CANDICE SOOBRAMONEY
A BEVY of Indian beauties are among the finalists of FHM magazine's Top 100 model search for 2012.
The results of the online and SMS competition recently revealed who some of the sexiest women in the land are.
The contestants will continue to rally support as the selection will be whittled down to the Top 20 in December.
Among the Top 100 are: Rizelle Januk, Rimona Singh, Kajol Andhee, Umeshni Moodley, Sheena Deepnarain, Jenelle Joanne Ramsami and Terushka Venketsamy.
n Rizelle, 20, of Reservoir Hills, Durban, is pursuing her bachelor of arts degree in drama and media.
Her family and friends encouraged her to broaden her experience in modelling and she entered the competition.
She was also part of the Wonder Bra model search. Rizelle believes a woman need not 'bare it all' to be sexy.
“Leaving something to the imagination is far more sexier.”
n Hearing-impaired model Jenelle Joanne Ramsami, 28, of Phoenix, Durban, was elated.
She said she was the first hearing-impaired person to have featured in the competition.
Jenelle is an administration clerk and ambassador at Life Sound, an audiology and holistic hearing care retail franchise.
Confidently sporting lingerie and costumes in her FHM profile, Jenelle said her parents supported her.
“They realise many things in this world are still considered taboo, but believe I am an inspiration to hearing-impaired people.”
n Rimona juggles two careers, as a diagnostic radiographer and professional model.
The Sunninghill, Gauteng, resident will feature in next month’s issue of the magazine.
“I will be the second Indian, after Shashi Naidoo, to be featured,” said the 24 year old.
She is confident with her body and comfortable with FHM's requirements.
“I will not cross boundaries that I am uncomfortable with.”
n Hairstylist and part-time model Kajol Andhee is the ambassador of Sutra magazine.
The former Durbanite, who now resides in Randburg, Gauteng, said she never regarded herself a model and still blushed at compliments. Kajol, 20, said her conservative family initially had a hard time about her modelling.
“But they support me now and understand it is just a job and does not change the person I am.”
n Umeshni Moodley, 20, said she was “humbled, honoured and excited” to have made the Top 100.
Currently studying towards a BA degree in drama, performance studies and psychology, Umeshni, of Richards Bay, said the photographs of her did not define who she was. “What defines me are the morals and values my parents instilled in me.”
n Gauteng actress and model Sheena Deepnarain, 24, formerly of La Mercy, Durban, is a part-time business science student, specialising in chemistry and microbiology. She recently returned from Hyderabad, India, where she spent 10 days cheerleading and modelling for the Champions League Twenty20 Cricket. Sheena also featured in the eTV soap Scandal as a receptionist.
She said the support from family and friends on the course to making the Top 100 was tremendous.
n Former Reservoir Hills Secondary (Durban) matriculant Terushka Venketsamy is a fashion designer and model in Cape Town.
The 29 year old is fond of partying, cooking, hiking and running.
To vote or check out the Top 100, log onto the website: www.fhm.co.za