Paridhi Sharma was declared the first runner-up while the second runner-up title went to Shristi Saud. Astha was also declared Miss Personality and Paridhi won the Miss Talent and Miss Popular titles.[break]
Only a brief encounter and you learn these girls are the typical teen bunch who will debate just over anything. They like talking of Korean stars and horror flicks.
The Columbus swing at Bhrikuti Mandap is the most exciting thing around in town and nothing competes to just hanging out with friends on a holiday. And not to forget Facebook is an important part of life!
Don’t judge them already because these girls 19, 17 and 18 years of age respectively take no back seat when the talk is of “women empowerment” or “youth issues being neglected in the country leading to the brain drain.”
They joined Republica to share their joy, excitement and expectations post their big win. Excerpts:
Did you always wish to be a beauty queen?
Astha Shrestha: I never dreamt of becoming a beauty queen. I participated in Miss Teen only to use it as a platform. There were a lot of things I wanted to talk about as a responsible youth of my country. I however knew that nobody would listen to an average college going girl but if a beauty queen did the talking the audience would be all ears. I noticed how people respect and also pay heed to Miss Nepal winners and so I participated.
Paridhi Sharma: For me Miss Teen was more of a spur of the moment decision. It was my discipline in-charge in college who asked me to fill in the form. Although with no particular interest, I had in the past watched a few episodes of beauty contests and therefore I did have a basic idea of what to expect. I joined and loved every bit of it. I’m now looking forward to joining television and media.
Shristi Saud: Well, Miss Teen was more of what my friends thought I should vie for. Every time there were adverts asking for participants my friends would encourage me to participate in it. I actually did go for another contest last year but didn’t win anything. This time however I had decided that I would reach somewhere.
Now that you are the winners, are you enjoying all the attention?
Astha Shrestha: Media is extremely powerful, it holds the power to make or break someone. Actually I’m quite scared right now. Although no such unpleasant thing has been said or written by the media yet there are chances of such things happening. The worst part is that you can do nothing to stop it, it’s sad that even professional journalists cook up stories.
Paridhi Sharma: I second Astha here. I have read so many stories of personal lives of actors and actresses and even beauty queens. I really hope and pray nothing of that sort happens to me. I would like to take this opportunity to request media people to try and explore the creative and intellectual side of people. A positive picture is always an encouragement.
Shristi Saud: Until now, nobody other than my family and close friends has congratulated me on my win. I really hope that if and when I receive attention from the media it’s my work and thoughts that get highlighted. I hope that the media and the public understand that I’m just a teenager and like any other of my age I too like to go out to party, watch movies and I’ll make mistakes. I hope to get encouragement and advice.
So what do you guys like doing for fun?
Astha Shrestha: Firstly, I love to eat. Apart from that, I read, I like reading fiction and not get enough of love stories. I like easy read books and I hate science fiction. Nicholas Sparks is my favorite author. Also “Gone with the Wind” is one book I loved reading.
Paridhi Sharma: I could sleep all day, all night. For me, there’s no other thing that competes with sleep. When I have spare time and not sleeping, I like watching movies. Horror movies are my favorite. Films like “Paranormal Activity,” “A Flat” are among my favorites.
Shristi Saud: I can spend my life on facebook. You could call me an addict. Apart from that I like watching Korean Drams. I have to mention here the fact that the Korean trends have been blown out of proportion and youngsters of my age look ridiculous copying Korean stars. You can get inspired, that’s fine, but not to the extent that you look like some colorful doll. There’s a limit to everything.
Your future plans?
Astha Shrestha: A food and technology student, my dream is to make every citizen of the country attentive to what one eats. Recently Dr. Baburam Bhattarai conducted a thorough inspection of highway hotels and other eateries and I can’t express how happy it made me. I hope such inspections become a routine. After completion of my education I wish to join the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control.
Paridhi Sharma: I’m a Science student and aim at becoming a doctor in the future. Media also fascinates me. I might continue doing small things related to media, like VJing. I hope to break the myth that doctors are stern.
Shristi Saud: My mom is a social worker and that inspires me. For now I am doing my Chartered Accountant studies. I aim to complete the course and further join hands with mom and later when I am a professional and can spare time and money I hope to engage in fulltime social work. I know it sounds cliché right now but I shall prove it to the world.
None of you are eying Miss Nepal?
Astha Shrestha: Not really.
Paridhi Sharma: I really haven’t given it a thought. I guess I have time for that.
Shristi Saud: I’m too short to qualify for Miss Nepal (laughs).
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