Living a dream: Anjali Lama

Anjali Lama has carved a niche for herself in the modeling world. She is the first transgender model from Nepal. Growing up in a farming family in a quaint little village in Nuwakot as Nabin was a difficult phase for the 32-year-old model.

She recalls how she was teased for being different in her childhood and how her family members were unsupportive and orthodox about Anjali shedding the image of boy and living like a woman. Her journey from Nuwakot to Lakme Fashion Week is indeed inspirational.

When did you realise that you are trapped in a boy’s body?
I was born in Nuwakot, Nepal. My growing years in Nuwakot had been the period of self-contemplation coupled with self-doubt under the immense pressure of societal sexual standards. I was a boy but my behaviour was always questioned under the rules of gender stereotypes. My limitless closeness with my mother and befriending girls in the school brought me huge criticism and inner-confusion. The most shocking part was the urban experience, which was exactly similar even with broader understanding. It was during my college years when I decided to live the identity of my heart.

What was the reaction of your family members?
Unfortunately, my family was not supportive.

What’s the biggest challenge that you faced then?
During early years, I realised that males are still a favourable sex by and large and turning from a boy to girl is blasphemous to some minds. My family, friends and relatives were not all supportive and this was the biggest challenge.

Who inspires you?
My mother. She is my support system, who gives me my determination and strength. Professionally, I am a great fan of Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima.

What are the greatest barriers in the Indian education system for transgender people?
I feel the education on ‘third gender’ should be brought to focus right from school days. Other than seeing it on some application forms, we seem to be living in a two-gender world. I certainly believe government should give more focus on this front. Apart from this, overall rights of transgenders should be protected to benefit us at large.

Do you fear for your safety?
Not at all! Keeping a few aside, people are far more broad minded and receptive and this is a great change about our community.

Tell us about your journey to the Lakme Fashion Week?
Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW) is not a cakewalk. This has come to me after two strong denials. Living in the hinterland of Nepal, I found digital and social media as the best way to connect with the outside world.

I first heard about the Lakmé Fashion Week model auditions from their Instagram handle; post which I mailed them confirming my eligibility criteria. After receiving the confirmation, I started doing secondary research on models dynamics and gestures to participate in the auditions.

Tell us about your documentary.
‘Anjali: Living inside someone else's skin?’ premiered in September 2014. Currently, the movie is in its post-production. This movie is a vivid description of our struggle and reflects strongly on cultural apprehension on our mainstream acceptance.
This story perfectly draws my journey of transformation from Nabin to Anjali.

What’s your biggest dream?
Currently, I am working on my dynamics to strengthen my portfolio. I dream to win a renowned brand campaign feature while continuing to be walking the runway.