Bhaskar Baniya, A Fitness Model
Bhaskar Baniya, Master in Business Study is a professional model having ambition to be a Fitness Model and Entrepreneur. He has experiences of Ra
mp Walk, Music Videos, Paper ads, Fitness Personal Trainer and Nutritionist. He was awarded the title ‘ Panache super Model’ in Panache Runway and First Runners Up in FACE OF NEPAL 2016. He is associated with Face of Nepal, Pune Fashion week India, Nivedita Saboo Couture India, Forever Plastic Surgery and Skin Clinic, Korea. Modeling has been a craze and famous among today’s young generation. Not only that it is being more recognized and professional with time and technology. Mr. Baniya has shared his views, knowledge and experiences on trend of modeling and fashion in Nepalese context with our reporter Santosh Khadka . The details of edited version of the conversation:
What is modeling ?
For me modeling is a simplified representation of a limited part of reality with related elements.
What do you think the role of experiences in modeling industry and career in past & present ?
Yes, definitely, it does not matter in whichever sector you are an experiences and knowledge is the most. Once you have good experiences in related field definitely you can perform better and you will get the sufficient results and everybody wants to hire the people with experiences and knowledge. So, once you have sufficient experiences in modeling you will have more opportunities and career in present and future. We can identify the visible change in the modeling sector both in concept and trend.
How was your experience & achievement in face of Nepal, Asia, and Korea ?
Well, I must say it was really a great journey from Face of Nepal to face of Asia which was held in Suwon city, Korea.
I got a chance to learn so many things which helped me to improve my personality, confidence and the communication skills. It was really a great platform where I met more than150 of super models from 25 Asian countries with whom I got an opportunity to share our knowledge and experiences and interact about our country and culture. It was really a great feeling to represent our country in international platform. And the proud moment was when I was awarded and sponsored by a famous Korean company out of many models and had been selected by some of the famous international designer or fashion show.
In overall, it was fruitful and amazing experiences I ever had in my life.
What is the role of media in modeling career?
I think modeling and media is very close to each other. Behind the successful modeling career no doubt there is always hand of media. For individual promotion, to share our experiences and views in general public we always need the help of media. Let say modeling career without the media is like a pen without the ink.
Is modeling your hobby or passion ?
Well, modeling is my hobby and fitness (gym) is my passion actually.
What is the source of inspiration for you to engage in modeling ?
My source of inspiration to engage in modeling is I would say fitness; I have been in fitness since last 10 years so that the confidence and great looks that I got from fitness which encourages me in the modeling field.
What is the relationship between modeling and fashion?
Well there is a direct relationship between modeling and fashion. Modeling, it’s very simple to hear but if we go in to the depth the word modeling is vast. The modeling includes: Fashion, glamour, fitness, fine art, body part and commercial print models. And models are featured in a verity of media like, books, magazines, films, newspapers, and TV.
Basically, runway models showcase clothes from fashion designers, fashion media and consumers. They are also called live models and are self employed. Thus, there is a direct and intimate relationship between modeling and fashion.
What are the qualities of a good model?
Positive attitude, confidence, good looking, good height, communication and listening skills, these are the qualities of a good model.
Is full time modeling career sufficient for professional growth ?
To be frank, only the full time modeling career is not sufficient for professional growth for many models. But if you are competent enough in everything and if you are more experienced and versatile you can definitely have a full time modeling career for your professional growth.
Why most of the models don’t have sustainable career growth and popularity in Nepalese context ?
In this case I think we have a very small market in this field and competition is very tough. Let say small market and many models. The main problem is there are no any criteria and terms and conditions to be a models and an actor in the context of Nepal. Because of this kind of bad trend qualified and experienced models have to suffer in modeling career.
What do you think that there should be a vocational or academic course to produce professional model in future?
Yes this is very important that there should be vocational and academic courses to produce professional models in future.
Once they are well trained, well groomed and experienced they can perform better and they can be competent and compete in international market as well. That’s what I believe.
What are the opportunity and disadvantage being a model ?
Of course there are several opportunities and certain disadvantages as well. Firstly, model gets media exposure and popularity among the people and society. It is also platform for getting fulfillment of one’s passion and hobby which gives self satisfaction. Professional models also get financial reward of their work, talents, and competency. As we look at the disadvantage side, modeling career has time limit for professional growth and create status. They have less private life. Similarly, the recognition and exposure also vary as per the time and society or industry.
What about the gender equality in modeling sector ?
Obviously modeling is female dominant profession. So, comparatively it is easy to get them the exposure and popularity particularly in glamour and fashion. Again it depends on the individual’s quality and talents. A female model may have the real experiences regarding the condition of gender equality in modeling industry I think.
What are the challenges in modeling field ?
Every profession has challenge. Thus, modeling also can’t be exception. In Nepalese context we lack the professional standard to be a competent model. Market is not so wide. It is indeed difficult to be a full time professional model considering the financial progress.
How is the social response for modeling career and model in Nepal ?
Definitely we can observe the changes than the past. Society is being more liberal for this profession and the role and responsibility of models have been recognized. Access, coverage and exposure in media also have been increased and being broader. Public and social attitude as well as response towards modeling profession and sector is being more positive and supportive gradually.
