Raised in Aanboo Khaireni, a town of just 49 square miles, her childhood was shaped by quiet dreams fueled by Bollywood films, beauty pageants, and a photo of Aishwarya Rai saved on the family’s old computer. Today, from Queens, New York—and as the newly crowned Miss Nepal North America 2025—this 23-year-old combines her acting training with a deep commitment to equity, self-acceptance, and education. In this exclusive interview for Unity for Equality, she shares how her experiences across the diaspora, theatre, and activism have shaped her vision of leadership for the next generation of Nepali women, both at home and abroad.
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Growing up in Aanboo Khaireni, Tanahun, what moments or mentors first sparked your love for performance and storytelling?
I grew up in a small 49.42-square-mile town called Aanboo Khaireni. There wasn’t much to do I had hiked every mountain and explored every corner of that little town. While my friends swam in the river, I stayed back (I’ve always had a fear of water) and spent my evenings watching Pabitra Rishta at 7 PM and weekends lost in Nepali and Bollywood films.We had this big old computer at home with a mysteriously downloaded image of Aishwarya Rai in a red saree in front of the Taj Mahal. I used to stare at her, completely mesmerized. That picture and the movies planted a quiet dream in my heart.
In 8th grade, the high school across from my house Ram Shah Uchha Madhyamik Vidhyalaya installed Wi-Fi. I secretly got the password, which only worked on the rooftop, where we had a small third-floor room. I’d sit there for hours watching Miss Nepal videos. Before I ever wanted to be an actress, I wanted to be Miss Nepal. In 10th grade, I watched Prem Geet 2 in one of the town’s only two halls. That was the moment I realized: I want to be on the big screen. I also remember walking by the large billboard near the bus stop every day, thinking, One day, I want my face up there.I was an average student, but determined. Around that time, I saw a Facebook post about a pageant called Mr. and Miss SLC, which offered prize money and scholarships. I wrote in my diary:
“One day, I will win a pageant and get a scholarship for college.”
After finishing 10th grade, I entered a beauty pageant called See Model Hunt, won, and received not only a college scholarship but also a scholarship to Everest Film Academy. Though I initially pursued science for two years, I realized it wasn’t for me and shifted to film school. Due to COVID, my one-year course at Everest took two years to complete.
In 2022, I moved to Ohio to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre at Kent State University, but I had to transfer after one semester due to the high tuition costs. I then enrolled at San Jacinto College in Houston, where I earned an Associate’s degree in Theatre.
In the summer of 2023, I studied acting at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. I stayed in NYC for a month and fell in love with the city.
After graduating from San Jac, I took a gap year to focus fully on acting and moved to New Jersey. Now, I live in Queens, New York, and plan to enroll in university again in Spring 2026.
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What drew you to Queens specifically for your university studies, and how has New York’s theatre scene challenged or affirmed your craft?
I wanted to live in a big city, and New York felt like the place where dreams come true. But living here taught me something unexpected. I realized I don’t quite enjoy acting the way I thought I did. I still love being in front of the camera, but only for projects that align with my values and purpose. These six months have helped me reflect deeply, and I’ve even considered changing my major. I still want to work as an actress in the future, but I want to be more than that. I dream of starting my own business in Nepal, one that helps college students and builds a work culture like the one I’ve seen here in the U.S.
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Many see pageantry as far removed from theatre, yet both require stage presence and storytelling. What motivated you to enter Miss Nepal North America, and how did your theatre background factor into your preparation?
To me, pageantry is actually quite similar to theatre, you rehearse, perform, and connect with a live audience. It’s all about presence and storytelling. During my time in Houston, I was juggling college and work, and I felt completely burned out. Then I moved to New York hoping to grow my acting career, but things didn’t go as planned. I went through a really dark phase in my life.Then one day, on May 1st, I saw an Instagram post that said: “Miss Nepal North America 2025 – Last Day to Apply.” I called the number, and Sailesh Dai, the organizer, picked up. He told me the application was still open. I filled it out that same day, still unsure if I’d actually go through with it. But once I gave the Zoom audition and got selected, I felt something shift, I got fully invested. It gave me purpose again.My theatre background helped me a lot during preparation and throughout the pageant. During the final round, when I was asked a question about gender equality, I sang a few lines from “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga. That moment being able to speak my truth and sing live with confidence wouldn’t have been possible without my theatre training. Looking back, I truly believe that moment sealed the win for me.
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Winning grants you direct entry into next year’s Miss Nepal competition and the chance to serve as a goodwill ambassador for the Nepal Tourism Board. How are you prioritizing these new roles alongside your studies?
Miss Nepal has always been a dream of mine. But right now, I’m prioritizing finishing my studies, so I’m not yet sure if I’ll be able to participate next year, though I’m definitely looking forward to it when the time is right. Just today, I had the honor of meeting Mr. Mangal Das Shrestha, the International President of Vision Clubs International. They officially appointed me as their Goodwill Ambassador, which is incredibly meaningful to me. Vision Clubs has been doing amazing work in Nepal, especially in the area of education. They provide barista training for people preparing to go abroad and even offer credits that can be transferred into scholarship funds. I’m currently researching areas in Nepal that need support, and I’m excited to contribute however I can.
As for my role with the Nepal Tourism Board, I’ve just returned from the pageant, so I’m taking things one step at a time. But I’m looking forward to engaging with them soon and doing my part to promote our beautiful country.
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What qualities of leadership do you hope to model during your reign for young Nepali women watching from abroad and at home?
Living in the States has taught me so much from independence to work culture and one day, I hope to bring those learnings back to Nepal, especially the balance and confidence I see in young college students here. For now, the one message I want young girls to hear is: It doesn’t matter where you come from dream big and be fearless. I’ve always followed my heart, even when things didn’t go as planned. I want other girls to feel empowered to choose a path they love, not just what’s expected of them. We’re constantly surrounded by unrealistic beauty standards on social media, and I know how deeply that can affect self-esteem. That’s why, during the talent round of Miss Nepal North America 2025, I created a short film about self-love and chose to perform completely bare-faced, without makeup. It was my way of saying: You are enough, just as you are. And I plan to keep doing more to remind young girls of that truth.
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You’ve called yourself a ‘storyteller first.’ What kinds of narratives—genres, themes or characters—do you feel most compelled to bring to life on stage or screen?
As a storyteller, I’m most drawn to narratives that highlight women’s voices stories that are powerful, raw, and real. In the film industry, women are still underpaid, underrepresented, and often overshadowed, which makes women-centric films even more important. I’m especially inspired by biographical films that carry strong social messages films like Raazi and Mary Kom. These aren’t just stories; they’re reminders of resilience, courage, and what it means to break barriers. I want to bring more of those characters to life women who fight, who feel deeply, and who change the world around them in both quiet and bold ways.
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How do you see your training in the U.S. translating into tangible opportunities for young Nepali performers who may not have access to formal theatre education?
One of the main reasons I moved to the U.S. was because there are no universities in Nepal that offer a formal musical theatre program. In the future, I hope to bring that experience back home whether it’s by organizing workshops, mentorship programs, or even starting an institution dedicated to theatre and performance in Nepal. I want to make this kind of education more accessible for aspiring artists who may not have the chance to study abroad. Everyone deserves the opportunity to explore their talent and tell their stories, no matter where they’re from.
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Living in the diaspora can create a dual identity. How do you balance honoring Nepali cultural traditions with embracing the dynamism of New York?
Honestly, ever since I moved to the U.S., I tried really hard to fit in but no matter where I went, the first thing I always searched for was a Nepali restaurant. I wear my Dhaka proudly and walk with my head high as a Nepali.
Participating in Miss Nepal North America made me even prouder of my roots. I got to meet people like Mr. Rajendra Shrestha, who started from scratch in the U.S. and has now helped thousands of people in Nepal while also winning so many hearts here. Seeing fellow contestants like Krisma, the founder of Chori Beyond Borders, reminded me how powerful our community is. Their stories inspired me and deepened my love for where I come from.
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Every titleholder champions a cause. Which social issue whether mental health awareness, arts education, or another area will you focus on this year, and why does it resonate personally?
This year, I am honored to serve as a Goodwill Ambassador for Vision Clubs International and the Nepal Tourism Board. My mission is to support both national and international students by providing them with resources and opportunities that empower their educational journeys. I also aim to promote Nepal’s rich culture and breathtaking tourism potential to the world, helping my homeland shine on a global stage.
What truly drives me is authenticity, sharing my own story openly and honestly. I believe that when we are relatable and vulnerable, we create meaningful connections that inspire and uplift others. By being genuine, I hope to encourage those facing challenges to feel seen, supported, and motivated to pursue their dreams. This is my starting point, and I look forward to growing and learning along the way.
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How will you leverage your platform to ensure that advocacy work continues long after the crown is passed on?
My reign year is not the end; in fact, it’s just the beginning of something beautiful. I plan to continue and even expand my advocacy work well beyond my time as a titleholder. My goal is to step onto a bigger and better platform like Miss Nepal, where I can reach more people and create a greater impact. Additionally, I want to start my own business focused on supporting students in Nepal, using that platform to bring lasting change and opportunities for the next generation.
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A book, song, or film that never fails to inspire you?
The book Think Like a Monk inspires me deeply because it teaches that the greatest investment we can make is in ourselves. It guides you to build self-discipline and master your mind, which I believe is essential for growth and success. As for songs, Shallow by Lady Gaga and I Dreamed a Dream from Les Misérables never fail to move me.
