Radiance, beauty and talent combined

“Lux Channel i Super Star 2008” Chaity (centre) flanked by 1st runner-up Syeda Ummey Tajzi (right) and 2nd runner-up Rebecca Sultana Deepa. Photo: STAR

Amidst razzle dazzle the grand finale of "Lux Channel i Super Star 2008" was held at Bangladesh China Friendship Convention Centre on January 17.
The programme was broadcast live on Channel i. Marked by glamour and style, colourful performances and more, the beauty pageant/talent hunt was a huge success, and after gruelling months of grooming a new 'Super Star' was crowned.
The much-coveted crown went to Ishrat Jahan Chaity. She was crowned by the 2007 'Super Star' Bidya Sinha Saha Mim. Chaity is 19 and 5 feet 3 inches tall. She is currently doing her BBA under National University. Syeda Ummey Tajzi was named the 1st runner-up and Rebecca Sultana Deepa was announced the 2nd runner-up.
The event kicked off with a dance performance by the top eight contestants with a mellow rock number “Daana meley dao ekhoni” sung by Mila and composed by Fuad-al-Muqtadir. The performance was choreographed by Kabirul Islam Ratan. The song was written exclusively for the gala round by Chowdhury Fazle Shahid.
This was the fourth 'Super Star' hunt by Lux and Channel i. Launched on August 2008, the event gained huge response as thousands registered chasing the dream of instant stardom. A power point recap of the four month long journey was screened at the event.
Next was another dance performance by the top ten contestants. Dressed as budding butterflies, the contestants charmed the audience. Choreographed by Kabirul Islam Ratan, the piece had the song “Projapotita jokhon tokhon” in the background. The theme of this year's 'Super Star' was butterfly.
A dance performance with the title track of the movie “Amar Achhey Jol” was staged by Bidya Sinha Saha Mim. Mim received the lead role in the movie -- based on a novel by Humayun Ahmed -- as part of her winning prize in the 2007 contest. The song was recorded by Shaon and composed by S.I. Tutul.
A short play featuring the top ten followed. The play was written and directed by Tanvir Hossain Probal.
One of the most interesting segments was the Q&A session. The top five contestants were quizzed by the judges. Points earned in the round were based on instant answers and reactions of the contestants.
A duet by Sumon and Anila, “Gaibo na aar kono gaan” was a highlight of the show.
The winner was awarded a brand new Nissan Sunny along with a movie contract with Impress Telefilm Ltd. The first runner-up received a cash prize of Tk 5 lakh and the second runner up received Tk 3 lakh. Faridur Reza Sagar, managing director of Channel i and Impress Telefilm Ltd; Naushad Chowdhury, brands and development director, Unilever Bangladesh Ltd and Rakesh Mohan, chairman and managing director of Unilever Bangladesh Ltd, handed over the prizes.
Rest of the top ten contestants each received a cash prize of Tk 1 lakh.
“Lux Soft Glowing Skin Award” went to Taskin. Sara Zaker handed over the award.
Scores were based on performances on the stage, catwalk, Q&A session and SMS votes.
The event was judged by renowned actor and MP Kabori, noted novelist Emdadul Haque Milon and theatre/TV actor Afsana Mimi. Media personality Aly Zaker and agricultural activist Shykh Seraj were present as guest judges.
Radio Foorti was the radio partner and bangladeshinfo.com was the web partner of the programme.