The Kingfisher calendar has given a number of leading Bollywood actresses their first break. The Indian equivalent of the Pirelli calendar this time is selecting models through a reality TV show on NDTV Good Times. Hunt for the Kingfisher Calendar Girl, is anchored by Milind Soman and judges are Shobha De and Atul Kasbekar. Here’s more from Milind Soman.

Usually it was Kingfisher that selected models for its calendar. Do you think Kingfisher will lose its brand value by selecting models through model hunts - a process that’s not very new?

I agree model hunts are not new but by opening up the opportunity to Indian girls all over the country and abroad, to be a part of the calendar Kingfisher, is definitely increasing its fan base without compromising its brand value.

What does it take to be a Kingfisher calendar model?

What I personally was looking for was obviously a great body and body language but also a lot of elegance and sensuality.

How important is the Kingfisher calendar?

The Kingfisher calendar is the only one in India that has a huge amount of glamour associated with it and it is a great way for a new model to be noticed in the right circles.

How good is Shobha De as judge?

Shobhaa De has made a name for herself and is respected by Indians all over the world for her elegance, poise, attitude, sharp wit and beauty that is still fresh after all these years. There is probably nobody in India who knows better than her how to handle the pressures of the glamour world and stay at the top. There is absolutely no doubt about her ability to spot and groom a winner. She has a tremendous amount of experience to offer and the girls are lucky to have the opportunity to interact with her.

Do you think Indian women have finally forgotten their inhibitions?

It can’t be generalised, but seeing the response from the aspirants, we can safely say that more and more Indian women are getting comfortable with the idea of wearing swimwear and being photographed as pin ups... But however comfortable you may be, there are some women who do carry off swimwear better than others and that is what the contest is about.

Do you think Kingfisher should also have a men’s version of the calendar?

For sure there are a lot of women (and men!) out there who would welcome a men’s swimwear calendar and of course India today has a great depth of male talent just waiting for this to happen.