Pride Of India 2009

The Pride of India Extravaganza which took place on the 14th November at the Lyric Theatre proved to be a world class event filled with glamour and style!

Pride of India captured the very essence and spirit of Indian beauty and culture.

19 glamorous contestants comprising of 10 males and 9 females competed for the prestigious titles of Mr. and Miss Pride of India. These finalists impressed the judges with their beauty, pizzazz, confidence and overall appeal. The professional panel of judges comprised of beauty experts, celebrities and a fashion magazine editor. India's leading choreographer- Kedhar Gawde, who trains and grooms the Femina Miss India winners, who compete in Miss Universe and World pageants, namely Lara Duta and Priyanka Chopra, was brought down from India to South Africa to train and groom the Pride of India contestants.

This event not only focused on the beauty and intelligence of the contestants but also on design talent. Young designers faced a separate panel of fashion Judges for the Pride of India New young designer of the year title, showcasing their creations which boast their individual flare, and displaying the intricate detail required in a traditional Indian garment.

The audience was mesmerised with an evening of dynamic staging, sensational dance routines and spectacular entertainment throughout the Show.

The winners of the Miss Pride of India 2009:
Verushka Chetty - Winner - studying chemical engineering
Michelle Reddy - 1st Princess- 2nd year bachelor of arts student
Rahista Gopal - 2nd Princess - Bcom accounting student

The winners of Mr Pride of India 2009:
Jatil Nana- Winner
Dhevashan Chetty- 1st runner up - 2nd Year BCom student
Ahsheem Singh- 2nd runner up- IT student

Press Clippings

SA India - October 2009:
SA India profiles the Pride of India team and 2009 contestants.

SA India - November 2009:
SA India profiles the Pride of India Young Designers 2009 competition and sponsors.

Sunday Times Extra - November 2009:
Yasantha Naidoo and Nauful Khan from the Sunday Times Extra magazines covered the Pride of India 2009 Extravaganza.