Ritesh Raj Gurung and Rubina Thapa were named the winners under male and female categories respectively in the ‘En Vogue’ modeling contest that was held in Kathmandu recently.
Gurung, currently pursuing his Bachelors in Community Development at Kathmandu University School of Arts, is happy to have had this opportunity to not only make his mark in the modeling industry, but also to influence others. Rubina Thapa, this year’s female face of @House of Fashion, is currently involved with an NGO besides pursuing her Bachelors in Development Studies at National College in Baluwatar, Kathmandu. This win, she says, is her stepping stone to success.
Republica’s Barsha Basnet caught up with the two winners to talk about how their experience has been so far, as well as their future plans.
What was your initial reaction when the results were announced?
Rubina: It was a very emotional moment. I couldn’t stop the tears. I’m a little embarrassed about it now but at that exciting yet nerve wracking time when I didn’t know how to react, it just happened naturally. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that particular moment in my life.
‘Clear Bol’ grand finale on Saturday
Ritesh: I couldn’t believe I had won but the very next moment, my head was buzzing with thoughts of being the face of @House of Fashion 2016 and the responsibilities that come with it. That part, more than the actual results, was quite nerve wracking.
What attracted you to modeling? How has your journey been so far?
Rubina: I have been following Oshima Banu for a long time and really like her work. She has been an inspiration and I guess following her work inspired me to take up modeling seriously. The journey so far has had its share of ups and downs. My dad didn’t like my decision to dabble in modeling but after seeing me on stage, he was really proud of me. He actually told me that he thought I stood out from the rest. This has motivated me even more.
Ritesh: Initially I was only interested in maintaining my weight, but as people started noticing me, I realized I had that innate quality of a model. I started experimenting and exploring. People started appreciating me and that’s what motivated me more. Now, after winning this title, it feels like I’m destined to be in this line of work. I feel like, in a short while, I have created an identity for myself and that feels nice. But I have only just started. Let’s see where this takes me. However, I believe in Karma so I guess if I put in hard work and I’m focused this is going to be a wonderful ride.
Can you share one important lesson that you have learnt till now?
Rubina: I have learnt that, in life, you are actually competing with yourself. The challenge here is to be a better version of yourself with each passing day. You have to believe in your abilities and be willing to work hard. If you manage to get those two things right, there isn’t anything you can’t accomplish.
Ritesh: I agree with Rubina. You are your biggest competition. The training for En Vogue’s modeling contest taught me a lot of things but the most important one was that you have to be willing to change, adapt, and work on yourself. That’s the only way you can achieve success, in modeling, and in life.
What next?
Rubina: I want to be a social entrepreneur, striving hard to bring radical changes in the society. It’s something I’m looking forward to do in life, besides modeling. The good thing is that now I have a platform to do that too. Since @House of Fashion promotes developments campaigns in Nepal, it will be easy for me to be involved in social causes through them.
Ritesh: Education will always be my priority but now I have to learn to balance both modeling and studies. I believe I can do it and I will. One of my goals in life is also to motivate and inspire others. I like being in the position to do so. I believe I still have a long way to go but I’m willing to work on it.
