Pokhara:

Pokhara is no doubt beautiful, and the city also has a number of beautiful models, who believe that there is a future in modelling in Pokhara itself, though the number of fashion shows organised here is negligible.

Take for example Bijita Bijukchhe, who is a student and a model. She feels that it takes more than just a friendly and warm personality to survive the world of glamour. And she should know as she has participated in various national-level events like the Lux Supermodel Hunt of 2006, among others. The audience’s warm reception has made her feel confident to continue modelling.

And as a result she has “started working in music videos also”.

Another popular name in the Pokhareli modelling scene is Manita Pun.

“Modelling has a bright future,” she says, but feels that one gets only a limited number of opportunities in this field.

She complained that one is not recognised much for his/her contribution and capabilities in this field.

Sites like Pokharacity.com, Thikthak.com, Lovelypokhara.com and Pokharapage.com and fashion institutes active in Pokhara like IEC and Gulmohar have been encouraging Pokhareli models by providing them with modelling opportunities, with the IEC organising fashion shows frequently.

Pokharacity.com’s Ram Gurung says it takes confidence and capability to make it in modelling. “Getting good payment also encourages the models to do well,” he said adding that he pays his models well.

“The models in Pokhara are not getting quality work and exposure here due to lack of good ad agencies here,” said web designer of Lovelypokhara.com Ganesh Khadka.

The models feel that if society changes its attitude towards modelling and encourages the models, then the modelling scene can move forward by leaps and bounds.