Instagram provides a platform for social interaction for it users. It also serves as a medium of entertainment to those who are hooked into the virtual domain. The global digitization has brought about changes in the perception of the traditional photo albums. Now, photo enthusiast no longer needs to fear the space constraints, and can wholeheartedly share delightful moments. The photo-sharing app is also a noted advertisement and branding platform. Since its advent, it has attracted millions to reap its benefits that the platform offers. In Nepal also, many people have gained their share of fame through the social app. To find out how they create engaging content and maintain their fan base, My City’s Aditya Neupane interacted with Bibek Pandey and Reshma Ghimire.
Name: Reshma Ghimire
Instagram:tigereshmaghimire
Followers: 77.4 k
Following: 430
Posts: 635
Reshma Ghimire, 22, started using Instagram in 2014. She has more than 77,000 followers on the social site. However, she has also established equal prominence in other platforms. At present, she has more than 500,000 followers on TikTok and over 19,000 followers on Facebook. Ghimire found a place in the hearts of eastern populace of Nepal after winning Miss Purbeli in 2014.
Reshma revealed that she was interested in acting since her childhood. She used to participate in acting related programs and competition from an early age.
Redefining neutrality
Reshma explained, “I was interested in acting since my childhood. After winning the title of ‘Miss Purbeli’ in 2014, the people from the east started recognizing me. But my followers on Instagram were limited only to 10,000. One day, I thought of experimenting on musically (now TikTok). Within a few months, people started noticing me and my followers also increased drastically.”
Ghimire is a nursing student at Purbanchal University, and also works as a nurse at RK Children Hospital. Revealing her social media strategies, she stated, “Whenever I am free, especially during holidays, I make lots of TikTok videos and save them as drafts. I post the videos throughout the week. So, it’s not hard for me to manage time.”
Name: Bibek Pandey
Instagram: born_to_art
Followers: 5385
Following: 455
Posts: 226
24-year-old, Bibek has been using Instagram for four years. He is a sketch artist. His page flaunts the life-like sketches of prominent actors from across the world. Among his followers include celebrated Nepali film icons Anmol Kc, Swastima Khadka, and Keki Adhikari.
Pandey said, “I was interested in art since my childhood. I used to make simple drawings. After completing my secondary level education, I started drawing sketches.”
He added, “I was encouraged by a friend. I made two of his sketches. In the third attempt, I drew myself on a blank canvas. Gradually, I started honing my sketching skills and included celebrities in my portfolio.”
Currently, he has more than 5000 followers on Instagram. Pandey is equally famous in other social media including Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Talking about establishing his fan base, he stated, "My followers increased drastically only after Nepali celebrities started noticing my work, and following me."
Pandey is a BBA sixth semester student and also works as an art teacher at Namaste Academy, Butuwal. When asked how he manages time from his hectic schedule, Pandey replied, “I don’t get any free time in the afternoon. So, I allocate three to four hours for sketching at night, usually after seven.”
Pandey credits social media for introducing him to the huge mass. However, occasional rants and bullies discourage him. Speaking about the impact of social media, Pandey said, “Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. But, at present, social media is a reliable platform to promote the talents of people.”
Pandey doesn't want to limit himself as a sketch artist. He longs to pursue a career as a tattoo artist as well.
