India s Next Top Model to have transgender participant

Mumbai Oct 17 (IANS) "MTV Splitsvilla 8" contestant Gaurav Arora who came out about being a transgender in public last year and changed his name to Gauri Arora is among the participants of "Indias Next Top Model".

Gauri will be seen walking down a ramp in a bikini in the first episode of the show.

"This is the first time I walked down the ramp after my reconstruction surgery. I felt extremely beautiful. I was a tad apprehensive about the fact that I had to put on the bikini and walk down the ramp on India s Next Top Model in front of seasoned judges like Milind Soman and Dabboo Ratnani.

"But that only boosted my zeal. It takes a lot of courage for one to accept the reality and come out in public. A lot of people out there already know about my struggle. I hope my stint with India s Next Top Model gives courage to a lot of people out there who have not been able to come out " Gauri said.

The episode of "India s Next Top Model Season 3" will air on MTV on Saturday.

--IANS
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