Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Deepika and Sidhartha judge Kingfisher models

Last updated on: October 27, 2010 18:10 IST
Deepika Padukone at the Hunt for the Kingfisher Calender Girl 2011

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone and Sidhartha Mallya, the owner of Kingfisher Airlines, judged models for the Kingfisher Calendar 2011 in Mumbai on October 26.

Many aspiring models took part in the contest with the hope of appearing in the limited edition Kingfisher swimsuit calendar.

This year, too, ace lensman Atul Kasbekar will shoot the entire calendar.

Padukone said models have to be not only good-looking, but also intelligent.

"I think apart from just a great body and a great face, it's also very important for the girls to be smart, witty and intelligent, because at the end of the day it's not just the way you look, I think it's the entire package. And I think that's what really takes one forward in life, if you really want to become successful. So I am looking for someone who is, you know, not just good looking but also very, very intelligent," said Padukone.

'They're bold and beautiful'

Last updated on: October 27, 2010 18:10 IST
Milind Soman, Sidhartha Mallya, Deepika Padukone and Atul Kasbekar at the Hunt for the Kingfisher Calendar Girl 2011

Mallya said that it was one of the biggest platforms for aspiring models.

He also complimented the models, saying they were bold and beautiful.

In addition to Deepika, Sidhartha and Kasbekar, Milind Soman was also on the judging panel. "My company, Face Entertainment is the co-producer, so I'm also playing judge at this Kingfisher 2011 Calendar Girl Hunt," he said.

The calendar, introduced in 2003, was the first of its kind in India, and promises twelve months of glamour and visual appeal.

'It's definitely tough on them'

Last updated on: October 27, 2010 18:10 IST
Deepika Padukone, Kingfisher Calendar 2007

Padukone added that she had also been a part of the calendar and empathised with the aspiring calendar girls.

"When I was there in the calendar, there was no hunt for the girls. I think I was just lucky that I had already started modelling and these people (Kasbekar) noticed me and I was a part of the calendar. I think I am really fortunate that till today I have never really been part of a contest or never been part of a Miss India. So I think somewhere I feel a lot of, I mean, I feel nervous for these girls because I know what it feels like to sort of go through judges, and to be judged for the way you look and things like that. So, it's definitely tough on them," added Padukone.

Source: ANI