Local beauties to shine on stage

In an interview with the finalists, they unanimously agreed women needed to believe in themselves and love who they were, as each person was beautiful in their own way.

July 19, 2019

Tersia Gopi 2 minutes read

For the first time ever, the Zee TV Miss India NKZN pageant is coming to Newcastle.

Now in its 21st year, the annual pageant is set to grace the local stage on July 20, at the Richview Civic Centre.

This year, 18 finalists from around NKZN will compete for the title, with 10 finalists from Newcastle representing the town.

Regional Director for Miss India SA, Vimmi Ramdaas said the pageant forms part of the greater Miss India South Africa pageant, also known as an innovative leadership programme for women.

“The Zee TV Miss India NKZN team has pulled out all the stops to bring to Newcastle, talent at its best. This is my 21st annual pageant, and over the years we have had girls from all over KZN participating in this annual regional event,” said Ramdass.

The finalists representing Newcastle are: Akira Bipatram, Cliona Naidoo, Kayla Govender, Tiara Vermaak, Sharhea Moodley, Sherisse Samlal, Seijal Singh, Jaydine Moodley, Jessica Munshi and Sharnê Dheochand.

In an interview with the finalists, they unanimously agreed women needed to believe in themselves and love who they were, as each person was beautiful in their own way.

“I am very excited we have finalists from Durban to Johannesburg to be part of this prestigious pageant. Three girls will be chosen to represent our small towns at the Miss India South Africa Pageant, later this year,” added Ramdass.

Ramdass explained the pageant is made up of four segments, the western, the talent, the eastern and the question-and-answer segment.

“I want to wish all my finalists well and best of luck and love,” concluded Ramdass.

Zee TV Miss India SA (NKZN) second princess in 2018 and finalist for 2019, Akira Bipatram, shared the following message to her fellow contestants: “All the best to the contestants of the upcoming pageant. May you all reach great heights in the future. A beauty pageant is created to empower and inspire, thus being in a beauty pageant is not just about beauty, it’s more about service to the community and making a difference. It’s all what you put in it.”

Tickets are almost sold out and the remainder will be sold at the door.