BEVERLY HILLS – Pearl Entertainment, Inc. officially announced the 20 finalists participating in the Miss Showbiz India USA Beauty Pageant 2008-09 at the press launch luncheon on September 13th at Chakra Indian Cuisine, a prelude to the final competition in one month.

Former Miss LA India and Executive Producer of Miss Showbiz India USA/Showbiz India Television Network, Reshma Dordi, presented the 20 pageant finalists to members of the media and four judges at the luncheon.

In its 13^th year, this year’s final pageant event will be held on October 11^th at the historic Alex Theater in Glendale, California.

“This pageant is a passion of mine,” Dordi said. “We hope to be a positive influence for these girls.”

Also in attendance was former Miss India and Bollywood actress Pooja Batra, who said that a Bollywood scout would be in attendance at the pageant next month.

“Who knows — one of these girls might be the next fresh face of Bollywood,” she exclaimed.

Each participant was individually introduced to the judges, who marked each model’s confidence and presentation. The judges also tabulated scores for two of the pageant’s competitions, including Best Hair and Best Smile.

The glamorous Miss Showbiz India beauty pageant has become a premier Indian event held in North America.

Created in 1996, the beauty pageant aims to highlight individual talent, personal achievement, and cultural aptitude.

“The Miss Showbiz India USA Beauty Pageant was conceived with the notion to enable young women to showcase their talents and provide a forum to grow socially, spiritually, and culturally,” Dordi said in a statement. “The participants will be competing amongst some of the most beautiful and talented South Asian women in the country.”

Open to young women between 17 and 25, a few were thrilled just to be participating in the pageant, hoping it may open doors for greater opportunities in the future.

“Many people told me I should be a model,” said Shruti Dhalwala, 23, an aspiring journalist from Santa Monica who was personally invited by Dordi to participate this year. “I hope this pageant will get my name out there. If people remember me a year or two later, then this is an accomplishment.”

For Mariann Salib, the Showbiz India pageant is the beginning for greater things in her life. The 23-year-old recently emigrated from Egypt in 2003 and is currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Aerospace Engineering from California State University at Northridge.

“This is a stepping stone for me,” she told India-West. “I get a chance to show the world who I am and what I am capable of doing.”

The winners, including competitions for Best Hair and Smile, will be announced at the pageant on October 11^th.

Organized by Pearl Entertainment, the pageant will be broadcast on Showbiz India.

For more information, please visit Showbiz India TV.

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