And the winner is...

Finalists during a salsa dance (top) and posing prior to the ultimate decision. Photo: Mumit M.

Lights. Cameras rolling. And the stage was set ablaze. The grand finale of “Pantene You Got The Look 2008” was held on July 31 at Winter Garden, Hotel Sheraton. It was the seventh year of YGTL which as always was marked by enthusiasm and verve of the young participants to be “on top of the world”.
Organised by Proctor and Gamble in association with Grey Advertising Bangladesh Limited, the pageant started out with 120 participants who were short- listed from thousands of applicants. After an initial round of interview, 23 contestants were selected who then underwent vigorous grooming sessions with professionals to develop their intellectual skills, confidence and looks. The panel of judges in the finale included famous fashion designer and former international model, Bibi Russell; eminent photographer Anwar Hossain; cricketer turned commentator Athar Ali Khan and Head of Marketing, Grameen Phone, Rubaba Dowla Matin.
The evening started out with the peppy number You got the look, performed by upcoming singer Laura and members of the band Radioactive, Taposh and Mitul. Laura, who was also the MC of the evening, was then joined by Omar and together they summoned on stage the 12 male and 11 female participants. Through audio- visuals the contestants briefly introduced themselves, sharing with the audience their likes, dislikes and aim in life. Dressed in cool yet casual attires, the competitors confidently walked down the ramp, ready and prepared to take on the challenges.
Special attractions of the night included a magic show by Khaled Huda. The magician engaged the audience with his wonderfully performed tricks, and interacted with them in order to make them a part of the act. Komol, Tipu and Oni presented pulsating music that left the audience requesting for more. There was more. Popular singer Arnob took centre stage accompanied by Andrew Morris. Arnob performed his popular numbers Tomar jonno and Shey je boshe achhe.
The participants were shows-toppers too -- be it the girls grooving to the beats of Britney Spears' I am a slave or the boys pumping up the tempo with a hip-hop number choreographed by Tanzim. Teamed up in pairs, participants also danced gracefully to the soft background score. Soon afterwards, names of the ten finalists were announced and the question-answer session was underway.
During this round, each participant chose one of the judges by lottery, and in turn was asked a question by him or her. Most of the contestants answered the questions confidently and precisely, in an effort to make an impression on the judges. All contestants had ample self-confidence and showed remarkable levels of endeavor during the weeks they were groomed and trained.
Heartbeats quickened and the air in the hall went still as the moment of ultimate decision approached. Former winners of YGTL were called on to crown the winners. Irene and Shakil won the Oral-B Best Smile title; Olay Best Skin went to Onni and Ripon; Faria and Asif were crowned Best Hair for their luscious tresses; and Maisha and Himel were titled Most Cool. Last year's winners of YGTL Best Look, Nova and Zamshed, put on the crown of glory on Shirleen, Best Look YGTL 2008 Female; and Irfan, Best Look Male.
Showered by glitter and confetti, the winners stood proudly. Co-sponsors of the successful event were Gallerie Apex and Herbal Solution Day Spa. Media partners were Bangladesh Info and Radio Foorti. YGTL 2008 concluded with soaring aspirations, a few broken hearts and the promise to fulfill the dreams of the talented youngsters.