In search of the next Indian supermodel, the second set of auditions took place in Bangalore at St John’s Auditorium recently. The girls were judged by a panel headed by fashion choreographer Prasad Bidapa. “The event has been happening for a few years but it is being organised at a such a large scale for the first time. We finished the Mumbai auditions recently,” he said.

The basic criteria for taking part included the height, which had to be a minimum of 173 cms. The girls also required to be physically fit and were chosen on the basis of their walk and their presence on the ramp. “The height is very important because the international contest is in July,” said Vinod.

The age limit for the contest is from 16 to 22 years. The mood in the venue was buzzing with energy. Most of the girls present were trying out their luck in the modelling world for the first time. “I have not really done any professional modelling. I had done a few fashion shows in college though,” said Kshama Nagaraja, a software engineer. “I had a day off and heard this was happening so I came here,” she added. But there were a few, who were very serious about modelling.

Rhea Subbaiah, who has just finished her 10th standard from Frank Anthony Public School, was one of them. “I really want to become a model. I was a little nervous but after coming here, I feel much more confident,” she said. A few contestants had some experience but wanted to wait before taking modelling up full time. “I have done a couple of shows with Prasad Bidappa but I wanted to finish graduation before taking on modelling. I saw this advertisement a few days back so I decided to try out,” said Sangeeta Singh, who recently graduated from St Joseph’s College.  Twenty girls registered for the auditions in Bangalore. The finalists were announced on May 30 at the Delhi auditions.

The final event will be held in Delhi on June 15 and will have the final contestants wearing the Indian designs of Sabyasachi Mukherji and Western garments by Rajesh Prataph Singh. Next would be a bikini round, followed by an international round where the final five contestants will be wearing designs of an international brand. The winner from India will get the opportunity to be a part of the international contest and also get a chance of being signed internationally by Ford Models. Additionally, she would get to walk the ramp at the next Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week organised by the FDCI and also be part of a cover shoot for Marie Claire.