KATHMANDU: As the entire nation gasped at the TV, tall, lissome Shristi Shrestha nearly swooned in ecstacy at being announced as the new Miss Nepal in the elegant outdoor venue at the Hotel Annapurna in the capital on Sunday evening.

Beating out 15 other bright, perky hopeful young ladies, the new Pashupati Paints Luxuria The Hidden Treasure Miss Nepal 2012 was already a shooting star in the glamour industry in Nepal. Statuesque Nagma Shrestha who had the loudest cheering squad in the audience wrested the Miss Nepal Earth title as the 1st runner up. Rounding up the top three as 2nd runner up was Subekshya Khadka charming her way to the Miss Nepal International honour.

Miss Nepal 2012 Shristi Shrestha bagged a lesser title as well with Miss Confident. Poonam Chand beat the others as Miss Popular Choice while pretty Akesha Bista bewitched cameras for Miss Photogenic and Miss Talent. Nagma dazzled her way to Miss Beautiful Smile.

Outgoing Miss Nepal 2011 Malina Joshi who surprised with her newly toned figure gave a heartwarming account of her unforgettable reign before continuing the tradition by crowning the overwhelmed Shristi. Anupama Aura Gurung passed her title of Miss Nepal Earth to Nagma with Sarina Maskey handing her Miss Nepal International to Subekshya.

- Jigme Palden Pazo