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More than just glamorous girls

Photo: H. Vibhu

WINNING TRIO Vivel Miss Kerala 2008, Shree Thulasi, centre, flanked by Rima Kallingal, first runner-up,

If necessity is the mother of invention who is the father? That was the tiebreaker question at the Miss Kerala 2008 event, at an extraordinary situation of a tie in its short eight year history. It took a tall and graceful, stately and smart Shree Th ulasi to come up with an absolutely bang-on answer. “Intelligence,” she said to a thunderous applause from a discerning and critical audience. With that clincher the judges had their choice for Miss Kerala, 2008 right in front. And contending very closely to Shree Thulasi was Rima Kallingal who swept a clutch of subtitles from Miss Voice, to Miss Talented, to Miss Photogenic and a few others. She was crowned first runner-up. The surprise lay in the “small package” of 16-year-old Ann Joseph, who introduced herself as that but it was her dimpled smile that won everybody’s hearts along with her confidence and grace. “Little Ann” as show hostess and former Miss Kerala, Ranjini Haridas called her won the second runner-up title.

The ladies excited but restrained, trained and yet natural were not out of order at any given point of the show. They made the right moves, gave the right answers and wore the right expressions.

Ann Joseph, the second runner-up. Contestants in casual Western wear round

Said Shree Thulasi over the phone, “I don’t think I can experience a better feeling. I am very, very happy.” Her plan to find a suitable job continues, she said but the pageant had opened a flood of possibilities. “After all one must put the title to a good use,” said the 21- year- old from Thrissur who has studied in Abu Dhabi. Has she a word for the other contestants who did not make it. She said “Each one of us was very good. When it is like that you give it your best shot and leave it. Nobody has a reason to feel bad.” And is she set to enter the world of Kolly, Molly and Bollywood, and the other national beauty pageants, all there for her? “I don’t mind quality work. Miss Kerala title leads to others.” For Rima who said in a fit of excitement that she’s now ready for everything and anything quickly added, “But I have my own standards to confer to.” It was her humane, intelligent reply of not being judgemental to any person at the introductory meeting that drew applause and appreciation. “The title comes with responsibilities and opportunities. As of now I will concentrate on my dance career,” said Rima who is a Mohiniyattom dancer settled in Bangalore. And for ‘Little Ann’ was the age factor to her advantage? “It was not at all a disadvantage. I was able to compete with the rest. It does not matter if you are young or old but being smart and confident is more important,” she said in her husky voice. Asked if she ever expected this result she gushed, “No, not at all, but I was very cool.” As of now she just can’t wait to get back to school.

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