Before enthralling viewers as compelling characters on screen, many successful actors find their way into showbiz through beauty pageants. As simple as it may sound, many beautiful faces have fallen through the cracks over the years, and the true survivors remaining in the industry today have done so through talent, determination, and hard work.

The first televised beauty pageant in the country was set off by renowned journalist Shahadat Chowdhury in 1998. Titled Ananda Bichitra Photo Shundori, the pageant gave rise to many famous stars.

The beauty pageant cast the first spotlight over Poppy, who has since won the National Film Award thrice.

Amongst other successful ladies who started off with beauty pageants, Sadia Islam Mou remains an admired model and actor.

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

After running successfully for several years, Ananda Bichitra Photo Shundori gave way to Anandadhara Photogenic, a show that brought recognition to Aupee Karim. Her rise up the ladder was swift, and soon she became a beloved actor on television and films.

Farah Ruma is also one such individual that found fame as a model and TV actor. After enjoying a successful career for years, the artiste has stayed out of the public eye for some time to focus on family. The same goes for Mila Hossain and award winning actor Tinni. Mila Hossain left her acting career to start a new life with her husband in the USA, while Tinni has chosen to stay out of the limelight for the time being.

In recent years, the beauty pageant changed its branding to Lux Channel i Superstar. Each season of the incredibly popular programme is highly anticipated, and has paved paths for many fresh faces. The first contestant to win the show is Shanarei Devi Shanu, who is a busy TV actor these days. “For those that have no connections in the industry, beauty pageants become a great first step to bring you closer to your goals,” she says.

Zakia Bari Mamo, aslo a winner of the show, has gone on to play roles in films such as Daruchini Deep and numerous tele-fictions. The actor's biggest accomplishment today is a National Film Award, marking a new milestone in a serendipitous journey.

Mehazabein

Before showcasing her acting prowess in Amar Acche Jol and other cinematic hits, Bidya Sinha Mim's beginnings as a star stemmed from winning the pageant show. The National Film Award winning actor reveals that she was able to come this far by participating in Lux Channel i Superstar.

Mehazabein Chowdhury, who is also a winner of the pageant, is enjoying phenomenal stardom. Over the years, she has successfully made a mark, not only as a beautiful face but also as a talented actor. Winner of the Meril Prothom Alo award, Mehazabein has now added tele-fictions and tele-films to her list, which revolve more around social issues. “Beauty pageants open doors to a multitude of opportunities for aspiring artistes. Especially Lux Channel i Superstar is a wonderful platform,” she says.

Mim Mantasha is the latest name to be added to the long legacy of pageant winning beauties. She has also turned to acting.