Pragati Amatya is representing Nepal at Queen Of Asia which is taking place in Thailand later this year. She is a charismatic and confident lady. Besides modeling, she is a marketing executive and freelance writer too.
Vishal – Well this is my first interview with a model from Nepal and I would like to know how much you are aware with your industry. Do you think modeling can sustain a smooth living here and be taken as a very serious profession?
Pragati – It’s a big privilege for me too to be interviewed by you and as modelling has been my passion since childhood, I keep myself updated about the latest trends, new artists, shows and I stay aware about new and creative works done by such talented personalities. Honestly speaking, people here are very conservative. The biggest drawback is a lack of acceptance which is being a big hindrance for the improvisation of this field and at the same time models are neither given the needed respect nor proper payments so modelling as a serious profession is a big NO for me.
Vishal – You are pretty fit to be a perfect model but readers and myself would like to know why you chose to be a model and why you interested in this career?
Pragati – Thanks a lot for this compliment. Basically, modelling is not only glamourous to me. It’s way behind that. For me, it’s beauty with brains and purpose. I think models are the ones that choose to come up front and use the platform to be the face of the country, to be the beauty of the country.
Vishal – You’ve been modelling for one year in this field and how do you see yourself progressing? What are your goals?
Pragati – I think I have made a good mark till now. I have often been complimented by photographers for my bold expressions that goes well with their concepts and being in this field I just don’t want to be known as a model but a role model who could make a good influence in people’s hearts and minds.
Vishal – So you are going to represent Nepal in Queen Of Asia which is going to be held in Thailand. What are your preparation and how are you going to represent Nepal in that contest?
Pragati – Yes, I am quite excited to represent Nepal in Queen of Asia. For this, I am focusing to empower my intelligence to the very extreme. Yes, physical appearance is very important as gestures and looks are always the first and foremost impression but along with that I am planning to represent Nepal with lots of grace and I will be promoting Nepal’s beauty.
Vishal – What makes you different from all those Nepalese beauties who have already represented Nepal in different levels of International contests?
Pragati – I don’t believe in comparing myself with any other person. But I have interacted with a few of these beauties who worked really very hard to represent Nepal at their best but the thing that I guess makes myself different from them is my captivating personality. I believe I can stand out in the crowd because of my vibes.
Vishal – Ok, let’s come down to the fashion industry of Nepal. Who are some of your favourite local models, designers and photographers?
Pragati – Fashion industry of Nepal is growing, from the past few years with stunning models, expert make up artists, and fashion designers and photographers who are making their mark around the globe. Some of my favorite local models are Niti Shah, Asmee Shrestha, Reliza Shrestha, Paramita Rana,and Anjali Lama, my favorite local designers are Subekshya Bhadel, Yubi Thapa and Mamta Gurung Joshi and photographers Kishor Kayastha and Anjil Maskey.
Vishal – How much do you believe they have helped to shape this industry? Are they helpful towards you when you were a new face?
Pragati – I think they have really made a great contribution to shape this industry accentuating their talents in their respective fields. Yes, they had been helpful though I don’t know each one them personally, I had been following them and I really appreciate their works.
Vishal – How do you communicate with the local media? Are they professionally interested to help new and upcoming models or do they only like to work with established models?
Pragati – I think one of the important traits that gives you success is how you communicate. Talking about the fashion industry, they are always in search of fresh and talented faces which I feel like some of them are professionally interested but still there is another side of this field who definitely go for established models.
Vishal – How would you describe your style and what is fun and interesting about your style?
Pragati – I think I am an alpha female who chooses to be her own style icon. Well, I always keep my make up simple and natural, focusing a little more in eye make up and I am quite fond of earrings, bags and shoes and I try my best to flatter these with elegance, flair and style.
Vishal – Do you have any other experience in the fashion industry (writing, photography, marketing, etc.)? If so, share with us what are the possible ways to upgrade this industry in Nepal?
Pragati – Besides modelling, I am interested in writing and marketing too as writing shows my creativity and marketing shows my communication skills. I am quite active in both of these fields like modelling. Where my experience is concerned, the fashion industry here lacks originality as most of the ideas are copied and again people in this field should develop their way to present themselves as your personality matters a lot. If you can communicate well, you can definitely grow.
Vishal – Is there any preparation you do before a shoot? And what kind of atmosphere do you want while shooting?
Pragati – Do you like to share words between shots? I believe to go with the flow. I believe because of my high adaptability, I can handle any kind of ambiance and yes, being a very creative person I love to share my ideas to make it better and I feel happy when the people around appreciate it.
Vishal – You have already got some great opportunities for improvement. Tell us, What is your greatest accomplishment so far and how friendly and patient are you in this industry?
Pragati – I am really grateful for all the opportunities I have gotten till date and I keep expressing my gratitude quite often. I think my greatest accomplishment or the achievement I have won so far is the title of “Miss Personality” at Miss Global International 2014 and now representing Nepal at Queen of Asia and for this I must say my friendly nature followed by my talents has helped a lot. Patience is the biggest virtue for this industry. Without it, we really can’t expect a bright future here.
Vishal – Do you think we have a fashion industry outside Kathmandu? I mean in other cities like Pokhara, Dharan etc.
Pragati – I think we have better fashion industries outside Kathmandu specially at Dharan. In fact, people there are even more sensitive about fashion than the general people here.
Vishal – What is your opinion on the current state of Nepalese girls in their modeling career?
Pragati – I can see more wannabes than genuine talent at present though we have talents too but those who do possess it doesn’t seem that passionate towards modelling. Hence, they need to accentuate their talents even more and take our fashion industry to an international level.
Vishal – How much do you believe in this, success depends more on what you know than on whom you know?
Pragati – This is one hell of an interesting question. I have always believed that “knowledge is the main key” and yes it is the main key to everything that leads towards success. Even if you know many powerful personalities, you can’t perform at all without talents and proper knowledge. So I believe success depends more on what you know.
Vishal – What is the best thing you like about modeling and what do you hate most about modeling?
Pragati – Personally speaking, modelling has really enhanced my overall personality to an extraordinary level. It has taught me everything for a strong social behaviour and how to present yourself to give that great first impression. Well everything has its positive and negative sides but I really can’t see its negative aspects in myself. As most of the models get too much addicted with fame and once they are replaced they get into depression but I really don’t care. I have too many choices in my life. (winks)
Vishal – What is your advice to other aspiring and upcoming models? Do you share your experience with them?
Pragati – Well just a simple message I want to deliver is to stay strong, stay kind and have that positive frame of mind to survive and rule this field. Moreover, Stay passionate. As I too have struggled a lot. Nothing comes for free. Good balance between talents and hard work will help you thrive.(Smiles)
Vishal – What does fashion really mean to you?
Pragati – Fashion just means being yourself and showing your true personality. You just have to make right choices and dress well.(sighs)
Vishal – How has modeling changed other aspects of your life?
Pragati – The best thing modelling has given to me is fame. It has helped me to get known among great personalities and I am getting to show my talents which otherwise wouldn’t be possible. (smiles)
Vishal – Do you consider yourself a creative person and how if it helps to boost your personality?
Pragati – I think creativity is the most important thing. Humans are definitely one step ahead than any other creature because of its sharp mind and higher creativity. My creative mind has definitely made me quite ahead than any other mainstream girls. I wouldn’t be where I am right now if I was not a beauty with brains. (laughs)
Vishal – Is it important to have role models in your life? If so who are your role models and why are they your role models?
Pragati – Yes, I think it is very important to have someone to look up to. For me, I have some. From Nepal, Malvika Subba and Ishani Shrestha. Internationally, Sushmita Sen, Priyanka Chopra and Angelina Jolie. I follow them because of their passion to work and their compassion to serve which I really admire. (smiles)
Vishal – Why does our society and system think that the fashion industry is filled with bad influences and people?
Pragati – People here are more focused on darker sides than brighter sides of the fashion industry. It’s pathetic how people judge ladies because of their short dresses. People here just need to broaden their mind. It’s the only problem here.
Vishal – Unlike Europe and USA we don’t have so many sectors here to support fashion industry, why is that? Can you share your thoughts on this?
Pragati – Yes, models don’t get much needed support here. It really hurts a little when I get to know that models are respected and even paid for their time there but one of the reason is the people’s approach here. They don’t accept as it is. Besides exceptional, people take modelling as promoting vulgarity which is not.
Vishal – If you were given a chance to change five things of Nepal then what it would be and why?
Pragati – Umm….the first and foremost I will like to influence people’s mind in a good way. As mediocre minds here are in way too high range which disgusts me. Besides I want to change political leaders. I want to end corruption here. Fair employment process and finally promote greeneries by effective garbage system.
Vishal – Lastly, anything we have forgotten to ask you then you can say it here. This space is for you.
Pragati – Well to all the viewers who managed time to read my interview, I would like to say that keep energising yourself, devour and be the best version of yourself. Unleash your real potential. You got the power to rule this universe so keep searching for that. If you got it, no one can beat you. (smiles)
Follow the gorgeous Pragati Amatya on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pragati-Amatya-1414626718865665/
Interview and images courtesy of Vishal Rai
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