Fulfilling their passion by opting for it as part-time career, they also earn a handful as pocket money to finance the demanding and upbeat life of young persons living in the city. [break]
Call it independence or a chance at fame, they have been using modeling as a means to take care of their extra expenses in their own hands.
Asmi Shrestha, 18, currently enrolled at Ace Institute of Management, shared that modeling fascinated her from the time she was a child.
However, the doors to her interest unlocked when she was featured as cover girl for a lifestyle magazine in 2008.
Shrestha is now one of the most visible and sought-after faces in the industry, especially on the ramp, as she has walked the TGIF Fashion Week 2011 and Classic Diamond Jewelers Fashion Show and is also the face on an ice cream brand.
Shrestha claims that even though it is not her first career option, she likes to take up modeling assignments and looks at it as an opportunity when the project is suitable for her and she has time from school.
“Modeling is something that interests me. Therefore, I’m open to placements whenever it’s feasible. The extra perk of earning something and being able to stand on my own feet makes the option more attractive to me,” added Shrestha.
Sauram Raj Tuladhar, 24, star of the popular soap “Hamro Team” is another young face in the fashion industry.
He entered the glamour line after he won the titles of Best Smile and the Most Photogenic Face in the Mr. and Miss University Nepal pageant in 2007.
He can be seen walking the ramp for many fashion shows some of which are TGIF Fashion Week from 2009 till date, Fabulous Fashion Show by WTC and House of Alternate Apparel.
He can also be seen acting and dancing in music videos like Phoolko Thunga’s remake by Basanta Chaudhary, and lending his face for advertisements whenever he gets the chance, Ncell being one.
Sauram, who is currently pursuing Bachelor’s in Business Administration from King’s College, shares, “Although I might end up in some management office in the future, I’ve always had the desire to work for this industry and I feel it can enhance my personality. So I’ll continue in this field along with the other work that I’ll be doing.”
Another youngster who is experiencing her moments in the sun with her spectacular personality is Pragati Gurung, the second runner-up at the Mega Model Season 2.
Like the rest, she also expressed her interest in the modeling field from the time she was very young and shares her childhood anecdotes of getting herself ready and poising in front of the mirror.
“I used to dream of becoming a model, and when I got a real platform, I was overwhelmed with joy. It’s been a fantastic journey so far and I hope to keep contributing to this industry whenever I get time from my studies,” explained Pragati. She is a recent nursing graduate from Om Health Campus.
“Despite the stereotype take in the society that modeling is for females, I can’t stop myself from showcasing my potentials,” opines Sanjib Kunwar, 22.
Sanjib, who completed his pilot’s degree from Australia, shares that while he is looking for a proper job, he is also meanwhile exploring his interest in the field by photo-shooting for various ad campaigns, like Shrestha Tailoring, Tuborg, and Jagadamba Steels.
He can also be seen in the music video of the song Dhaan Naach and has walked for 13 ramp shows which includes Craft Walk, Bridal Show, TGIF Fashion Week 2011 to name a few.
“The work satisfies me as it’s something that I’ve always loved and the incentives that we get out of it boosts further encouragement as I don’t have to chase after my parents for my necessities anymore.” explains Sanjib.
Abhinav Kasaju, Director of ModelSansar shares, “We recruit two models every month and most of them are young. The fledging ones get fewer projects and are paid comparatively less, so they tend to take up alternative jobs. But once they go professional and carve their names in the fashion industry, they get many assignments and their pay goes up. Thus they can fend for themselves through this.”
He further informs that there are some youngsters who take up modeling as a bridge while applying for jobs, usually in some airlines companies or corporate houses.
Some who do exceptionally well in it also take up modeling as their primary career in the future.
Speaking on the same lines, some of these models were quick to add that they would love to take it as their primary career option provided they get ample opportunities and good pay out of which they can make a living.
“Although the situation has got a lot better now compared to the past, it’s quintessential for our country to create opportunities in this sector as it can have a lot of scope. If it’s done and if the reward rises subsequently, I would definitely take it as my first option because this is something that I love doing” shares Pragati Gurung.
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