Kathmandu, May 23: A 19-year-old Nepalese beauty, Priyanka Basnet, was crowned the Lux Beauty Star 2004 at a colourful function held here. "I am extremely happy, I can't believe it," Priyanka said after winning the contest, which was held at a hotel here yesterday. The show was organized by Nepal Lever Ltd, an Indo-Nepal joint venture.

The beauty queen also received Rs 50,000 as cash award. She will represent Nepal along with Runner-Up Suchitra Aharya (23) at the Lakme India Fashion Week 2005.

Altogether 20 girls were selected in the preliminary stage from three cities of Kathmandu, Dharan and Pokhara for the contest. The girls were groomed for ten days before the grand finale.
Namuna Lepcha, Pallavi Dhakal, Madhu Bhattarai, Monalisa Adhikari and Usha Rajak bagged Miss Photogenic, Dancing Queen, Miss Sassy Smile, Fair and Lovely Complexion and Sunsilk Miss Beautiful Hair titles respectively.

The Lakme Girl of the evening title was bagged by Priyanka herself.

Miss India 1991 Ritu Vaidya and noted Nepalese actor Rajes Hamal were among the 10-member judge panel.
Bureau Report