Delhis Suchita Verma wins Pantene-Zoom Elite Model Look 2004

Company release, November 19, 2004

New Delhi

The country waited with bated breath while the judging panel chose winner of the Pantene-Zoom Elite Model Look of 2004. After months of preparation and hard work the crown went to Delhi girl Ms. Suchita Verma. The first runner up, also from Delhi, was Ms. Vibhinita Verma while Ms. Vaishali V. Desai and Priya Reddy from Bangalore shared second runners up position. Mr. Chester Twigg - Sales and Marketing Director, from Procter & Gamble crowned Ms. Shubra Ayyapa from Bangalore as 'Pantene Miss Healthy Hair' by the panel of judges.

The panel of eminent judges consisting of Malini Ramani, Vineet Jain, Joey Mathew, Aryan Vaid, Aparna Chandra, Ajay Puri, Suneet Verma, Joey Mathews and Michaela Goddard decided the winner for the evening after a number of enthralling rounds such as Casual Wear, Evening Wear, Beach Wear et al. The ramp was set on fire by the gorgeous models dressed in fabulous outfits designed by Siddharth Tytler, Gauri and Nainika. The evening had breath-taking performances by Josh, Munait Khan, Ashley Lobo dance troop amongst others. Hosts for the evening, dashing Vir Das and the ravishing Ms. Simone Singh set the show rocking. The show was choreographed by Aparna and Tanya.

Ms. Suchita Verma, the crown girl for this year's Pantene elite Zoom Model Look 2004 will represent India at the International Finals being held over 10 days in Shanghai, Asia's fashion capital on December 2. The International event will have winners from over 50 countries vying for 15 coveted global super-modeling contracts worth over one million US dollars per year and seek to be crowned Global Elite Model Look 2004 Winner.

This exciting journey towards the international ramp began on 4th November when the Pantene Zoom Elite Model Look 2004 began its search nationally. 25 contestants from across the country were selected, giving them a platform to showcase their beauty and confidence and possibly become a part of the International Fashion scene. The girls were all put through an intensive training program at the Elite School of Modeling, preparing them for the International World of Fashion and Style.

From Procter & Gamble - the makers of Pantene, said Mr. Chester Twigg - Sales and Marketing Director, "Pantene takes this opportunity to congratulate Ms. Suchita Verma for being the First Pantene Zoom Elite Model in India! Pantene has always stood for 'Beauty from Within' and we are happy to say that it is this inner beauty that has helped the 15 beautiful ladies bag one-year contracts with the world's top modeling agency - Elite. Pantene is glad to play a role in making their dreams come true and wishes each winner all success."

Mr. Arun Arora, CEO, ZOOM Television said, " We at ZOOM would like to congratulate Suchita Verma for winning the title of India's first International 'Pantene Zoom Elite Model Look 2004'. We wish her all the best for the International Model Look 2004. ZOOM is India's first lifestyle and entertainment channel. It is skewed towards the intelligent and aspiring individuals. It will redefine entertainment viewing in India by increasing the scope of entertainment beyond movies, music and soaps. The Pantene Zoom Elite Model Look 2004 has been one of the many steps in our endeavor to present the best in lifestyle and fashion viewing. Through this venture, our effort was to create a launch pad for aspiring fresh Indian models, who would represent India at the prestigious international Elite Model Look 2004."

Ms. Sushma Puri, Director & CEO, Elite Model Management, talking on the sidelines of the event, added, "As the world merges and becomes a seamless space, unique faces and looks that come from all corners are much sought after. We welcome Ms. Suchita Verma and her 14 co-winners to the Elite family. Each of them is set to scale new heights in the international modeling world and Elite India will support them every step of the way. We also hope that Ms Suchita Verma wins one of the coveted global super-modeling contracts in shanghai and does India proud!"

About Zoom

Zoom, India's first glamour, lifestyle and celebrities television channel from Bennett Coleman Group, brings to its viewers the inside news on Bollywood, celebrity parties, edgy interviews, sizzling gossip, the biggest stars, tips to stay gorgeous and a lot more. Programming on Zoom spans across genres like celebrity chat shows, game shows, entertainment news magazines, stand-up comedies, film and music-based shows and fashion and lifestyle. The channel presents a bouquet of programs hosted by celebrities like Yana Gupta, Irrfan, Manish Malhotra Kamal Sidhu, Pooja Bedi, Simone Singh and Dipannita Sharma to name a few. With premium content, slick packaging and compelling marketing, Zoom aims to redefine television viewership in India.

About Pantene

New Pantene with Amino Pro-V Complex is the only shampoo that deposits on to hair a unique combination of Pro-Vitamins and three essential Aminos that hair loses due to daily weathering, making hair ten times stronger, and restoring its lost beauty. It is available in five variants customized for individual needs: Pantene Smooth & Silky, Volume & Fullness, Long Black, Hair Fall Control, and Lively Clean at Rs. 98 for a 200ml. bottle; Rs. 51 for a 100ml. bottle and Rs. 3 for a 7.5ml sachet. New Pantene with Amino Pro-V Complex also comes with an all new refreshing exotic fruity fragrance called Asian Zest, created specially to suit Asian women.

About P&G Beauty Care

Two billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. P&G's beauty business had more than $17 billion in global sales in fiscal year 2003/04, making it one of the world's largest beauty companies. The beauty business sells more than 130 different brands in over 180 countries worldwide.

Its beauty brands include Pantene®, Head and Shoulders®, Olay®, SK-II®, Max Factor®, Cover Girl®, Joy®, Hugo Boss®, Herbal Essences® and Clairol Nice 'n Easy®. Please visit www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

About Elite Model Management

Elite has been the definitive name in the world of international modeling for over 30 years. Founded in the fashion capital of the world, Paris, Elite now has a presence in over 50 countries and towers above all others, as the largest modeling agency in the world.

India joined the Elite network in March 2003. Elite Model Management India represents exclusive Elite models only and currently has over a 100 models on exclusive contract.

For more information, please contact:

For Pantene:

Shweta Shukla/Christopher Samuel / Cheryl Gomes / Michelle D'Souza /Procter & Gamble

shukla.s@pg.com/gomes.c.2@pg.com / dsouza.m.1@pg.com

+91 22 2826 7341

Madison Public Relations

+ 91 22 2826 6000 Extn. 7154 / 7130 / 2418 7074/6

For Zoom:

Rafi Khan / Preeti Daga

Image Public Relations

+ 91 11 24321568/69

9810149701/9891252621

rafi@image-publicrelations.com

preeti@image-publicrelations.com

For Elite:

Roopak Sharma

The Communication Council

011-24690164, 2465327

roopak@thecommunicationcouncil.com