Neha Dhupia Body-article

Aspiring models should not starve in their effort at maintaining a perfect figure but eat properly and also feel good, Bollywood actor Neha Dhupia told a model hunt contest here Friday.

Dhupia, who was here to judge the Lycra MTV Style awards model hunt, said: "I understand that models have to strictly keep a check on their weight. To maintain a perfect figure they must eat properly instead of starving themselves and work out more, as it is extremely important that they feel good."

The fifth edition of the Lycra MTV Style Awards is scheduled for Oct 15 at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai.

Of the about 150 participants, who registered on the spot, three models from Delhi were selected by judges Neha and Ambika Pillai.

"We not only looked for stunning bodies, gorgeous faces and phenomenal skin but also attractive personalities, the right attitude and lots of style. Something that the participants have in plenty here," beamed Neha.

The winners of the model hunt will sashay on the ramp on 'My Tee', the fourth interpretation of the extravaganza theme 'It's My Style'.

Students chosen from the Designer Hunt contest will showcase their lines under the aegis of designer Vikram Phadnis.

Style gurus Manish Malhotra, Abhishek & Nandita and Vikram Phadnis will showcase Retro, Uniform and Gang -- three other interpretations of this year's theme.

"Young people today are full of ambition. Through this hunt we give youngsters a chance to make their dreams come true, as they get to be a part of the popular fashion event," said Aditya Swami, vice president marketing, MTV India.

The three-city model hunt event, which was flagged off in Mumbai, will now proceed to Bangalore on Oct 8.

The awards event will start with a collection titled 'Universe of the young' by Lycra's brand partners -- Lifestyle, Park Avenue and Lee Cooper. It will forecast the trends and looks youngsters will sport in 2008.

This year, the awards will have 15 categories, of which 14 will be selected by an expert panel while the 'Most Stylish Couple' will be chosen by MTV viewers.

The panel of judges will include Atul Kasbekar, Farah Khan, Neha Dhupia, Anaita Adajania Shroff, Raghavendra Rathore, Ramona Narang, Sheetal Mallar, Rohit Bal, Prahlad Kakkar, Manoviraj Khosla, Ambika Pillai, Narendra Kumar Ahmed and Mickey Contractor.