In the recent few years, Pride month is being celebrated in Nepal with much fanfare. Talking specifically, it is Kathmandu which sees the most activities and events. However, this year I have learned that there have been many more cities and towns across the country that have hosted their own Pride celebrations through parades, gatherings and static events. Make-up artist, model and trainer Nilam Poudel also continued her initiation “Nilam’s Award” this year with an event at the Yog Movie Garden in Sorhakhutte, Kathmandu on June 28th.
Nilam, who hails from Itahari knows very well the challenges of making it in the capital. Since her early days of supporting Nepali cinema actors, she has built on her skills and shares her expertise whenever she can through personal initiatives such as free make-up classes for LGBTIQ+ people. From being a make-up artist to a model herself, she’s turned things around for herself as well as winning the adoration from many including her own family. Poudel started the Nilam’s Award to recognize people from the LGBTIQ+ community and allies that have played a significant role in the year to challenge society’s perceptions, those who advocate and work in awareness and those that support people from the queer community.
The award event in late June had the presence of Karishma Manandhar as Chief Guest, an icon in her own right. She was joined by several special guests, actress Pooja Chand, actress and businessperson Shweta Khadka, director Renasha Rai Rana, TV host Bina Shrestha, Miss Universe Nepal Sophiya Bhujel, Master Chef Santosh Shah to name a few!
There were performances by Muskan from Bhairahawa, Yog Movie Garden team who danced in three songs as tribute to Karishma Manandhar, Pooja Chand and Shweta Khadka and Pranisha Thama Magar from Butwal.
The Achievement Awards were awarded to Anmol Rai – Miss Pink Nepal 2024, Sarosy Neupane – Miss Pink Nepal First Runner Up and Aarohi Basnet – Miss Pink Nepal Second Runner Up. Nilam shared how in her earlier years when she also participated Miss Pink Nepal, there were hardly any opportunities and interest shown towards the title winners and she felt it important to recognise the three ladies through the Achievement Awards for their participation and winning the respective titles.
The Excellence Awards went to Sonam Subba Limbu and Sanjita Baral. The two designers received this award for their continuous support to LGBTIQ+ people and wider community through their fashion, crafts and mentoring. Both designers are noted to be a friend of the community, often supporting LGBTIQ+ models.
The all-important province awards were received by LGBTIQ+ individuals working on rights, awareness and advocacy of the community. The process of selecting the winner for these categories was led by Nilam and a close-jury team.
A winner was announced for each pradesh (province):
- Pradesh One = Dev Narayan Chaudhary
- Pradesh Two = Abdul Shahmad (Nagma)
- Pradesh Three = Kiran Thapa
- Pradesh Four = Rajani Thakali
- Pradesh Five = Resham Neupane
- Pradesh Six = Anjali BC
- Pradesh Seven = Raju Lama
Nilam’s Award was presented by Kramasha Entertainment and sponsored by Nepse Bulls, Berries + Blues, Shot Station Thamel, Shanti Spa and Wellness, Potato Creation and Sandy Photography!
I was very pleased to be part of the event and see the recognition and the mic that Nilam was passing over. Some of us are lucky to have some form of a platform and a reach that a lot of young people may aspire to have themselves; so, it’s important that those of us that can – support hard working individuals on their journey and provide encouraging examples from the LGBTIQ+ community.
Till the next one!
