For the lucky ones who made it to the seats, it was an evening to remember. Non-stop entertainment, interspersed with events that judged the intelligence, gait, attitude, and confidence of the pretty girls had the visitors glued to their chairs till late into the night.

The 'Miss Chennai' once a non-descript event, gained prominence after Indian women won international laurels. To reach the finals of the 'Miss Chennai' event on November 6, was itself a tough task for most aspirants.

The build-up commenced on October 23 with a press conference at Hotel Le Royal Meridien. The press conference was aimed at showcasing the event and to disclose the planning that went into it. The hype resulted in more pressure on the participants.

A camp on 'Atma Laya' was held for contestants to build their concentration and self-confidence. On October 29, Simran, was crowned 'Ms Sporty' at the Snow Bowling after winning maximum points in the game held there.

And finally, 16 finalists lined up for Ms Perfect Skin, Ms Body Beautiful, Ms Beautiful Hair, Ms Talent trophies on October 31 at the Le Royal Meridien. They were Aishwarya, Aashrita, Chaahath, Divya, Lavanya, Leena, Mamathi, Medha, Nina, Pooja, Saloni, Schweetlav, Simran, Shamini, Shweta, and Upasna.

The contestants voted amongst themselves to choose 'Ms Congeniality'. Leena won this title.

Medha was the winner of 'Ms Body Beautiful' and 'Ms Perfect Hair'. While Shamini won 'Ms Perfect Skin'. And Mamathi and Shamini shared the title for 'Ms Talent'.

This was followed by the grand finale last evening, where Miss Chennai was identified. Fashion shows by professionals, dance programmes and songs by the new sensation Suchitra marked the event.

The evening began with compere Neelu setting the stage for the dance 'Undersea' by Hot Shoe Dance Company. Dressed in aquamarine blue, dancers recreated the magic of the sea and sea animals on stage. This was followed by a fashion show in ivory coloured silk garments enriched with plastic mesh.

Students of the Academy of Fashion and Textile Technology, had designed the apparels for the professional models who graced the ramp.

Next, participants were introduced to the audience in traditional garb, sari, an essential collection from VIBA.

Again the stage was taken over by Arts Works, whose choreographer John Gritto hails from the famous Shyamak Davar's school. Energising steps to foot-tapping notes kept the audience pulse high. Then, Suchitra, the latest sensation in Indi-pop took over the stage and swayed the audience with her melodious voice.

The contestants came back on stage in animal prints in a test held to judge their gait. And Shamini took the crown for 'Ms Catwalk'.

Fusion of Kalari Payatu, Bharatanatyam, and Gujarati folk dance was the next presentation by Asha Boghrani which had the viewers spellbound. This was followed by Manoj Chopra from Bangalore displaying his physical strength on stage by ripping apart car number plates, yellow pages, and bursting hot water packs.

And finally the much-awaited 'Question-Answer' round with Shamini, Simran, Mamathi, Medha, Divya and Pooja. The insight shown by Pooja saw her lifting the crown with ease. Pooja is the new Miss Chennai. The first runner-up was Medha and the second runner-up was Divya.

The panelists Kailash Surendranath, Bharat Dabholkar, Shalini Ajith Kumar, Vasanth, Sudha Raghunathan, Rehane and Madhavan also contributed to the memorable evening with their delightful presence.

The event was organised by Viba. The ramp once considered taboo is now a rage for the youth, even in Chennai once considered staid. (Pics by K.V.Srinivasan.)

Click here for video1 and video2 of contest