This Interview of Shristi Shrestha was taken by Fursad.com in 2009. So expect content simillarly.

Shristi Shrestha, born on 18th October,1988 in Narayangarh, Chitwan moved to London in the year 2003, where she did her schooling and then moved to Cornwall in 2006, a beautiful countryside county in south west coast of England full of gorgeous beaches and lovely people! She moved to Cornwall because her parents bought a restaurant there called The Gurkha Cuisine. She finished her A-levels and is currently studying at Kings College London where she lives on her own. Quote, “I do nursing as I’ve always idolized Florence Nightingale and how she introduced nursing as a respected profession and funny enough, the name of my university nursing department is called Florence Nightingale School of Nursing. I’d say it was meant to be hehe… and my other biggest idol is Mother Teresa and I wish to follow in her footsteps in the future… go around the world and help the disadvantaged people living in poverty. M parents always taught me to be selfless and help the ones who need it the most. One day I am going to open a series of trusts and foundations in Nepal and if possible, in other poorer countries as well.” Unquote. The above statement explains it all! Below are some of the excerpts of my conversation with probably the most promising and successful Nepali model in the UK.

Could you tell us a little about your modeling career so far?

I have worked for bridal magazines like Brides in Cornwall, done fashion shows including ‘Stitching The Gap’ which was for a very good cause. This trust looks after leukemia sufferers in South Africa. I have had the opportunity to work for various well known photographers including the award winner Bjorn Thomason. I have modeled for numerous website photographers’ such as John Wood, Andrew Mc Connell and other renowned people. I am currently working with a couple of prominent photographers in London specializing in Asian bridal wear. I have signed for a couple of fashion shows this month and have been offered to represent some good agencies, but as I am still settling down in London, I am going to take one wise step at a time and chose my agency carefully.

When was the first time you thought you were interested in modeling?

When I saw Aishwarya Rai on an advert for L’Oreal cosmetic on T.V… this was when I was 17 and I remember saying to myself ‘I’m going to be on TV one day as a L’Oreal model and say “because you’re worth it”! Apart from that, my close ones and people that I met used to say that I should take up modeling for I was made for it, which encouraged me further.

How was the first experience during the shoot?

Before my first shoot, I was full of mixed emotions, anxious, excited, nervous and quite hyper, hehehe… but once in front of the camera I just couldn’t stop posing. I absolutely loved it and things came naturally after that!

What have you learned in the past few months about modeling that could be of some help for aspiring new models?

To all the aspiring models, I’d like to say – just be confident and contact as many photographers and modeling agencies as you can. Just get yourself out there so that you get noticed in a wise and safe manner. Mind you, it is a very competitive field! Let your personality shine through and good luck.

What are some of the things you wish to share with other models who are just coming into the modeling biz?

Be very wary of the offers you get. If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Always consult your family and friends, always make sure you are accompanied by someone when you go and meet new photographers/agencies etc. Don’t jump in to decisions too quickly, take a step back, think about it and then decide.

What are you doing differently as a model, now that you have a few prestigious shoots under your belt?

Hehe nothing really, everything is the same! I have got the support of my family and friends who I love spending my free time with and that keeps me very grounded to my roots. I don’t think that any amount of fame or recognition should make you forget where you started from and what your actual roots are.

What are some of the great pieces of advices that you have received?

“Timi andhakarma aakashko tara jastai gari chamkera afno jiwanlai chamkaunu parcha ani timro tyahi roshanile arulai pani baato dekhaunu parcha”- My dad.
“timi yo sansar ma aye pachi niswarthi vayera yo sansar ani sansarko mancheharuko upakar garna siknu parcha”- My mom.

Have you learned the difference of what makes an ordinary model to what makes a professional swimsuit or magazine model?

Almost everybody starts of as an ordinary model and to be successful, like in every other field, you have to be very determined and learn to never give up on your dreams and always follow your dreams.

Do you have a specific goal in mind as far as modeling is concerned? How about Nepali music videos, movies or anything in Nepali?

Modeling wise and as mentioned earlier, my main aim has always been to be a L’Oreal model and yes, I am very open to ideas of trying new areas in the entertainment business that involves modeling. I would love to try them all. My father actually says I should do Nepali movies as some of his friends are producers etc he he he !

As with the interviews with the musicians, we normally ask them to make a list of people who they would like to either thank or give credit to.

My family and friends who I love and care about very much and whom I can always rely on.

Could you tell us about some of your upcoming projects?

More shoots, more fashion shows and more fun! Hehe!