MILPITAS, CA: Filled with glitz and glamour, Reena Rai was crowned Miss South Asia 2014 and Puneet Prasad was announced Mr. South Asia 2014 at Spirit Of India’s 22nd annual pageant. Over 450 people packed the ballroom at the contest held here on March 8.
Beauty queen Rima Fakih, the first Muslim-American to win Miss USA 2010, was revealed as South Asia Magazine’s cover girl on the red carpet. Bollywood director Rahul Rawail traveled from Mumbai exclusively for Mr & Miss South Asia 2014 pageant, looking for fresh faces for his upcoming film, “Love Story Again.”
The contestants took the stage for traditional wear, formal wear and talent categories. In traditional, semi-finalists were seen in elegant wear from India, Afghanistan etc., and in the American formal wear the ladies wore beautiful evening gowns and the men in tuxedos. The talent round showed very energetic performance highlighting dances, singing, and acting skills.
Yasma Bahar won Mrs South Asia 2014 title. Yasma charmed the judges with her energetic dance to “Nimbuda” from “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.” Aparajita Panda became Mrs India North America 2014, and Mili Shah took home the Mrs India California 2014 title. Rajan Sra was declared Mr India North America 2014 and Amit Keswani won Mr India California 2014.
Among the gorgeous semi-finalists, Seepaj Dhaliwal grabbed the Miss India North America 2014 title and Mehr Bhatti was announced Miss South Asia America 2014. Other title winners were: Veena Gurbani, Miss South Asia USA 2014; Fariba Ghorbani, Miss India California 2014; Shivani Gupta, Miss Teen South Asia 2014; and Trisha Rupani, Miss South Asia California 2014.
Music video director Indrani Pal-Chaudhari was the host of the gala. Indrani’s latest music video is Mariah Carey’s ‘You’re Mine’. Indrani has worked with Beyonce, Jay Z, Britney Spears, Kanye West, David Bowie, etc.
Jinnder Chohaan, Creator of Mr/Miss/Mrs. South Asia, stated, “I’m impressed with the attractive and talented contestants at this pageant. We’ve been making celebrities for over twenty-two years now, and I’m glad to see the contestants are more focused and dedicated to the field of being in the entertainment industry. It feels great to be able to give these South Asians mainstream opportunities. Hollywood and Bollywood love beauty pageant titles. It’s just an easier way to get into both industries.”
Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih, along with costume designer GK Reid and Bollywood actress Ashwani Bhave were honored during The Elite Awards for their exceptional achievement in the entertainment industry. The respected Rahul Rawail was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2014.
India Post News Service
