Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 31
The countdown for Naga’s Next Top Model (NNTM) began Saturday night with the first elimination round held at IMC Hall, Dimapur.
Out of the 21 young aspiring models, including 12 females and nine males who are vying for the first ever NNTM title, only one lone female contestant was eliminated tonight although two female and one male contestants were supposed to be eliminated as per the rule of the competition. The elimination of the male contestants was withheld as one of them resigned prior to the show. Now, 11 females and eight males have remained in the hunt for the coveted title. They would be facing two more elimination rounds likely in the month of September and October before the grand finale scheduled for November 30 this year.
The female contestants are Zehovire (Avi) Kechu, Lomi Kiba, Limaienla Jamir, Cynthia, Imnajungla Jamir, Imnasenla Jamir, Sopuo Apu, Guitoli, Achano, Rachel and Alikali Chophy while the male contestants are Moathy Longchar, Tiri Sangtam, Solomon, Imtichuba, Vishal Gaur, Angukato, Longtise and Ezo Humtsoe.
In tonight’s show which lasted for almost two hours, the models were judged in five rounds after they walked the ramp with the mixed collections of Naga designers Leejen, Alila Meyur, Vicie Achumi and Akala Pongen.
In the run-up to the NNTM title, female contestant No. 11 Imnasenla Jamir was one step ahead of the other contestants till the first round as she was declared the contestant with the highest public voting till August.
The next voting round will begin in the second week of September, it was informed.
The panel of judges were Bambi Kevichüsa, Creative Director of Gold Dust Boutique; Apu Chang, Member of Millionaire Crown Council, Elken International; Kirdangba Jamir, Chief Executive Officer of Franchise India; Reetemson Ralang, official of Hero Mindmine and Opang Jamir, Mr International India 2012 and president of NNTM. Opang Jamir is also the mentor of the aspiring models and represents as the executive judge of the show.
The hosts for tonight were Paukizonne Mariam, reigning Miss Peren and Amenla Jamir, 1st runner-up Miss Mokokchung 2007.
Earlier, the weekend show was graced by Senti Aier, Addl Deputy Commissioner of Meluri under Phek district. In his brief speech, Aier voiced happiness stating that music and fashion industry are now taking centre stage among the Naga youth.
He also stressed on preserving the Naga tradition, culture and costume as it will be our identity while we move along with the rest of the world in this fast pace of modernization.
