Journey of Anjali Lama, first Transgender model at Lakme Fashion Week

But the journey – professional rejection, bullying in school, sex reassignment – was not been easy.

THE START UP:

Anjali Lama was born in Nuwakot district in rural Nepal. And was the fifth of seven siblings. School

showed up to be difficult for Lama as she struggled to understand why she used to feel and behave likea girl. Her epicene manner was mocked by all her classmates and teachers, also by her own father and brothers. After finishing her schooling, she shifted Kathmandu.

At the age of 18, she met a group of transgender women. They were wearing make-up and heading a club. She approached them. “When you ask most transgender people, they refuse

instantaneously and assert their identity. So, when I spoke to them, they were like, ‘ Look how valiant

this girls is!’,” Lama revives.

They headed her towards Blue Diamond Society, a Nepal group that advocates for sexual minorities. And soon, she began her sex reassignment surgery. Also she started working at the outreach centre.

In 2015, Nepal became one of the few countries to issue passport including the third gender

category. Unfortunately, despite the progressive step, the reality is far from ideals.

“Acceptance of the transgenders is still not a hundred per cent,” says Lama.

RUNWAY FANTASIES:

Lama says, “My friend pushed me towards modelling because of my height.” (she’s 5’9). At the age of 25, she gave it a try. Although she got some assignments in Nepal, but sadly was rejected most of the times for her gender. Shockingly she had auditioned for Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) twice last year,

in Mumbai. And was rejected both the times. “I thought modelling wasn’t for me. But I just couldn’t

let it go.” Nevertheless, she went through YouTube audition clips which were put up by LFW and

examined her own walk, as well as of those who were selected by LFW, and analysed her problem

areas.

“I had very low self confidence, and it showed,” she says. Apart form walks she also focused on other nuances of

modelling -costume and make-up- by researching online.

Eventually, it worked. And she was picked for the Summer/Resort 2017 show. Initially, she faced

considerable nervousness because she couldn’t understand English. “I felt a bit confused because all

the instructions were made in English. Then I befriend with Deepti Gujral and Alesia Raut my fellow

models, who helped me understand the language.”

Being a part of Lakme Fashion Week has changed her life forever. Apart from getting her global

fame and boosting her career, it has also help her family to come around and treat her what she

deserved.

“I’ve never been this much busy in my entire life,” she states. Despite every other thing, she does

worry a little bit about being a little old for her field. “Most people usually stop modelling at 25 of age,

I started.” She exclaims. And ads that is she not worrying or thinking about her future at this point.

Lama now lives with a Nepali friend in Santacruz. And, she like Mumbai for the work it has offered her,she misses the nature and the natural beauty of her home town. “I like greenery, nature and the hills...

I wish we could have some place that is a mixture of Mumbai and Nepal.”