RUPAL LAKHANI CROWNED MISS INDIA-CANADA 2008

16 contestants competing for the title of Miss India-Canada 2008
Photos by: M Sagoo

It was a night of entertainment, prestige and glamour all rolled up into one; the 18^th annual MISS INDIA-CANADA Event had it all! Organized by Canada-India Beauty Quest and proudly supported by ROGERS and MOVADO, the sold-out event was truly a memorable experience that those present will remember for years to come. At the end of the evening, Rupal Lakhani of Markham , Ontario won the esteemed title of Miss India-Canada 2008. Other sponsors included Om Financial, Jet Airways, India Tourism Payal Convention Centre and ICICI Bank.

With a red carpet entrance, dazzling cocktail hour, and stunning stage set provided by Dream Party Decor, patrons were “Wowed” right from the very beginning. The 16 contestants began the evening with a high-energy dance sequence that captivated the audience and kept them in their seats for the remainder of the evening.

Mr. Sanjay Agnihotri, CEO of Canada-India Beauty Quest was then called upon to say a few words and recognize the event’s charity of choice – the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Notable attendees were Hon. Satish Mehta, Consul General of India; Hon. Bandula Jayasekara, Consul General of Sri Lanka; Hon. Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament; Hon. Dr. Ruby Dhalla, Member of Parliament; Hon. Mr. Justice Michael H. Tulloch from the Superior Court of Justice, Ontario; and Hon. Madam Justice Katrina Mulligan from the Ontario Court of Justice.

Newly crowned Miss India-Canada 2008, Rupal Lakhani, 21-year old student at the University of Toronto

(L-R) Rupal Lakhani of Markham, ON; Hetal Pandya of Mississauga, ON; Kajal Buhecha of Vancouver, BC; Yogita Grover of Vancouver, BC; and Amin Dhillon of Winnipeg, MB.

Soon after, the opening host, Aashish Rajhans, introduced the emcees for the evening—Karen Johnson from the Weather Network and Husein Madhavji from Star TV.  Karen commenced the evening by introducing the distinguished Panel of Judges: Mr. Bhim Asdhir, President & CEO of Excel Funds Management Inc.; Mr. Rahul Bhardwaj, President of OM Financial Inc.; Ms. Sadia Butt, Director of Production for the W Network and CosmoTV; Mr. Louis Cheng, Director of Strategic Planning & Business Venture for Star Media Group; Francis D'Souza, Anchor for City TV; Susan Gordon, Vice President of National/Regional Marketing for Rogers Wireless; Prem Mann, Management for Hugo Boss, Past President of AWIC and Past Co-Chair of Panorama India; Rishma Malik, Actress and Miss India-Canada 1996; Ajay Tandon , Sales Manager (Canada) of Jet Airways.

The judges were then put to the test as each contestant completed the first three segments: Indian Dress, Evening Gown, and Talent. Next, the emcees announced that Faranaz Siganporia of Scarborough , ON won the ROGERS People’s Choice Award. Ms. Susan Gordon, Vice President of National/Regional Marketing for Rogers Wireless presented Faranaz with a bouquet of flowers and a pink Blackberry Curve.  Kiran Nandi of Toronto , ON won the Miss Congeniality Award and Dimple Patel of Barrie, ON won Miss Photogenic.

The top 5 finalists were then announced in random order: Rupal Lakhani of Markham , ON ; Hetal Pandya of Mississauga , ON ; Kajal Buhecha of Vancouver , BC ; Yogita Grover of Vancouver , BC ; and Amin Dhillon of Winnipeg , MB . The final segment of Question & Answer involved asking each contestant a different question by the panel of judges.

Hetal Pandya, 1st Runner-up, from Mississauga , ON answering her question during the Q&A segment.

Yogita Grover, 2nd Runner-up, from Vancouver , BC in Indian Dress outfit.

As the anticipation of the winner grew, the audience was treated to entertaining dance numbers by Sukalyan Bhattacharya & Entourage and a piece by the School of Toronto City Ballet .

Patrons waited in complete silence as Karen and Husein announced the results from the accounting firm of Kunjar Sharma and Associates.  The Second Runner-up was Yogita Grover, the First Runner-up was Hetal Pandya, and this year’s MISS INDIA-CANADA 2008 was Rupal Lakhani.

Rupal Lakhani is a 21-year old student enrolled in her final year at the University of Toronto , pursuing a degree in Political Science. Moreover, Rupal was personally selected by Bollywood superstar and dance pioneer, Shiamak Davar, to teach his unique style, and she is also a principal dancer in Shiamak’s Toronto Dance Team.  “I have a passion for dancing and feel the need to express myself in another form through different movements.” said Lakhani. With the Miss India-Canada title, Rupal wants to be a role model for South Asian women and prove that in today’s world anything is possible!”

After the pageant, Mr. Sanjay Agnihotri, CEO remarked that this year’s winner will also assist in promoting the goals of various social organizations. When asked what he thought of this year’s pageant, Mr. Agnihotri replied, “The hard work and dedication that our team and volunteers put forth into this year’s event has truly been remarkable. Founder Mr. Kush Agnihotri’s vision continues to guide the organization in the right direction. We are overwhelmed with the support we received from the community this year. The contestants have made this 18^th annual event one that we will all remember!”

Previous report

16 Dazzling Finalists for Miss India-Canada 2008
'People's Choice Award' from Rogers  

Miss India-Canada 2008 to be crowned July 26

Previous Pageant Reports

Meher Pavri crowned Miss India-Canada 2007
Aftab to be honoured at Miss India-Canada 2007
Miss India-Canada 2007 to be crowned June 30

Please click here for 2006 Pageant report

SUNSILK to present Miss Beautiful Hair

Rogers and Air India Sponsors

Unique in many ways

Please click here for 2005 Pageant report

Please click here for report leading to the Pageant
Please click here for 2004 Pageant report
Please click here for report leading to the Pageant
Please click here for 2003 Pageant report