Lisa goes after ‘Miss India’ crown

SHE sat in a quiet, composed manner and her presence could not go unnoticed. Her fair complexion drew my attention almost all at once, then her smile and the beautiful hanging Indian earrings. It was quite obvious how Lisa Dookie won the “Miss Fem India Trinidad and Tobago Pageant” last year. Lisa will be vying for the title of  “Miss India Worldwide” contest to be held in Mumbai, India, on January 9, 2005. The 27-year-old from Longdenville, who works at the National Flour Mills, beat 12 contestants in the local leg of the contest.

The “Miss India Worldwide” pageant is a celebration of the Indian Diaspora and is being held in conjunction with a conference titled the “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.” This conference is an attempt to bring Indians from every corner of the globe under one roof to create a better awareness and understanding among them and use the collective strengths for a positive purpose. The contestants in the “Miss India Worldwide” are between 17 and 27 years old, never married, and are citizens, residents, or born in the country which they represent. Delegates from 35 countries will compete in four segments: Evening Gown (Bollywood style), Indian Dress, Talent and a Question and Answer category.

Lisa’s evening gown is designed by Prem Baboolal of Prem’s Designs in Gasparillo. Lisa prudently chose not to give a description of her dress, but only suggested that it will be exquisite and fashionably elegant. For her talent, she will sing while playing a musical instrument. According to Lisa, “From past (Miss India Worldwide) pageants, I have realised that many contestants perform Indian dances for their talent piece. This is way too common and is the easiest talent to portray, as opposed to travelling with a load of musical instruments. This is why I decided to sing and play the keyboard.” She will perform Asha Bhosle’s “Churaliya Hai” with added local flavour. “I have added a Caribbean beat to the song with the help of Surendra Ramoutar. We produced a mix where we kept the melody but changed the interlude and the rhythm to give a Caribbean feel,” Lisa revealed.

She is an experienced keyboard player and was taught the instrument by Surendra and also performed  with his band Melody Stars. Her family then started their own band at home called Prem Sangeet which performs mainly at private functions such as weddings and “cooking nights” (the Saturday night before a Hindu wedding). To prepare herself for the Question and Answer segment, Lisa is busy with research on India. Her friend Adrian Raymond has been training her as well. Lisa admits that she is not nervous yet because of her busy schedule but is still excited over being part of the event. Courtesy of the Office of the Prime Minister, she will leave for India on Old Year’s Day along with the local pageant director, Mahindra Rampersad. They will stay at the Tulip Star Hotel in Mumbai. Lisa has interviews and appearances scheduled all over Mumbai and is very eager to meet top Indian celebrities who will be at the pageant.

Lisa  also thanked sponsors Ashwini Rampaul, Kamla Regrello of Sacha Cosmetics, Club Vega, the Laughing Buddha, T&TEC, Trinidad Cement Ltd, Adrain Raymond, Brands Officer at National Flour Mills, Manohar Ramsaran and his wife and Vernon Singh. Lisa’s last performance before she leaves will be at the Triangle Pub on Boxing Day for a “Concert of a Lifetime”, which also features Molly, the Vikash dancers and Karma. When asked about her expectations for the upcoming pageant, she confidently said, “I expect to win.” Good luck Lisa.