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Lip-reading Nehal Bhogaita crowned Miss India Leicester

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Stunning Nehal Bhogaita has been crowned Miss India Leicester after impressing judges with her interview answers – despite not being able to hear the questions.

The profoundly deaf beauty therapist, who can lip read, spoke through an interpreter at the regional round of Miss India Worldwide, held in Birmingham.

Nehal works as a support worker for charity Action Deafness and had never modeled before the competition, where she competed against dozens of young women, whittled down from a shortlist of hundreds of online applicants.

The 24-year-old, who lives in the Abbey Lane area of Leicester, said: "The whole day was overwhelming and when they announced I was the chosen finalist for Leicester I was over the moon and completely shocked."

Judges asked Nehal what colour suited her personality best, and for her view on arranged marriage.

"I answered 'red' because it's loveable and fiery, although it represents danger and I like facing challenges," she said.

"I answered, ideally I would prefer a 'love' marriage as it would give me the opportunity to get to know the person myself," she added.

"However, like an arranged marriage, I would need my parents' approval. Without that there is no future."

Then Nehal faced the catwalk round. "I had never done one before and I was shaking," she said.

"But as soon as I started, I just became my own person and showcased my personality. I was shocked at how confident I became."

When she was announced as the winner, Nehal said she was "completely shocked".

"I just couldn't believe it," she said. "All the judges came up to me and said they chose me because of the way I gave my answers and the way I catwalked. I was filled with gratitude."

On Saturday, Nehal will compete in Oxford for the title Miss India UK. If she is successful, she will go through to the worldwide competition.

"I'm preparing my clothing and putting together my talent, which will be a collage of dances," she said.

"It's tough to do that while working, especially when you want it to be perfect, but I'm sure I'll get there with the help of my family."

Throughout the competition, Nehal is raising money for Ronald McDonald House, which provides care and support to parents who have seriously or terminally-ill children. "My being deaf is minute in comparison to the struggles these little children face," said Nehal. She is holding a bake sale, car wash and dance-a-thon to help raise cash.

Mum Mina, 48, said the family had gone to the regional final in Birmingham to support Nehal.

"We went along to watch her and I could not stop crying, I was so proud," she said.

"She was so confident and she answered her questions so well.

"She is so clever. And after all she has been through – she has not let it hold her back."

To sponsor Nehal, visit:

http://www.just giving.com/ nehal-bhogaita

Lip-reading Nehal Bhogaita crowned Miss India Leicester


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