla Radio/ Penning Creations): Guns N’ Roses went crooning “knockin’ on heaven’s door” in the background as the anticipation was brewing. The wait was finally over with 11 beauties taking the stage at the Pantaloons Femina Miss India (FMI) East 2012. Hosting the Eastern leg of the most coveted pageant in India, Kolkata went all glam on Friday evening at Chandra’s Green Project. The proverbial journey of Miss India, as it has been pointed out quite often, is akin to the making of a flawlessly chiselled diamond. Friday evening again remained a witness to the maxim - polished to perfection, the ladies were ready to dazzle, all thanks to the efforts of the FMI director Marc Robinson. Taking charge of the stage were anchors Rohini Mukerjee, 1st runners up in Miss India East 2010, and Riddhi Barua. The panel of judges comprised of Kolkata based designer Agnimitra Paul, the famous designer duo Dev R Nil, acclaimed danseuse and FMI finalist of 1969, Alokananda Roy, noted Bengali actress Swastika Mukerjee, the former Miss India Universe 2008 Simran Kaur Mundi and her co-star for her forthcoming movie, “Jo Hum Chahein” Sunny Gill. Given the tough task of judging the bevy of beauties, the judges shared some moments of fun with the constantly-up- his-toes-with-prank Riddhi while Rohini was all grace, making up for his partner’s funny repartee. The first round saw the girls strutting their stuff in shimmery black cocktail dresses straight out of ace designer Jaya Misra’s Champagne & Caviar collection. The girls looked absolutely stunning in the edgy collection as they went ahead to introduce themselves. Sharing their dreams with the audience, the girls made way for singer Debojit to belt out some rocking numbers that failed, to some extent, to rouse the crowd. Next up was round two, where the contestants walked the ramp in Pantaloons’ fresh ethnic collection. Classy, stylish yet desi, the collection captured the essence of the freespirited Indian woman. Donning the vibrant kurtis in a variety of texture and cuts paired with patialas, the contestants made a trendy style statement. There were also seven sub-contests namely Miss Fresh Face, Miss Glamorous Diva, Miss Perfect 10, Miss Congeniality, Miss Beautiful Hair, Miss Fashionista and Miss Catwalk. Though the winners of these contests were also presented with crowns and sashes, it was not to affect the final judgment, Rohini gave the word of caution. In the third round, the girls personified grace through total transformation into true Indian divas. Wrapped delicately in saris by the renowned Adi Mohini Mohan Kanjilal, the lissome beauties walked the ramp exuding confidence. These saris in rich pastel hues embellished with gold, sequins and stones rendered an ethereal feel. The fourth and the last round saw the girls dressed immaculately in breathtakingly beautiful evening gowns by Jaya Misra, “only one who understands gowns”, if Riddhi were to be believed. Lending the evening a big dose of entertainment, Tollywood queen and Bengali film actress Shubasree left the audience screaming for more by shaking her legs to the recent hits like "Kobe aibe amar pala re” from her latest movie Romeo co-starring DEV. Beauty and grace checked, it was now time for the brain. The five shortlisted contestants were then, to be put under the grilling question-answer session. Alokananda Roy’s question that whether or not she would change her religious views for the sake of marrying someone she loved, was volleyed over to Himakshi Agarwala. The beauty-with-brains replied, “If we are in love, that will be our only religion”- a flash of immediate wit and that was the deciding moment.

2. After a short spell of suspense, the winners were announced. Sukalpa Das was crowned the second runner-up, while Sonam Pachey sealed her position as the first runner-up. And the winner for the evening was, quite predictably Himakshi Agarwala who was crowned PFMI East 2012 by Ankita Mohapatra, PFMI East 2011. After a successful stint at the zonal contest, the winning beauties now have their eyes set at the Femina Miss India crown. All the best to you, lovely lasses!