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This article was first published 12 years ago

Kingfisher Calendar 2012: Bikini beauties battle it out!

Last updated on: October 18, 2011 17:16 IST

Image: Akshitaa Agnihotri
Photographs: Courtesy Ndtv Good Times Courtesy Ndtv Good Times

Which of these beach bombshells will secure a page in India's hottest calendar? Here's a look at each of the 14 finalists.

With each passing year, the Kingfisher Calendar seems to take on more hype and desirability.

It's a plum modelling assignment, arguably the most prestigious in India and has played a part in the launch of Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Angela Jonsson to superstardom.

Once again this year, 15 leggy lasses from across the nation are getting ready to compete for a spot in the new calendar with the Hunt for the Kingfisher Calendar Girl 2012. We bring you all their profiles save one -- a wildcard entry who will be announced as the hunt progresses:

Akshitaa Agnihotri

Originally a beauty consultant from Chandigarh, Akshitaa believes she has the 'X' factor with a deadly combination of an angelic face and great body. She has struggled a lot previously, but sees the competition as her greatest challenge yet. She's come a long way from home and is determined to make her family proud!

Describe yourself in one word: Girl next door

Most confident about: My body and face

Biggest fear on the show: Nothing

My best asset: My smile

My worst asset: Nothing

Favourite non-modelling activity: Beauty consultancy

Most embarrassing moment: Wardrobe malfunction on the runway!

My inspiration: Deepika Padukone

Arjita Roy

Image: Arjita Roy
Photographs: Courtesy Ndtv Good Times

From the city of Calcutta, Arjita Roy believes she should be the face of the Kingfisher Calendar because she deserves it! She believes her personality is her best asset and that nothing can stop her from attaining her ultimate goal -- a spot on the Kingfisher Calendar.

Describe yourself in one word: Smart

Most confident about: My body language

Biggest fear on the show: Nothing

My best asset: My personality

My worst asset: Nothing!

Favourite non-modelling activity: Gymming

Most embarrassing moment: Haven't had one yet!

My inspiration: Atul Kasbekar

Arshiya Parmar

Image: Arshiya Parmar
Photographs: Courtesy Ndtv Good Times

After a life-threatening accident at the age of 15, Arshiya almost lost the ability to walk. She battled against all odds to become the model she is today..A mixture of different cultures, Arshiya was born in India but grew up in New Zealand, Australia and the USA. She believes she has an open and accepting view on culture and beauty and has what it takes to be the next fresh face!

Describe yourself in one word: Wild

Most confident about: My face

Biggest fear on the show: Being lost and alone

My best asset: My face

My worst asset: The length of my torso

Favourite non-modelling activity: Painting, art

Most embarrassing moment: I used to get picked on for my large eyes

Ciara Yadav

Image: Ciara Yadav
Photographs: Courtesy Ndtv Good Times

Originally a dancer from Sweden, Ciara's true passion is dance -- she's got the moves that'll make any audience go crazy! She sticks by the rules of the game and hates arrogance, lying and bad sportsmanship. She has a one-track mind and will give everything to become the newest face of the Kingfisher Calendar!

Describe yourself in one word: Limitless

Most confident about: My dancing

Biggest fear on the show: Posing with spiders

My best asset: Long legs!

My worst asset: Broad shoulders

Favourite non-modelling activity: Sports, dancing

Most embarrassing moment: When I don't remember people I know

My inspiration: Beyonce

Ellen Modi

Image: Ellen Modi
Photographs: Courtesy Ndtv Good Times

The daughter of a yesteryear top model, Ellen 's modelling career took off post a massive weight loss. In spite of losing 38 kilos, she has been for many auditions and faced a lot of rejection, but is still focused on her one goal -- a spot on the Kingfisher Calendar!

Describe yourself in one word: Vivacious

Most confident about: Posing in front of the camera

Biggest fear on the show: Getting yelled at in front of other girls

My best asset: My legs (to take long strides in my chosen career!)

My worst asset: My nose!

Favourite non-modelling activity: Cooking, gymming

Most embarrassing moment: Falling down the stairs in a club right in front of some hot boys!

My inspiration: Jennifer Lopez

Haya Baruah

Image: Haya Baruah
Photographs: Courtesy Ndtv Good Times

Hailing from the city of Guwahati in Assam, Haya knows this competition is set to be a struggle! A self-confessed tomboy, she claims her family was shocked when she chose to enter the world of modelling. A spot on the Kingfisher Calendar is her ultimate dream -- something she would literally die for!

Describe yourself in one word: Unpredictable!

Most confident about: Facing new people

Biggest fear on the show: When I don't fear death, it would be unjust to say I fear anything else

My best asset: My eyes...anyone will get lost in them!

My worst asset: My anger!

Favourite non-modelling activity: Dancing and sports

Most embarrassing moment: I play my cards well, so I haven't been abashed by anyone!

My inspiration: Atul Kasbekar

Julia Dutt

Image: Julia Dutt
Photographs: Courtesy Ndtv Good Times

Originally from Australia, Julia Datt says she practically grew up in a bikini and believes she has the right combination of looks and attitude. Moving to Mumbai to kickstart her modelling career and learning Hindi has been a real challenge for her but she believes she can do anything as long as she has her parents' support!

Describe yourself in one word: Sexy

Most confident about: Versatility

Biggest fear on the show: Falling over!

My best asset: My loonnggg legs!

My worst asset: My short upper torso

Favourite non-modelling activity: Eating and dancing

Most embarrassing moment: Where do I begin?

My inspiration: Priyanka Chopra

Khushboo Mendonca

Image: Khushboo Mendonca
Photographs: Courtesy Ndtv Good Times

A go-getter and a professional, Khushboo quit her stable job to enter the world of modelling. She belives she can bring a picture alive with her positive and fun-loving attitude. A former Miss Maharashtra, Khusbhoo will stop at nothing to get what she wants!

Describe yourself in one word: Sexy

Most confident about: My persona

Biggest fear on the show: None!

My best asset: My confidence

My worst asset: My short upper torso

Favourite non-modelling activity: Trekking!

Most embarrassing moment: Not a good idea to reveal it!

My inspiration: Oprah Winfrey

Mariette Valsan

Image: Mariette Valsan
Photographs: Courtesy Ndtv Good Times

With her dusky skin and almond-shaped eyes, South Indian beauty Mariette draws her inspiration from Tyra Banks and Richard Branson. She believes that she doesn't fit the standard description of beautiful, but is always up to trying something different.

Describe yourself in one word: Happy

Biggest fear on the show: None!

My best asset: My expressive eyes and athletic legs

My worst asset: None

Favourite non-modelling activity: Singing, travelling, writing

Most embarrassing moment: When I forgot an important client meeting with my CEO!

My inspiration: Tyra Banks!

Palak Agarwal

Image: Palak Agarwal
Photographs: Courtesy Ndtv Good Times

The mother of a small child, Palak Agarwal is truly a yummy mummy. She fought the odds and took the bold decision to participate, of course with the help and support of her husband.With her family backing her , she says there's no stopping her!

Describe yourself in one word: Bold

Most confident about: My body

Biggest fear on the show: Nothing!

My best asset: Eyes

Favourite non-modelling activity: Playing with my child

Most embarrassing moment: None

My inspiration: My family

Priyanka Verma

Image: Priyanka Verma
Photographs: Courtesy Ndtv Good Times

Hailing from the rustic and royal city of Jaipur, Priyanka stood out at her audition with her unique face and fit body. She claims her audition was her first time in a bikini and impressed the judges with her calm demeanour. From middle class struggles to superstar glamour, Priyanka has her eyes set on one goal -- the Kingfisher Calendar!

Describe yourself in one word: The best!

Most confident about: My inner strength

Biggest fear on the show: Lizards!

My best asset: My height

My best worst: None

Favourite non-modelling activity: Adventure sports

Most embarrassing moment: When I fell off a bicycle in front of a lot of my friends!

My inspiration: Katrina Kaif

Roaleey Ryan

Image: Roaleey Ryan
Photographs: Courtesy Ndtv Good Times

With an unusual name and sparkling smile, Roaleey believes she has all the required traits to be the next Kingfisher Calendar girl. With her entire family backing her, she is set to fire up the competition!

Describe yourself in one word: Mysterious!

Most confident about: Myself

Biggest fear on the show: None as of now

My best asset: My smile

My best worst: Hair

Favourite non-modelling activity: Reading

Most embarrassing moment: When I fell down some stairs and my heels broke

My inspiration: My family!

Shruti Iyer

Image: Shruti Iyer
Photographs: Courtesy Ndtv Good Times

A bubbly, quirky personality, Shruti has dealt with weight issues as a model. She's on a quest to burst the 'fair, light-eyed' model bubble and will stop at nothing! Hailing from a conservative Tam-Bram family, Shruti's mother was scandalised when she announced her plans of entering the competition. Soon enough, her family saw reason and now there's no stopping her!

Describe yourself in one word: Unique

Most confident about: My quirky personality

Biggest fear on the show: None

My best asset: Back

My best worst: Big feet

Favourite non-modelling activity: Badminton

Most embarrassing moment: When I forced Shah Rukh Khan to hug me because I thought I was dreaming when I met him!

My inspiration: Beyonce

Sneha Upadhayay

Image: Sneha Upadhayay
Photographs: Courtesy Ndtv Good Times

An ambitious young fresh face, Sneha quit her marketing job in the fast-paced city of Mumbai to change her career course to the glamorous world of fashion.A true believer in herself, Sneha swears that soon the world will know and believe in her!

Most confident about: Myself as a whole

Biggest fear on the show: I'm frightened of water...I'm scared I might be asked to swim

My best asset: My confidence, it has brought me a lot at a young age

My best worst: Nothing!

Favourite non-modelling activity: Reading

Most embarrassing moment: None!

My inspiration: Myself