feature - Living

Treasure Namuna 

Island 

THE LIFESTYLE MONTHLY 

7Avatars of 

Sahana 

Vajracharya 

Technology 

Taking Over? 

in stylists’ shoes 

College 

of Fashion 

Milan Calling

Change the way you cook! 

with Sleek Accessories 

Make your life in the kitchen easy, fast and beautiful 

with Sleek’s modular kitchens and accessories. 

Available at: 

GPO Box. No. 8975, EPC 2700, Teku Road, 

Kathmandu (Next to Bakery Café), Nepal, 

Tel no.: 4-221858 / 4-212097 

Rajesh Sanitaryware 

Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu 

Tel : 4-440182 

AN ISO 9001:2008 COMPANY 

TM 

Sleek Kitchen Concepts 

Srijana Chowk, Pokhara 

Tel : 061-621863 

visit at www.sleekworld.com 

regoads

TERM NO.OF ISSUES COVER PRICE 

YOU PAY YOU SAVE 

BENEFIT 

One Year 12 Rs. 100 x 12 = 1200 Rs. 800 Rs. 400 

The Bakery Café 

(Price of four issues) Food Coupon worth Rs. 400 

Two Years 24 Rs. 100 x 24 = 2400 Rs. 1500 Rs. 900 

The Bakery Café 

(Price of nine issues) Food Coupon worth Rs. 800 

800 

To Subscribe, SMS “living” at 9851047233

ECS Media 

Photo by: Kishor Kayastha 

ECS Media 

www.facebook.com/ecsliving follow us @tweet_living 

78 

106 

130 

COVER STORY 

contents 

ISSUE 55 / JULY 15 - AUG 14 2011 

Treasure 

Island 

OH LORD, WON’T YOU JUST BURY ME WITH 

JEWELS? I LIKE GOLD, AND SILVER, AND 

DIAMONDS, AND PEARLS, AND ALL THAT 

MAKE ME LOOK RICH AND SOPHISTICATED. 

63 Monsoon menace 

Monsoon is here and has brought rain and all the usual problems 

with it. Read what a vehicle-owner needs to do to please the 

rain god. 

Text: Lynette F Chettri 

106 Seeking out shadows 

Who’d have thought that dark colors and a dim background could 

express so much? Explore the magic of shadows with 

photographer Kishor Kayastha as he experiments with lights to 

create something out of this world. 

130 Iron First! 

She was there at Miss Nepal 2010, she is there on TV, she’s in 

magazines, and just everywhere. This time Sahana Vajracharya 

has made it to the cover of LIVING. Plus, we present Sahana in 7 

different outfi ts that is sure to make you drool. 

Text: Nivida Lamichhane 

COVER PAGE 

SAHANA VAJRACHARYA 

Photography: 

KISHOR KAYASTHA (K2) 9851052778 

DESIGNED BY: TENZIN TSETEN BHUTIA 

MAKE UP & HAIR: RAJESH GHIMIRE, 

ARDEN BEAUTY POINT 

COVER DRESS ON AUCTION 

Whoever is interested to buy the dress, 

the bid starts from 

Rs. 10,000/-. They can send their bid at 

kellytenzin@rediffmail.com or sms at 

9803878476. The bid should be above 

10,000/-. The highest bidder gets the 

dress. The money will go to Autism 

Care Centre, a charity organisation 

which helps kids with autism.

ECS Media 

26 event 

� Happy Birthday Gen Next 

� Yoga Celebration in 1905 

� KASPERSKY ANTIVIRUS 2012 

Launched 

� Stitch It 

32 market watch 

� Porcelanosa 

� HP Concept Store 

� Together For Tourism 

� Hit the Road with SZ 

� McCain now in Nepal 

THE LIFESTYLE MONTHLY 

We endorse the recycling 

of our magazine and would 

encourage you to pass it on 

to others to read when you 

have fi nished with it. 

Publisher: ECS MEDIA PVT. LTD. 

Managing Editor: SUNIL SHRESTHA 

Director, Editorial & Marketing: NRIPENDRA KARMACHARYA 

Group Editor: ANIL CHITRAKAR 

Sr. Manager, Editorial & Marketing: SUDEEP SHAKYA 

Manager, Editorial & Marketing: NEERAZ KOIRALA 

Deputy Manager, Editorial & Marketing: NILADRI S. PARIAL 

118 

Photo by: Sanjog Rai 

47 gadget 

FEATURE: Technology 

Taking Over? 

REVIEW: Cell Phone 

Craziness 

56 travel 

Learning the basics of life 

through Annapurna Base 

Camp 

74 living talk 

The man who made 

things happen 

Living Magazine, Kupondole, Lalitpur, Nepal (Regd. 35/064/065). Tel: 501.1571, 501.1639 

No. 55 � 15 JULY - 14 AUG 2011 

contents 

ISSUE 55 / JULY 15 - AUG 14 2011 

108 122 

142 

Copy Editor: DINESH RAI 

Assistant Editor: UJEENA RANA 

Contributing Editor(Fashion): SEBASTIAN ALCALA 

Fashion Consultant: RUTH CLARKE 

Editorial Assistant/In-house Writer: 

GAURAV THAPA 

In-house Writers: BONITA BASNYAT, 

PRAJESH SJB RANA, POOJA BYANJANKAR, 

BARTIKA RAI 

Editorial Secretary: PRAGYA POKHREL 

Stylist: NITESH SHERCHAN 

Editorial Enquiries: editorial@living.com.np 

106 fashion 

ARTY FASHION: Seeking out 

Shadows 

FEATURE: In a City of Casuals 

FEATURE: Milan Calling 

FEATURE: Iron First! 

Design Executive: MANJESH MAHARJAN 

Assistant Design Executives: DIPESH MAHARJAN, ANJAN ALE 

Design Assistant: SMRITI SHRESTHA 

Design Trainee: SUNIL MAHARJAN 

Sr. Photographer: DASH B. MAHARJAN 

Photographers: SUYESH RAJ SHRESTHA, UMESH BASNET, 

HARI MAHARJAN, RABINDRA PRAJAPATI, MOHAMMAD 

SHAHNAWAZ 

Color Separation: CTP Nepal Pvt. Ltd, HATTIBAN, 525.0466, 525.0468 | Printing: JAGADAMBA PRESS, HATTIBAN, 525.0017/18/19 | Distributor: RB News 

Living Magazine is published 12 times a year at the address above. All rights reserved in respect of all articles, illustration, photography, etc published in Living Magazine. The contents of 

this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the 

publisher, who cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. All editorial inquiries and submissions to Living Magazine must be addressed to editorial@living.com.np 

EACH ISSUE: Rs. 100.00 in Nepal, ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION IN NEPAL: Rs 800.00 (For 12 issues) | Send all subscription request to Living Magazine, E-mail: subscription@ecs.com.np 

ECS Media 

136 with a pinch of 

salt 

From Amaravati to the ugliest 

city 

140 entertainment 

MOVIE: QFX Cinemas 

142 q&a 

Pallavi Dhakal 

SUBSCRIBER SUB 

DID NOT RECEIVE YOUR COPY? 

CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS? 

sms: 9851037733 or 

e-mail: sudeep@ecs.com.np 

Assistant Managers, Sales & Marketing: 

ANGIRAS MANANDHAR, BIJENDRA PRADHAN 

Sr. Sales Executive: VINAY RAJKARNIKAR 

Sales Executive: SAMITA BAJRACHARYA 

Assistant Sales Executive: MANISH AMATYA 

Sales Assistants: SABINA TULADHAR, 

SAPANA MAHARJAN 

Ad Enquiries: ad@ecs.com.np 

Sr. Executive, Subscription & Distribution: 

BIKRAM SHRESTHA 

Executive, Marketing & Subscricition: 

ATULYA ACHARYA 

Subscription Assistants: PRERANA AMATYA, 

ALIJA AMATYA 

Subscription Enquiries: subscription@ecs.com.np 

Admin Executive: SHRUTI SINGH 

Accounts Executive: JEENA TAMRAKAR 

Accounts Assistant: AMIR BAJRACHARYA

Ripcurl and Volcom 

now in Nepal 

The brands that have been creating waves in 

the international market already, Ripcurl and 

Volcom are set to be introduced by La About 

You in the domestic market. La About You 

plans to offer exclusive street brands under a 

single roof. Both synonymous to street wears 

and casuals, Ripcurl is more related to surfi ng 

wears and skateboarding wears whereas 

Volcom is related to beachwear. Both of them 

being street wears, they are set to offer 

comfort. These brands are casual wears and 

suit the streets of Kathmandu. 

‘Casuals and comfort can be fashionable’ 

seems to be the idea La About You wants 

to spread in the Nepali market. If you 

plan to make your purchase, La About 

You is right there at Sherpa Mall. 

Hit the Road with SZ 

After the successful launch of Yamaha 

SZ in India, Morang Auto Works, the sole 

distributor for Yamaha motorcycles in 

Nepal, has introduced the latest model, SZ 

150 series for the Nepali market. The bike 

is targeted to the commuter segment of 

Nepal and was unveiled at the Birtamod 

showroom of Yamaha on 16 June. Along 

with the special launch of the SZ series, the 

event also saw musical performances by 

Mingma Sherpa and Reshma Sunuwar. 

As the brand Yamaha is always associated 

with working to meet consumer 

expectations, Morang Auto Works believes 

that the SZ series will be able to create a 

new dimension in the Nepali motorcycle 

market. 

The SZ series has two models – SZ X and 

SZ R – both with self start. These models 

market watch 

26 

McCain now in Nepal 

McCain Foods, a global leader in the 

frozen food industry, has appointed 

Mango Tree International Pvt. Ltd as 

their exclusive agent and distributor for 

selling the McCain range of Frozen Potato 

Products & Appetizers in Nepal. 

Operating in 53 facilities, 130 countries 

worldwide and generating annual sales 

of over C$ 6b, McCain’s tasty, healthful, 

and convenient foods appear on grocery 

shelves and on family menus in large 

parts of the world. From a wide range of 

innovative food products that are better 

for you and fun to eat, McCain is creating 

smiles around the world. The company 

makes a broad range of French fries 

Bounce Lounge- more than an eating joint 

Centrally located, Kathmandu Mall 

offers a wide range of services and 

within it lies Kathmandu Mall Food Court 

which harbors the same objective. The 

open spacious food court offers a wide 

range of delicacies but if you want a 

cozy environment, then its neighbor, 

Bounce Lounge is just the place to be. 

The interior sets a relaxing mood and 

fi ttingly the couches are in tune with 

the lounge feel. On offer are: live band 

(His Will- which mostly plays English 

cover songs), DJ (House Mafi a Project). 

The place also plays Tracks and not to 

forget mocktails like Yeti’s Smile, Comfort 

and Green fi sh with Bearnoise sauce as 

offer the best combination of performance, 

mileage, and style. The mantra of the SZ series 

is ‘extra comfort, extra mile, extra 

pickup, extra warranty, and extra 

special price’ and the features 

seem to justify the mantra. The 

153cc air-cooled, four stroke, 

SOHC Cylinder Engine delivers 

a maximum 12.1 PS@7500 

rpm and a maximum torque 

of 12.8Nm@4500 rpm. This 

makes the bike the best 

bet for city roads. Moreover, 

the stylish 14-litre oil-tank gives 

better mileage to the driver. 

The all new Yamaha SZ 

carries a fi ve-year warranty 

with it. And the best part is 

that the bike has been priced at an 

affordable amount of NRs. 1,69, 900 only. 

and potato specialties as well as frozen 

pizza and pizza snacks, frozen green 

vegetables, desserts, oven dinners and 

entrees, specialty meat products, juice, 

punches, other beverages, appetizers, 

and other products. 

Now McCain’s delicious, top quality 

products will be available in Nepal 

in major retail outlets across 

Kathmandu including Bhatbhateni, 

Big Mart, Saleways, and Namaste. The 

introductory range in Nepal includes the 

foundation of McCain success, frozen 

potato products including a complete 

line of French fries and potato 

specialties. 

the main course will keep your mood 

and belly satiated. And if you crave for 

some Arabic Smoke, then Double Apple, 

Grapes, Berry, Chocolate and Mint are 

some of the fl avors on the menu. It does 

not end there, the adjacent space is for 

‘theatre screening’. 20 people can enjoy 

their favorite movies on the 42” screen 

at one time. Also on offer is ‘Happy 

Hour’. The environment is perfect for 

Family gatherings, Birthday bashes or 

just a casual date. And if an impromptu 

inking gets the better of you, a tattoo 

studio in the same premises can cater to 

your craving. For more, contact: 4150115

market watch 

30 

KASPERSKY ANTIVIRUS 2012 

Launched 

Designed for minimal impact on the computers running speed 

and program operation for optimal day-to-day use ,Kaspersky 

Anti-Virus, a new version of Kaspersky 2012 is the most 

advanced and effective technology against unknown threat and 

viruses. 

Launched on 25 June at Hotel Everest, the product incorporates 

latest technologies such as sandbox or launching suspicious 

application, a program activity monitoring module, a script 

emulator, a cloud-based reputation database, a virtual 

keyboard, and many other databases. 

Basudev Lakhe, MD and co-founder of Kaspersky Lab for 

Nepal explained, ‘Whenever a new virus is found in the 

computer, the technology automatically collects the sample 

of that malware and the users do not have to concern 

themselves with collecting huge data in the computer 

locally.’ 

“Kaspersky lab is providing a 60% discount on the international 

market rate and an additional 30% discount on the printed price. 

The single user version of Kaspersky Anti-virus is priced at Rs. 

1000 while the three-user edition costs Rs. 2000,” informed 

Sagar Dev Lakhe, CEO of Kaspersky Lab for Nepal. (Ashreeya Bhaju) 

Stitch- A must-attend fashion show 

Red Parrot, an event management institution, is organizing a 

unique clothing and designs event named ‘Stitch’. Scheduled for 

6 August, Stitch is presumed to be a mega event with the mantra 

to cater the fashion needs of people from different walks of life. 

Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza will be hosting the event and the 

extravagant affair will start from 6 pm. 

‘As most of the show consists of party wear and casual wear,we 

look forward to provide a wide range of clothing that can meet the 

requirement of our workplace as well,’ reads the press statement. 

Red Parrot will be targeting to create distinguished fashion 

statement for the professionals by creating and launching the 

clothing that goes parallel with the individual’s profession. 

The themes in the event would be party wear, executive wear, 

technicians, bridal wear, casual wear, club wear, and specifi c job 

wear. A cocktail party, a DJ session, and dinner will follow the show 

respectively. The event is partnered by LIVING. Tickets for this event 

are priced at Rs. 2,499 for a person and Rs. 4,499 for a couple.

market watch 

32 

‘Porcelanosa’ now in Nepal 

In order to provide excellent service to the 

valued clients around the world, Porcelanosa 

established more than 300 showrooms 

spreading worldwide from Madrid to New 

York London, Milan, Paris to Kathmandu. 

Porcelanosa Group thus assures its presence 

in the fi ve continents to show the steady 

improvement in innovation and design of all 

its products. 

The success of Porcelanosa is based on 

three premises: unconditional quality, a 

‘HP Concept Store’ at Civil Mall 

Neoteric Nepal, the authorized distributor of HP’s consumer computer products and laptops, 

world renowned brand ‘HP’ opened the fi rst the store aims to be a one-stop shop for today’s 

HP concept store in Nepal at Civil Mall. Neoteric smart, confi dent and selective users who need 

Nepal opened this HP Concept Store to meet personalized computer devices and laptops that 

the growing demands of HP products and 

penetrate the consumer base of the valley. 

best suit their individual needs.’ 

According to Sanjay Golchha, Managing 

Director, Neoteric Nepal, ‘People can get 

the widest range of HP Laptops, desktops, 

printers, accessories, supplies and high class 

service under the same roof. Showcasing 

commercial network of their own, and an 

infrastructure to embrace all these factors. The 

brand always assures that their installations 

have a perfect combination of functionality, 

versatility and distinction. It is an ISO 14001 

certifi ed Environmental Management System. 

Bajra & Bajracharya Enterprises is appointed 

to cater their services to their valued clients of 

Kathmandu, Nepal. Since the establishment, 

Bajra & Bajracharya Enterprises has dealt with 

renowned international products to provide 

their excellent service to valued clients. 

HP products are well known for its innovative 

technology, stylish-sleek look and high-class 

performance. This reliable brand is suitable for 

offi cial as well as personal use. HP Concept Store 

is the right store to get genuine HP consumer 

computer products and laptops at the right price.

market watch 

Bossini’s support for Nepal Tourism Year 2011 

Bossini, a leading fashion store in town, 

has tied up with Nepal Tourism Board. The 

All-new Sportage earns AutoPacifi c 2011 

“Vehicle Satisfaction Award” in the U.S. 

The 2011 Kia Sportage has received 

numerous accolades since it hit showrooms 

last summer. Adding to its long list of 

awards, the 2011 Sportage has received 

an AutoPacifi c 2011 ‘Vehicle Satisfaction 

Award’, based on positive feedback from Kia 

owners in the U.S. Named the top vehicle 

in the Compact Crossover SUV category, 

Sportage scored 10-rating points higher than 

the second place product and received high 

marks from owners for delivering strong 

value and overall satisfaction in the category. 

‘The 2011 Sportage has received 

overwhelming positive market feedback and 

attracted new consumers to the brand since it 

reached showrooms last year, thanks in large 

part to its unbeatable combination of worldclass 

design, class-leading fuel effi ciency, 

innovative technology features and long list 

of modern amenities,’ said Michael Sprague, 

Vice President, Marketing & Communications, 

Kia Motors America (KMA). ‘This latest award 

from AutoPacifi c not only highlights the brand’s 

commitment to customer satisfaction, but 

underscores the fact that offering stylish, high- 

34 

outcome is that Bossini has come up with the 

Visit Nepal 2011 t-shirts. This is the fi rst time that 

a foreign brand is collaborating with a national 

campaign to promote tourism in the country. 

These limited edition t-shirts are targeted both at 

tourists as well as local customers. Bossini intends 

to create mass awareness with these limited 

edition t-shirts. The t-shirts are available in all the 

Bossini stores and will soon be available for sale 

in different hotels across the country. 

‘Rahul Dairy Whitener’ ’ enters t the th dairy d i market k t 

On 22 June, Chitawon Milk Ltd launched 

Rahul Dairy Whitener in Nepal using 

local milk of cows and buffaloes from 

different parts of the country. 

It is very easy to make milk tea and 

coffee from Rahul Dairy Whitener as it 

easily dissolves in lukewarm water, and 

a tasty tea can be made anytime. It is 

manufactured using state-of-the-art 

technology in strict hygienic conditions. 

Rahul Dairy Whitener is available in air 

tight, bluish metallic pouch. This is the 

reason why Rahul Dairy Whitener is safe 

and of high quality. 

Rahul Dairy Whitener is available in the 

market in three different SKUs—900gm 

quality products at a compelling value and backed 

by an industry-leading warranty are factors that 

continue to resonate with consumers.’ 

The 2011 Sportage CUV offers value-, image-and 

safety-conscious consumers increased levels 

of performance and effi ciency, comfort and 

convenience, the latest in-vehicle technologies 

incorporated into all of Kia’s latest new vehicles 

and an abundance of standard safety features. 

Retaining the functionality and versatility of the 

previous generation model, the 2011 Sportage 

also offers a sleek, modern and boldly styled 

package with new proportions and a completely 

new look. A ‘2010 Top Safety Pick’ by IIHS, the allnew 

CUV received top ratings from IIHS for front, 

side, rollover and rear impact protection. 

priced Rs. 430, 450gm priced at Rs. 220, 

and 190gm priced at Rs. 100. 

Chitawon Milk Limited, the subsidiary 

organization of Chitawon Coe Group, has a 

mission to make the nation independent 

in the dairy sector by substituting foreign 

imports and producing innovative milk 

based products. It has already started 

the marketing of Rahul Milk, Rahul Ghee, 

Rahul Yoghurt , Rahul Cream , Rahul 

Paneer since the last one year in Narayani 

zone and its periphery. Consumers have 

well accepted its milk and milk based 

products in that region. Similarly, the 

company has also been successful in 

exporting Rahul SMP to Pakistan in the 

fi rst year of their operations.

36 

Gen Next celebrates its fi rst anniversary 

Generation Next Communications Pvt. 

Ltd (Gen Next), the authorized distributor 

for Dell Inc. in Nepal, celebrated its fi rst 

anniversary on 14 June at Hotel de l’ 

Annapurna. A subsidiary of Bhimsaria 

Group of Companies, Gen Next has been 

dealing in Dell laptops, desktops, printers, 

projectors, and monitors for the Nepali 

market. 

The event, which started at 4pm, 

celebrated the launch of the new 

Inspiron R series of Dell together with 

the completion of one successful year of 

the Dell-Gen Next partnership. Members 

from the Bhimsaria Group, offi cials of Gen 

Next, top-level managers from Dell, Dell 

resellers from different parts of Nepal, 

top-notch politicians and government 

Yoga Classes in 1905 

As part of a yoga celebration- yoga 

classes, a Bharatanatyam dance session 

and a screening featuring photos of yogis 

was held in 1905 Kantipath Studio from 

3 to 6 pm on 25 June . Since the yoga 

celebration is now a monthly event, 

people are encouraged to join and 

experience the vast benefi ts of yoga for 

both the mind and the body. 

The diverse ceremony included free 

Pranamaya yoga classes for those 

interested by yoga instructor Chrissy 

Gregory where she gave advice from 

easy breathing to muscle relaxation. 

She also stated that Pranamaya yoga 

focuses on relaxing the mind and the 

body. Yoga classes in 1905 Kantipath has 

started from 1 July providing various 

types of yoga such as fl ow yoga, hatha 

yoga and power yoga. Priced at Rs.5000 

and Rs. 8000 for ten and twenty classes 

market watch 

employees, people from the media, and other 

distinguished guests attended the event. 

Speech from the concerned offi cials, a press 

conference, dance shows, modeling, felicitation 

of the resellers, small contests, and a dinner 

and cocktail party were the part of the event. 

The event lasted till late night and was well 

received by the attendees. 

‘The new Inspiron R series joins Dell’s expansive 

collection of laptops equipped with the latest 

Intel processers and are fun, stylish, and 

lightning quick,’ read the press statement. 

The good work carried out by Generation 

Next Communications in its inaugural year 

was recognized by Dell and so won ‘The Most 

Valuable Partner of Dell’ award in the Dell 

Summit 2011 at Kuala Lumpur earlier this year. 

respectively, it also has a facility for 

one-timers with a drop-in class for 

Rs. 600. There is also a 10 week- 

pregnancy yoga course for Rs. 5000 at 

the Pranamaya studio in 1905 or the 

Moksh complex. 

Apart from the classes, Bharatanatyam 

was performed by students of the 

‘Indian Culture Centre’ (ICC) including 

different eyes and hand movements 

followed by awe-inspiring dances based 

on the Hindu deities Krishna and Shiva. 

The celebration ended with a slideshow 

of photographs depicting yogis from 

both Nepal and India by photographer 

Thomas Kelly. Called “Body Language: 

The Yogis of Nepal and India”, the 

pictures with subtle but powerful quotes 

not only made the viewers realize the 

true essence of the yogis but the power 

of yoga as well.

promotion 

38 

Place your food at foodmandu.com 

Foodmandu is the fi rst and only company 

in Nepal that provides multi-restaurant 

food ordering and delivery services. It 

has partnered with more than 50 popular 

restaurants in Kathmandu. To order 

your meal, you just need to visit their 

website www.foodmandu.com, fi nd the 

restaurant of your choice, select your favorite 

dish listed in the online version of the 

restaurant’s menu and place the order. Your 

food will come right to your door-step. If 

you don’t have access to the internet, you 

can also place phone orders. To make the 

telephone order easier, they plan to publish 

printed catalogue of menu of their partner 

restaurants in the near future. 

Prices and items listed in the online menu 

are exactly the same as you can see in the 

restaurants table menu. Generally, you can 

expect food to be delivered within 45 minutes 

from the time you place the order. If you order 

food worth Rs. 500 or above from your nearby 

restaurant (within 2 km), you’ll get the food 

delivered free-of-charge. If your choice of 

restaurant is a bit distant or the order amount is 

relatively small, a nominal delivery fee is charged. 

Recently, special lunch boxes have been 

introduced from some of their partner restaurants 

targeting corporate houses. Initially, 5 restaurants 

have prepared special lunch menu exclusively for 

Foodmandu customers. Price of the lunch boxes 

start from as low as Rs.75 and minimum order 

quantity is 10 boxes. 

Levi Strauss Signature is now Denizen! 

A store catering to the value-conscious 

customers of Kathmandu, Denizen is the 

ideal place to fi nd a perfect pair of tees 

and jeans. The name Denizen means 

inhabitant and is the result of a name 

change of the global brand Levi Strauss 

Signature. Without compromising in 

quality, they are now offering the same 

garments but at a much more reasonable 

price. 

This brand was launched primarily 

targeting the youth of today. Imported 

from India, t-shirts range from a price of 

Rs.800 to Rs.1,600 and jeans range from 

Rs.1,790-Rs.3,200. Fresh collections arrive 

on a monthly basis with guarantee. 

Denizen jeans complement each and every 

body type ranging from sleek, classic 

and curvy for the girls to skinny, slim and 

regular for the men. In addition, they 

provide alterations for free. 

A new global brand, Denizen is a promise 

of branded casual wear to the younger 

generation. For the stylish, cool, hip and 

young, shopping could not get any easier 

or better. Like their slogan states, “A new 

range of perfect fi tting jeans and cool tees 

that fi t your wallet just right”. 

Visit the shop located at NLIC City Center, 

shop G1 (ground fl oor) or at Civil Mall shop 

115 (fi rst fl oor) and see for yourself.

promotion 

‘Synda Mattress’ guarantees sound sleep 

Synda Mattress was developed by Orthopedic 

Physicians whose aim was to produce a 

mattress that is truly conducive to sleep. 

Since that time, consistent research and 

development has been undertaken under 

the concept Better Sleep through Technology, 

in order to create “the best spring system for 

a healthy sleep”. 

Synda invented the square-shaped spring 

coil ‘Pasteurized Micro Offset Spring’ which 

distributes weight evenly over the entire 

mattress surface. This invention is regarded 

40 

as “the fi nest and safest spring structure” 

and has become popular in over 40 

countries worldwide. Moreover, the Zoning 

Back Support System is exclusive to Synda 

and functions together with the Spring 

System to ease backache problem. 

Additionally, through continuous research 

and development, Synda developed 

the Synda Pocket Spring No Interruption 

system to solve the problem where many 

couples are often disturbed when one of 

them moves. This system can effectively 

overcome this problem. Each individual 

spring is wrapped in small pockets which 

react independently and do not transmit 

any disrupting force to other areas. No 

more interruption, no more disturbed 

sleep. 

Synda Mattress are available at SB 

Furniture, Lagankhel and Panipokhari, 

Home Maker, Manbhawan and Maitighar, 

Mac Décor, Kupondole, and Prime 

Furnishing, Kupondole. 

Ebisu- a famous brand in jewelry business 

Enter Ebisu and be prepared to be 

enraptured by a world of shine, 

shimmer, and luxury. From traditional 

gold to extravagant diamonds, this 

jewelry shop located in the heart of 

Durbar Marg offers everything a woman 

would go crazy for. 

Established more than 21 years ago and 

known as one of the oldest diamond shops 

in Kathmandu, Ebisu stresses on high quality 

jewelry, which is unique. The shop is divided 

into two sections; the gold section and the 

diamond and stones section. Both sections 

cater to the traditional market and also 

refl ect the style of the young and stylish. 

From religious lockets of Ganesh to 

mesmerizingly big diamond rings, from tiepins 

and watches to bracelets and earrings, this shop 

provides an array of choices, not to forget your 

very own personalized designs. Be it a gift for a 

loved one or a treat for yourself, Ebisu provides 

you with the best. 

The jewelers are glad that although the 

main culture in Nepal is still gold, the 

paradigm is slowly shifting to diamonds 

as well as other types of jewels. They 

hope that this will continue and greater 

awareness of diamonds will rise among the 

people. 

Contact: 4247226/4219016 

‘Station BBQ’ opens at Jhamsikhel 

Located at the heart of Jhamsikhel, 

‘Station BBQ’ has now been opened 

for fi ve months now. It is one of 

the unique places where BBQ meat 

is exclusively served. The most 

exclusive feature of this restaurant is 

that they have in-built tables where 

the customers are made to cook their 

own BBQ. The wooden planks are 

removable from the table and the 

raw meat is placed in the void. 

Offering all types of meat from raw 

chicken to beef to pork to lamb, they 

also offer free salads with each type of raw 

meat. Even though they’ve been open for 

only about fi ve months they tell us that 

for dinner there are a satisfying number of 

customers every evening, especially, on a 

weekend. The other feature of this restaurant 

is that it has a see-through kitchen where 

customers usually feel good to see their 

food being cooked. They also have singers 

entertaining them every week. 

This is one restaurant that we need to look 

out for and we’re sure that it’s going to do 

wonders in Jhamsikhel.

promotion 

42 

Interior Designing solutions with Urban Design 

Guaranteed quality and uniqueness in its 

products is the starting of the exclusive deals 

that only Urban Design can offer you. Urban 

Design at Anamnagar is a custom made 

furniture showroom with contemporary furniture 

pieces which are environmentally friendly, 

reasonably priced and carefully customized to 

suit your needs. What’s more, Urban Design 

has its own workshop and therefore produces 

original products with a copyright and also 

offers interior designing solutions. 

With the aim of catering to the market 

where consumers are not well versed in 

furniture and designing, this showroom is 

exemplary. With qualifi ed interior designers 

and client oriented business persons as 

proprietors, Urban Design is set to bring 

changes in the domestic market. If you plan 

to make a memorable furniture purchase this 

season, visit Urban Design at Anamnagar, on 

the fourth fl oor of the building that houses 

its sister concern, Casa – the home store. 

Comfort & Color- ‘United Colors of Benetton’ 

“There are very few people who have not 

heard of United Colors of Benetton,” says 

Neeru Shrestha, the Manager. With their 

initial store opened in 1993 at Jamal, the 

store moved to Durbar Marg in 2002 and 

now has branches at City Centre as well. 

As the Nepali people have become brand 

conscious over the years, brand loyalty 

has increased signifi cantly. “Especially 

since the last 4 or 5 years, we have seen 

a spectacular rise in the number of people 

opting for high quality brands,” claims 

Shrestha. With an average of almost 70- 

80 customers catered to in a day, United 

Colors of Benetton enjoys a healthy share 

of affection of the elite crowd. All thanks to 

Disclaimer: ECS Media does not endorse the claims of the listed organizations. 

the comfortable 100% cotton clothes that are 

available in different colors that complement 

each other perfectly. 

“Comfort and color is what separates this 

brand from others in the market. We provide 

international designs in all of our collections 

too,” explains Neeru about the brand infl uence. 

These new exclusive collections are changed 

every season with the newest being the 

Spring/Summer Collection comprising mostly of 

half-pants and sleeveless tops. There are ranges 

of clothing for ladies, gents and children, along 

with accessories that go with the clothing such 

as wallets, bags and belts. And for those who 

hesitate at the price range, the name United 

Colors of Benetton should say it all!

When my Living 

editor fi rst posed 

this topic: “Is 

technology making 

our lives easier?” 

I had to laugh 

out loud, and sure was glad that our 

communications are exclusively done 

through email - as not to embarrass. 

It’s not that the topic is silly; on the 

contrary, it’s not, but I had just spent 

the better part of the morning getting 

my email to work while on the road. I 

had some sort of SMTP setting wrong 

on my IMAP server... 

Huh? 

This, and problems just like this, 

often make me wonder if technology 

is indeed making our lives easier - or 

just frenetically more frustrating. 

So I skyped my wife and asked her, 

“Has technology made your life 

easier?” 

“Silly boy, of course it has,” she 

skyped back with a smiley face. “I 

can’t imagine anything easier than 

shopping online.” 

Point taken. But while shoe 

shopperson Zappos.com may fi nd 

shopping for new boots easier, what 

about the Zapppos.com employee 

and DHL delivery person that must 

make multiple deliveries before that 

one shoe sale is fi nally completed? 

For example, the last time I shopped 

Zappos, I returned a pair of Reeboks 

FOUR times before I was happy. That 

surely must have frustrated someone... 

But what I fi nd more interesting about 

this question is that Technology, easy 

or hard, good or evil, maybe required 

for us to continue surviving as a 

species. In other words, even if we hate 

technology, fi nd it diffi cult, wish for 

the olden days, etc., we absolutely need 

technology to carry on, as without it, 

we would all be in deep doodoo. 

I got to thinking about this just 

yesterday while over at newscientist. 

com, where I found an interesting 

article about llama dung, corn and 

gadget 

FEATURE | REVIEW 

Technology 

Taking Over? 

Is technology a boon or a curse? Are the new gadgets, 

technological inventions making lives simple or are we 

forced into an abyss of darkness? 

TEXT: PAUL REITMAN, Tech Writer in Nepal 

the Incas. According to research 

done by Alex Chepstow-Lusty, 

scientists have concluded that the 

“seed change” for the Incas (and the 

empire that they built) was rooted 

in a single new technology of the 

time: organic fertilizer. That’s right, 

llama poop allowed the Incas to 

switch from hunting and gathering 

to maize production. Once the 

storehouses were full of this portable, 

high-energy food source, the Incas 

had more leisure time to devote to 

more advanced activities, like metal 

weapons production and subsequent 

pillaging and plundering. 

So goes the role of technology 

throughout history. Gunpowder 

for the Chinese, Romans and their 

roads, Britain and the blast furnace, 

America and its Manhattan Project, 

are all examples following along 

this vein. And the 21 st century seed 

change is arguably electronics, 

and what they have brought about: 

quantum (and personal) computers, 

nanotechnology, biotechnology, 

green technologies, and space travel.

46 

And while I can fi nd out 

anything about everything 

online, I can’t seem to 

remember anything about 

anything offl ine. 

ECS Media

Today’s explosion of electronic 

devices has set off others of interest 

as well (besides exploding iPods and 

imploding nuclear reactors), and 

that’s the “data explosion.” Just 8 

years ago it was estimated that the 

total amount of data online was 5 

exabytes. To put that into perspective, 

5 exabytes is the amount of computer 

storage needed to hold every single 

word ever uttered by a human being. 

Today, it is estimated that over 

21 exabytes of data fl ow over the 

Internet each and every month, and 

that number continues to climb. 

But the “amount of data” is 

not the only number exploding 

exponentially. The number of users 

of data is exploding as well, along 

with the revenue streams that all 

these numbers ultimately translate 

into. 500 million Facebook users, 

who click an estimated 3 billion 

LIKE buttons per day. 200 million 

Twitter users, whose base is growing 

at a rate of 1400% a year. 2 million 

Google searches each and every 

minute, with Google’s net worth 

now estimated to be over $190 

billion USD. These numbers are 

unprecedented in anything we can 

fi nd in human history. 

gadget feature 

49 

But the real question boils back to 

where we began: is any of this going 

to help us as individuals, or better 

yet, as a species? 

Well, let’s consider the printing press 

(a seed change of sorts from the middle 

ages) and compare that to printing and 

reading today. Out of the 32 million 

titles catalogued by the Library of 

Congress, 3 million of those books are 

now available online, and can be freely 

read using your mobile phone or other 

e-reader. There are also over 4 million 

online newspapers, with the average 

Internet user (all 2 billion or so of 

them) visiting at least one newspaper 

every time they get connected. 

Unprecedented. But where is this all 

going? 

Enough energy (in time) is spent online 

using Farmville and Cityville in a single 

day to feed and house the entire planet 

(if only these virtual crops hosted on 

Zynga could be translated into real food 

and shelter for the masses).But has 

world hunger lessened one bit since the 

introduction of the Internet? No. 

I often have to sit back and laugh at 

technology (perhaps to keep from 

crying). I can remember a time when 

the remote control for a TV set was 

new technology, and a bit of a struggle 

to use. Now, I simply can’t fi nd it. I 

can remember a time when I had to 

manually type in a table of contents for 

a report that I was writing; now, I can 

do that automatically, but only after 

installing the lasted version of Microsoft 

Word, rebooting my computer, and then 

scanning for virus infections for about 

an hour or two. I can also remember a 

time when I did everything without the 

use of a personal computer, but now I 

can’t do anything at all without one... 

My wrists hurt (Carpel Tunnel 

Syndrome), my eyes are weaker 

(Computer Vision Syndrome) 

and my back pains all the time 

(Musculoskeletal Degeneration) - all 

from using a computer for the past 

25 years. And while I can fi nd out 

anything about everything online, 

I can’t seem to remember anything 

about anything offl ine. 

I am sure that technology is making 

my life easier(somehow), but at what 

cost, and at what benefi t to others? 

Perhaps it’s too early to begin 

looking for those answers, besides, 

they’re not in Google yet �

gadget review 

CELL PHONE 

CRAZINESS 

Mobile phones are about the only devices that our local market gets 

updated with quickly. And it’s a good thing, too, since it’s the only 

thing we never forget to carry, and it’s the one piece of technology 

that is forever updating itself. Here are some of the latest phones that 

might make you look at your current one and wonder… 

TEXT: PRATIK VAIDYA 

Lives up to its name 

Blackberry Torch 9800 

An impressively built gadget, and the ultimate 

email machine 

� Full slide-out hardware QWERTY keyboard 

� Ample 3.2” multi-touch capacitive touchscreen 

� 480 x 360 display is a generation behind the 

competition in terms of resolution and pixel density 

� Classic Blackberry optical trackpad 

� 512MB RAM and 4 GB internal storage powered 

by a 624MHz Marvell CPU 

� 5 MP autofocus camera with LED fl ash takes 

excellent shots 

� Camera interface is smart and easy 

� VGA video recording takes 640x480 resolution 

clips 

� BlackBerry OS 6 improves applications, web 

browsing, emailing and a lot of nifty stuffs 

� Universal search actually delivers on the 

“everything at your fi ngertips” cliché 

� Built-in GPS with BlackBerry maps preloaded 

� Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n support 

� Hot-swappable microSD card slot 

� 3.5mm standard audio jack 

� Document viewer 

� Good audio quality 

� DivX and XviD support 

� Battery life is among the best in the market 

� A bit pricey 

Price: Rs 46,000 

Place: Mobile Stop, Durbar Marg 

Phone: 4241814 

50 

� 4” 16M-color capacitive SLCD touchscreen is super 

clear and crisp 

� Features Android OS v2.2 Froyo with an improved 

version of the much-loved HTC Sense UI 

� Powered by a zippy 1 GHz Scorpion CPU and a 

dedicated Adreno 205 GPU 

� 768 MB RAM and 1.1 GB storage provide plenty of 

speed and back-up 

� 8GB micro SD card included 

� 8 MP autofocus camera with dual LED fl ash can 

take brilliant pictures 

� 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera 

� 720p video recording @ 30fps is comparatively 

mediocre 

� Wi-Fi b/g/n with DLNA support 

� Ability to remotely forward calls as well as remote 

phone-locking and erasing data 

HTC Incredible S 

� HTC Locations provides basic offl ine maps 

� DivX/XviD video support 

� Dolby Mobile and SRS WOW HD makes a real 

difference in music quality 

� Touch-sensitive keys under the screen change 

orientation and rotate-a neat trick 

� Rubbery matte black fi nish oozes class and 

sturdiness 

� Impressive battery life 

� One of the best smartphones out there. Currently 



Phone: 4241814

Samsung Nexus S 

Certainly an evolution, if not necessarily a 

revolution 

� Features a 4.0” WVGA (480x800) Super AMOLED 

screen 

� Contour Display with curved glass screen 

� Three-axis gyro sensor 

� Proximity sensor for auto turn-off 

� Runs the latest Android OS 2.3 Gingerbread 

� Live wallpapers are fun and interesting 

� Powered by a 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A8 

(Hummingbird) processor 

� supported by adequate 512MB RAM and a 

whopping 16GB storage 

� No card slot to increase storage 

� 5MP camera with LED fl ash is decent enough 

� Includes a front-facing VGA camera for video calls 

What is it? 

Wi-Fi Direct: Is a certifi cation mark for devices supporting a 

game-changing new technology enabling Wi-Fi devices to connect 

directly one-to-one or in a simultaneous group connection, making 

it simple and convenient to do things like print, share, synch and 

display. Mobile phones, cameras, printers, PCs, and gaming devices 

can now connect to each other directly to transfer content and 

share applications quickly and easily. Products supporting Wi-Fi 

Direct can connect to one another without joining a traditional 

home, offi ce or hotspot network. 

gadget review 

� Disappointingly, no 720p video recording 

� Wi-Fi b/g/n with DLNA support 

� Can be turned into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot 

� Features a Near Field Communication chip 

� Stereo Bluetooth 2.1 

� Standard 3.5mm audio jack 

� Adobe Flash support makes web browsing 

enjoyable 

� Authentic Android user experience 

� Latest Google Mobile apps pre-installed 



Phone: 4241814 

52 

A super-slim power package 

� Just 9.2mm in thickness, and weighs 

just 109 grams 

� Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate 

� Ambient light and proximity sensor 

� 4-inch NOVA display is clear and 

bright, and can stand up to industry 

leaders 

� Runs Android OS v2.2 Froyo with LG 

Home launcher 2.0 and Gesture UI 2.0 

� Gesture controls with dedicated 

button is fun and smart to use 

� Powered by a TI OMAP 1Ghz 

processor with 512MB RAM 

� 5MP camera with LED fl ash features 

face detection and geo-tagging 

� No dedicated camera key is 

frustrating 

� 2MP front-facing camera for video 

LG Optimus Black P970 

calls is a welcome feature 

� Capable of 720p videos but HD video 

clips come out with distorted aspect 

ratio 

� Wi-Fi b/g/n with Wi-Fi direct and 

DLNA 

� 2GB storage, with 2GB microSD card 

included 

� Stereo Bluetooth 2.1 support 

� DivX/XviD video support 

� Adobe Flash 10.1 support 

� Document viewer and editor 

capabilities 


Place: LG Mobile Concept Store, Civil 

Mall (and all other LG outlets) 

Phone: 4254025/4253974 

Near-Field Communication: It’s basically a variation of other shortrange 

wireless technologies that users can use to exchange things like 

text, images, URL’s or other data. The defi ning aspect of NFC is that 

devices can be interacted with quickly and simply by bringing them 

close, typically at a distance of 4cm or less. NFC works with “smart 

tags”, and information is transferred TO your device and not the other 

way around. The potentials for NFC include secure contactless payment 

(acting as ‘digital wallets’), healthcare information tags and social 

media among a probable list of hundreds at the least.

Dhapasi, Ring Road 

Phone: 2171282, 9851082325

Learning the basics of life through 

Annapurna 

Base Camp 

It was not something they were forced to decide at 

gun-point, nor was there a mountain of money on 

offer—they decided to do it anyway…because they just 

wanted to. To conquer their own fears, to test their own 

limitations and to get that high. 

AS TOLD TO SUMIT POUDYAL, PHOTO COURTESY RANJIT ACHARYA 

On 17 April, an 

ebullient ensemble 

of eight – Shekhar 

Golchha, Seema 

Golchha, Vijay S. 

Baid, Ranjit Acharya, 

Sixit Bhatta, Rahul More, Abir Tiwari 

and Alakh Gajapati Raju – took off from 

Kathmandu for a trek to Annapurna 

Base Camp (ABC). Months of planning 

for some and a hasty decision for others, 

the trek to the base camp of Annapurna 

had been on their to-do list for quite 

some time. It was just that they had not 

been able to fi x the dates. A trek of seven 

days through one of the most pristine 

environs was a rejuvenating experience 

for the real busy-ness people of Nepal. 

We left from Birethanti with two 

guides and fi ve porters. We carried 

our backpacks (and cameras) and 

the porters carried other stuffs. 

But even if you need to buy 

anything on the way, you do get 

them. 

We felt that we were quite lucky 

because we did the trek during the 

best season, so we got the chance 

to witness topographical variety. 

When we left from Pokhara, it was 

a different terrain altogether. We 

crossed the amazing Rhododendron 

forests. Then we walked through a 

bamboo forest followed by wilderness 

– nothing but rocks. And fi nally 

there was snow. Trekking during this 

season has its perks. You get to explore 

the culture, the fl ora and fauna, the 

varying weather and topographical 

conditions. Every day, we felt that the 

1. Natural bounty overshadows the hardship of everyday 

life at altitude. 

2. A view of the sun-kissed summit wakes up the soul. 

3. As a testimony to the trek, the group poses for a picture 

at the base camp. 

4. The group munches on Gurung bread for breakfast. 

5. At 3700 meters, a humble abode is more than welcome. 

2 

1

travel 

3 

views and the experience were better 

than the previous days. 

What kept us going was the longing 

for snow. All fi ve days that we walked 

until we reached Machhapuchare Base 

Camp (MBC), we were like, “Is there 

snow up there?” And when we reached 

there, it was only snow. However, 

at MBC, you witness only 10 percent 

of the beauty. We clicked around 

600 pictures on the way, and may be 

another 600 at ABC. All put together, 

we had around 2,500 pictures. 

Every place we stayed at, our porters, 

guides, and all of us would dine

4 

together. The guides took our orders, 

the porters served us food; they helped 

the hotel staff in the kitchen. The 

team work was so good. Throughout 

the trekking route, the menu is the 

same in all the places – fi nalized by 

a governing body of hotel operators. 

You get chocolate pancakes, pizza, 

pasta, everything. Normally, one 

would think that maybe they get some 

commission or discount, and that’s 

why they were working, but that was 

not the case. They wanted to make 

sure that we received good hospitality. 

A lot of people ask us, “Wasn’t it 

diffi cult?” It wasn’t exactly. You walk 

higher up every day and as you do 

so, you are acclimatizing yourself. 

Another thing that people are worried 

about is the facilities. You don’t need 

to; you get all necessary items. 

Because you walk for up to seven 

hours every day, physical fi tness is 

a requisite. It is important to have 

guides. They train you on how to walk 

and show you around, talk about the 

natural and cultural heritage. But 

remember, they won’t tell you unless 

you ask. Spending on the trek gear is 

very important. You need good hiking 

shoes because the shoes take all the 

pressure; hiking socks are important 

because if you have one blister, your 

trek is done. Plus you need a good 

58 

raincoat, sun screen, hat or hiking 

cap, sunglasses and good walking 

sticks. Some may argue that the 

porters walk all the way up and down 

wearing slippers. That’s true, but we 

can’t do that. It is nice that you have 

a group of six to eight. And it is not 

necessary that you have a group of 

like-minded people. At the end of the 

day, you all come together. 

Whenever you have the time to travel, 

go to places in Nepal. You travel to 

destinations abroad but don’t know 

much about your own country. What 

could be more shameful than this? 

Explore your country fi rst and tell 

people how beautiful it is. Trekkers 

on the ABC circuit are given different 

Throughout the trekking 

route, the menu is the 

same in all the places – 

fi nalized by a governing 

body of hotel operators. 

You get chocolate 

pancakes, pizza, 

pasta, everything. 

routes so that all villages on the way 

get their share of tourists. Even if you 

support one individual, you’re doing 

something. We spent around Rs.32,000 

each, which includes bed, meals, and 

charges and tips for porters and guides. 

But if you want to, you can even do it 

for half the price. You may opt to hire 

fewer porters and no guides at all. 

When we were fl ying back to 

Kathmandu, we were at some 12,500 

feet. It was then that we realized 

that we had walked at an altitude 

higher than that. � 

Writer’s note: As the trek came to an end, the group 

members signed on the map as a memoir of their trip. Of 

the many comments on the autographed map, one read: 

“No more ECG, I did ABC.” 

5

Asri Jewelers presents a completely new range of find handcrafted 

jewelry, the Asri Collection. Experience the all-new Asri collection 

at our flagship store in New Road.

ECS Media 

Monsoon Menace… 

How to deal with it? 

TEXT: LYNETTE F. CHETTRI 

The monsoon this year 

has come a little too 

soon! None the less it is 

fi nally here and it has, 

surely, brought with it, 

a lot of relief from the 

sweltering heat that Kathmandu 

has been experiencing lately. But 

rains do not just mean sitting 

on the balcony and sipping hot 

coffee... Rather, it brings with 

it not just the coolness of the 

weather but also the nightmares 

of waterlogged streets, low 

visibility and extra care for your 

dream machine. 

Now the time has come to make 

sure your car is prepared for 

the rains. So, I shall give you a 

few pointers that will help you 

go a long way in keeping your 

automobile in prime health, even 

during a deluge. 

Tires 

Your car’s tires are the only four 

points of contact your vehicle 

has with the road, so they’re 

crucial. Make sure the car 

tires are in excellent condition 

before the monsoons arrive, as 

they will be in constant touch 

with the wet slippery roads. To 

avoid skids and unwanted jolts, 

make sure the tires have good 

tread depth. Compromising on 

this could prove dangerous. Car 

tires should be minimum 2mm in 

depth, including the spare. Fine 

auto 

parts of dust get entrenched in 

the tires, causing them to skid. 

Rubber has a tendency to soften 

when it comes in contact with 

water. Check the tire pressure 

regularly and infl ate it to the 

recommended pressure when it 

is cold. This increases driving 

comfort and the life of the tires. 

Wipers 

Replace your car’s wipers — 

last year’s wipers have in all 

likelihood hardened and cracked, 

even if they seem all right. The 

wiper blades are better when 

new. Always make sure they are 

of good quality, non-streaking 

and smooth functioning. The 

wiper blades should not be hard

ECS Media 

and cracked. They will cause 

scratches on the windscreen. 

Check if the wipers work in all 

the three speeds (slow, normal 

and fast) before you head out. 

Instead of ordinary water for 

your windshield wiper, try using 

some solution like soap solution 

for better visibility. 

Headlights and taillights 

Ensure that these are working 

properly because during a heavy 

downpour, visibility is poor, 

not only for you but also for the 

driver behind you or coming 

towards you from the opposite 

direction. These lights can be a 

lifeline for you, so, it’s always 

better to be safe than sorry. 

Brakes 

The most crucial part of a vehicle, 

brakes calipers must be regularly 

cleaned and replaced. Brakes 

should not be too loose or too tight. 

Keep using the car brakes, as water 

may make the brake drums wet, 

causing low braking effi ciency. 

Make sure the handbrake works 

fi ne. Similarly, make sure that your 

car brakes are well-oiled and are 

working properly. You never know 

when you may have to hit the 

64 

brakes on a wet, slippery road! That 

said, don’t speed during the rains 

and drive carefully to avoid any 

untoward incident. 

Car Electricals 

Patch up all the weak or loose 

electrical connections and check if 

all the external wires are insulated. 

These tend to act up in the 

monsoons. Also check to see if all 

the fuses are in order and always 

carry a few extra fuses with you 

especially if you are planning on a 

longer trip than usual. 

Body 

Moisture plays havoc with 

paint. Pollution increases the 

acidity of rain water and this 

in turn increases the toll on a 

car’s body surface signifi cantly. 

You can help stem this damage 

by treating the car to a sparkle, 

with a good quality wax polish. 

Besides improving the vehicle’s 

appearance, a good polish helps 

dispel moisture, thereby, reducing 

the corrosive effect of water. 

Car Interiors 

Floor mats and monsoons do not 

go together. Floor mats tend to soil 

and wet very quickly and in the 

Headlights and 

taillights 

Ensure that these 

are working properly 

because during a 

heavy downpour, 

visibility is poor, 

not only for you but 

also for the driver 

behind you or coming 

towards you from the 

opposite direction. 

monsoons it’s worse. Try using an old 

set of fl oor mats for the monsoons, 

you can always throw them away 

after the rains and it wouldn’t 

matter much if they get soiled. Fabric 

mats make better absorbers of water 

than rubber mats. 

Ventilation is one of the most 

important aspects for the 

monsoons. If the car interior is 

wet, roll down the windows and 

let the interiors dry. Be sure to 

vacuum the interiors regularly and 

clean the mud and dirt off of them. 

The interiors can also smell stale 

due to the car seats getting wet. 

Keep the windows open and let 

the seats dry, this also helps to 

avoid formation of fungus. It is 

advisable to use a car perfume to 

rid your interiors of the smell. 

The use of perfumes with light 

fragrance will help the car smell 

nice and fresh. 

Finally, also make sure, your feet 

or footwear is dry before getting 

behind the wheel. Wet shoes and 

socks can slip off the pedals. 

Now, drive out and enjoy the 

rains!!! �

When I was 

assigned 

to assist 

the shoot 

for the 

ECS ad, 

I jumped a feet high with 

excitement. The whole ad 

was planned to be shot in one 

day which suggested a hectic 

schedule as there were fi ve 

different locations (each to 

represent different publications 

of ECS media and one as a 

summary) for a 30-second 

advertisement. Teenz was only in 

its conceptual phase back then. 

And Life and Times had not even 

been formulated. Director Murray 

Kerr, a British Filmmaker of the 

SickCity fame had conceived the 

project. The way it was planned was 

to move through the covers, with 

the character (model for the Ad, 

Sabona Limbu) somehow featured 

on each cover, yet she is reading 

a copy of the previous magazine 

featured each time, pulled out from 

the previous shot. 

So, all the crew members met on a 

chilly December day at Nepix Studio, 

Tripureshwor and started discussing 

the fi rst shot while the model got into 

her glamorous dress and makeup. The 

fi rst shot was for Living magazine, 

68 

ECS 

Behind the Scenes of the 

CORPORATE AD 

You must surely have seen it during your movie outs 

at one of the QFX halls. It feels like ages since we shot 

it. But notes of appreciation have been received from 

lots of people. So, what really happened behind the 

scenes? Let’s fi nd out from an eye witness. 

TEXT: NIVIDA LAMICHHANE. 

where the model wore a short 

cocktail dress and walked with poise 

while a large fan was blowing in her 

direction making her hair fl y away 

like we see in Hollywood movies! The 

whole thing looked so interestingly 

spectacular. After a few fl ings and 

hair swings and pouts, the shoot for 

the fi rst location was wrapped up. 

We then proceeded to the second 

location, Chaitanya Spa where 

we would be shooting for Healthy

Life. The theme there was Sabona 

enjoying the warm Jacuzzi and 

relating to its health benefi ts. It 

was mid-afternoon by the time 

we got over this shot and we 

headed for lunch. We discussed 

the remaining two locations and 

shots and talked about what could 

be the best approach. After a 

satiated lunch, we left for the next 

location which was for a summary 

of all the publications. This took 

place in a Stationery shop where 

all the magazines from ECS Media 

were available. This was the most 

important part of the whole ad so 

we shot it with great care. After 

this was done, we waited for the 

sunset which was a must for our 

next shot. Murray was very serious 

about his job. Once he wanted 

something, he would stick to it and 

try to do his best! It was at an old 

temple in Tripureshowr and this 

time for ECS Nepal. There were 

background elements required for 

this shot so we hunted for small 

girls who knew how to dance in 

order to showcase the cultural 

side of Nepal. We fi nally found 

some who danced splendidly! After 

69 

The fi rst shot was for Living magazine, 

where the model wore a short cocktail 

dress and walked with poise while a large 

fan was blowing in her direction making 

her hair fl y away like we see in Hollywood 

movies! The whole thing looked so 

interestingly spectacular. After a few fl ings 

and hair swings and pouts, the shoot for 

the fi rst location was wrapped up. 

having practiced the shot more 

than twenty times, the lighting was 

perfect and we all rushed to get it 

right and after the director shouted 

the words “ Cut” everyone had big 

smiles spread across their faces. 

It was dark by the time we reached 

our second last location. All tired 

and worn out at Tamarind; Jhamel, 

over a cup of coffee, we discussed 

the next shot and got ready for it. 

This was for Fr!day and it had all 

the spark and entertainment needed 

for a tabloid. The day came to an end 

and we were all happy and satisfi ed 

with our work completed! 

After a month or so, when I was 

chomping off my popcorns in one of 

the halls of QFX, I saw the ECS ad. At 

fi rst I couldn’t tell if it was the same 

one. It all looked so different yet 

glamorous. � 

To watch the corporate ad, 

visit www.living.com.np

your favorite restaurants 

with your favorite cuisine 

boudha 

THE CAFE 

Hyatt Regency 

Kathmandu 

Taragaon, Boudha 

4491234 

Chicken and Noodle 

Soup Rs. 500 

Chicken Schnitzel Rs. 

700 

Salmon Bagel 

Sandwich Rs. 650 

ROX RESTAURANT 

Hyatt Regency 

Kathmandu 

Taragaon, Boudha Tel: 

4491234 

Char Grilled Prawns 

Rs. 1450 

Australian Lamb 

Ossobucco Rs. 1400 

Melting Chocolate 

Rs. 525 

BOUDHA STUPA 

RESTAURANT AND CAFE, 

Boudha 

012130681 

pumpkin soup Rs. 175 

Tuna Salad,Nicoise style 250 

Crocodile Tears Rs. 350 

THE BAKERY CAFÉ 

Boudha 

4464438 

Tareko Sausage Rs.185 

eating out 

70 

THE DETAILS PROVIDED IN THE LISTINGS ARE TENTATIVE AND ARE SUBJECT 

TO CHANGE. FOR CLASSIFIEDS & ADVERTISEMENTS CALL 

MR.VINAY RAJKARNIKAR, TEL: 5011571, MOBILE:9841867802 

Cheese Burger Rs.120 

Club Sandwich Rs.180 

babar mahal 

Walter’s Restaurant 

& Bar 

BabarMahal Revisited 

4253337 

Chicken Cutlets Rs. 

650 

Pork Steak On The 

Bone Rs. 750 

Beef & Melted Cheese 

Escalop Rs. 800 

Baithak 

Babar Mahal Revisited 

4267346 

Maharaja feast/Deluxe 

feast Rs. 1200 / 1500 

Nepali thali 

(served on a silver 

plate) Rs. 250 

Newari Set Rs. 250 

Shogun Restaurant 

& Bar 

Babar Mahal Revisited 

4263720 

Makunochi Lunch Box 

Rs. 500 

Raw Assorted Sashimi 

Rs. 750 

Ebi Sushi Rs. 300 

Chez Caroline 

Babar Mahal 

4263070 

Salad Caroline Rs.650 

Pepper Steak Rs.755 

Salmon Steak Rs.915 

new 

baneshwor 

THE BEIJING GARDEN 

CHINESE RESTAURANT 

New Baneshwor 

4784828, 4789829 

Veg. Fried 

Corn Rs.250 

Mutton Boneless 

in Chain Rs.395 

Prawns Big Garlic Rs.675 

durbar marg 

MILK COFFEE & COCKTAIL 

Woodland Complex 

Durbar Marg, 

Kathmandu 

9851121606 

Starbux capucheeno: 

Nrs. 140 

Golden Fried Prawn: 

NRs. 360 

Caramalized Pineapple 

Margarita: NRs. 390 

ROYAL SAINO 

RESTAURANT 

Durbar Marg 

Non Veg Platter 

MOMO Rs. 150 

Chicken malai 

Kabab Rs. 200 

Chicken 

Shalick Rs. 250 

GAZEBO RESTRO LOUNGE 

Durbar Marg 

9841397603 

(R. C), 

Crispy 

Chicken Rs. 395, Kitchen 

Alakeb Rs. 340 

Nachay with 

Salsa Rs. 225 

COFFEE SHOP 

Durbar Marg 

4221711 

Masala 

Dosa Rs.175 

Chicken 

Mo:Mo Rs.250 

Chicken Kathi 

Roll Rs.250 

COURTYARD 

RESTAURANT 

Kamaladi 

4253056 

Roasted 

Chicken Rs.195 

Chicken 

Steak Rs.190 

Mix Pizza Rs.220 

GHAR-E-KABAB 

Durbar Marg 

4221711 

Tandoori Kabab 

Platter Rs.1200 

Chicken Resmi 

Kabab Rs.500 

Gosht Ke Mulayam 

Kabab Rs.525 

Vintage Café & Pub 

Durbarmarg 

4254831 

Vintage Platter 

Rs. 400 

Wins Rs. 250 

Vintage 

Steak Rs. 350 

KFC Restaurant 

Durbarmarg 

4226287 

Hot & Crispy 

Chicken (Large 

Bucket) Rs. 949 

Hot Wings (Large 

Bucket) Rs. 949 

Zinger 

Meal Rs. 269

72 

Pizza Hut 

Durbarmarg, 4226287 

Hot & Crispy Chicken 

(Large Bucket) Rs. 

949 ++ 

Hot Wings (Large 

Bucket) Rs. 949++ 

Zinger Meal Rs. 269++ 

kamaladi 

Courtyard Restaurant 

Kamaladi, 4253056 

Roasted Chicken 

Rs. 295 ++ 

Grilled Fish Rs. 280++ 

Chicken Steak Rs. 

270++ 

Cube The Club With 

Candles Restro Lounge 

Kamaladi, 4438017 

Golden Kings Prawn 

Rs. 500 ++ 

Chicken Polokai Rs. 

200++ 

Mutton BBQ Rs. 250++ 

lazimpat 

BHUMI RESTO LOUNGE 

Lazimpat, 4412193 

Mixed Bara Rs.95 

Mixed Chhatamari Rs.90 

Buff Chhoela Rs.100 

OLIVE GARDEN 

Radisson Hotel, 


Italian Cuisine 

Gourmet Trout Rs. 800 

Dinner 6:30pm onwards 

STREET CAFE 

Lazimpat 

9841657041 

Chicken 

MO:MO: Rs 80 

Extravaganza Pizza:190 

Newari Set: 80 

BHUMI RESTO LOUNGE 


Mixed Bara Rs.95 

Mixed Chhatamari Rs.90 

Buff Chhoela Rs.100 

Dharahara 

Chicken Bar B 

Que, 

Rs. 225.00 

Fish & Chips, 

Rs. 260.00 

THE BAKERY CAFÉ 

Bhatbhateni 

Masala Dosa, 

Rs. 125.00 

C MoMo Chicken, 

Rs. 145 

Pulchwok 

Steak Italian, 

Rs. 270.00 

Pizza Express 

Lazimpat 

2161212 

Extravaganza Rs. 460 

Deluxe Rs. 460 

Chicken Chatpat Rs. 

460 

Shambala Garden Cafe 

Shangri-la Hotel, 

Lazimpat 

4412999 

Quiche Lorraine With 

Fresh Fruit 

Salad Rs. 450 

Pan- Seared 

Salmon Rs. 450 

Grilled 

Chicken Rs. 475 

Him Thai Restaurant 

& Bar 

Lazimpat 

4418683 

Tom Yam Keii / 

Kumg Rs. 400 

Sam Tam 

Pak Rs. 250 

Yum Woon Seen 

Pak Rs. 250 

new road 

SHISHA CAFÉ 

New-Road, 

4263668 

Shisha Special 

Barbecue: Rs.190 

Shisha Special Pizza 

(Large) : Rs.200 

Sizzler Chicken: Rs.190 

CAFÉ OLLA RESTAURANT 

& BAR 

Kantipath, Jamal 

4232673 

Ifu Noodle – 120 

Korean chicken – 200 

Meat lover’s 

Pizza- 250 

VISHRAM RESTAURANT 

Basantapur, Tel. 2012127 

Roasted Pork Rs. 215 

Fried Whole 

Taglatella Fungi, 

Rs. 210.00 

Teku 

Khukura Ko 

Choela, 

Rs. 185.00 

American 

Chopsuey, Rs. 

195.00 

Thamel 

Set Breakfast, 

Rs. 160.00 

Spahetti with Meat 

Ball, Rs. 210.00 

Teendhara 

Tomato cheese 

pizza medium, 

Rs. 145.00 

Club Sandwich, 

Rs. 230.00 

Maharajgunj 

Fish Tawa, Rs. 

240.00 

Milk Shake, Rs. 

80.00 

Bouddha 

Nepali Lunch 

Set, Rs. 270.00 

Fish Rs. 350 

Pasta Rs. 165-195 

REVOLVING RESTAURANT 

Ratna Plaza, 4th fl oor 

New Road, 4241712 

Whole Mandarin 

Fish Rs.395 

Hakka Chicken s.190 

Pork Pepper 

Corn Rs.205 

E.D.EN. FOOD 

COURT & 

LOUNGE BAR 

Kathmandu Mall 

4150062 

Chicken Sizzler Rs.180+Tax 

B-B-Q Pork Chop 

Rs.225+Tax 

Ice-Cream Sundae’s 

Rs.125+Tax 

HI-POINT RESTURANT AND 

LOUNG BAR 

Kathmandu Mall 

6th fl oor 

kluay buad chee-100 

phad sew kai/mu-360 

larb kai/mu-360 

patan 

CAFÉ SOMA 

Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur 

5528732 

Ammacchi Chicken 

Sandwich Rs. 250 

Aglio-e-Olio Pasta Rs. 200 

Eggs Benedict Rs. 225 

CAFÉ DE PATAN 

Patan Mangalbazar 

5537599 

BlueBird Food Court 

Tel: 4228833, 

Ext. no. 4476 

Newari Samay 

With Chicken Rs.175 

Nepali Thali Rs. 190 

With Buff Rs.150 

CHAPTER 9 

Jawalakhel, 5525979 

Fried Chicken, 

Rs. 255.00 

Jawalakhel 

Farmer Breakfast, 

Rs. 310.00 

Hot Garlic 

Chicken with rice, 

Rs. 245.00 

Baneshwor 

Mixed Pizza 

Medium, 

Rs. 180.00 

Chicken Sizzler, 

Rs. 275.00

SOALTEE CROWNE PLAZA 

Enjoy the various Pizzas , homemade 

pastas, Juicy and Succulent Steaks, 

fresh water trout and the lost 

delicious Tira Misu at - Al Fresco, 

Soaltee Crown Plaza Kathmandu 

Open for Lunch: 1230 Hrs to 1445 Hrs 

and Dinner: 1900 Hrs to 2245 Hrs 

For Reservation call 977-01-4273999 

Extn: 6123 

Experience the varieties of Biryanis, 

Curries and mouth watering Kebabs at 

our Indian Specialty restaurant, Kakori 

at Soaltee Crowne Plaza Kathmandu. 

Open for Dinner only from 1900 Hrs 

till, 2245 Hrs 

Hunan Fried 


Paneer Chatpata Rs. 

240 

Sesame Fried 


CHAPTER 9 

Jawalakhel, 5525979 

Hunan Fried Chicken 

Rs. 320 

Paneer Chatpata 

Rs. 240 

Sesame Fried Chicken 

Rs. 320 

Tahachal, Kathmandu, Nepal 

PATAN MUSEUM CAFÉ 

Patan Durbar Square 

5524694 

Traditional Nepali 

Thali Rs.260/350 

Patan Museum 

Burger Rs.180 

Grilled Chicken Served 

W/French 

Fries Seasonal Vegetables 

Rs.260 

THE GHANGRI CAFÉ 

Pulchwok Lalitpur 

For reservations call: 4273999 Extn: 

6555 

Relax and enjoy the weather while 

you sip some of the fi nest drinks at 

our open Porch Bar at the Soaltee 

Crowne Plaza Kathmandu from 6 pm 

till 10 pm. 

Enjoy dishes from through out the 

orient, amidst the minimalistic set 

up in China Garden, Soaltee Crowne 

Plaza Kathmandu. 

Open for Lunch: 1230 Hrs to 1445 Hrs 

and Dinner: 1900 Hrs to 2245 Hrs 

For reservation call 977-014273999 

Extn: 6159 

5528703 

Chicken Sumai Mo:Mo 

Rs.70 

Cordeu Blue Rs.150 

Mutton Sekuwa Rs.165 

Dhokaima Cafe 

Patan Dhoka 

5522113 

Grilled Australian 

Steak Rs.1099 

Grilled Shilake 

Mushroom Rs. 359 

Blackened Norwegean 

Salmon Rs. 999 

eating out 

73 

The Ghangri Cafe 

Pulchowk 

5528703 

Sumai Open 

Momo Rs. 100 

Chicken Cordan 

Blue Rs. 230 

Veg. Gold Coin Rs. 160 

Absolute Bar 

Hotel Narayani 

Complex, Pulchowk 

Tel: 5521408 

Bandel Tareko Rs. 300 

Chicken Chowela Rs. 300 

Fresh Garden Greeen 

Salad Rs. 100 

Moksh 

Jhamsikhel 

5528362 

Murgh Tikka Rs. 350 

Goast Rogan(lamd 

curry) Rs. 350 

Crispy Chicken Rs. 300 

tripureshwor 

Borderline Café & Bar 

UWTC,Tripureshwor 

4117010 

Mexican 


California 


Potato Croquet with 

Cheese Rs. 130 

thamel 

RUM DOODLE 

Jytha street, Thamel, 

Kathmandu 

4248692, 4248915 

Chicken / Mushroom 

Basket 260 

Wood fi re Pizza 

Tandori chicken & 

onions pizza 340 (8 

inch), 

450 (12 inch) 

Rum Doodle steak 480 

Subject to 13 % VAT 

and 10% service charge 

SHISA TERRACE BAR & 

RESTAURANT 

Thamel, 2091137 

Fried Chicken Cordon 

Blue Rs.250 

Fried Chicken 

Sizzler chicken Rs 190, 

Fire wood 

pizza salami 290 

JATRA 

Thamel, 4256622 

Sukuti Ko Achar Rs.110 

Sandwich Steak & 

Cheese Rs.170, 

Tenderloin Steak Rs.220 

THE FACTORY 

RESTAURANT & BAR 

Thamel 

4701185, 4701187 

Chilled Gazpacho Rs.150 

Cottage Cheese Steak w/ 

Ratatouille Rs.320 

Fried ice-cream Rs.220 

FIRE AND ICE 

Pizzaria, Thamel 

4250210 

Pizza’s Spaghetti 

Ice Creams 

AQUA JAVA ZING 

Thamel Opposite: Nepal 

Investment Bank 1st fl oor 

Tel: 01-4254809 

Roasted Mushrom with pimento 

& jalapeno: Rs 240/- 

Cilantr pesto chicken 

with red wine 

reduction: Rs365/- 

Thin crust pepperoni 

Pizza : Rs 380/-

Nepa-laya began their 

journey in 2001 in 

response to the need 

for an agency that 

understands and 

creates a platform 

for Nepali creative artists. Whether 

it’s event management, book 

publishing, music producing, or 

fi lm making, they offer the skill, 

dedication and in – house resources 

to make it happen. Nepa-laya seem 

to be building a reputation for 

originality and innovative thinking. 

Every mission they undertake, they 

seem to focus on the possibilities 

rather than the obstacles. 

In the fi eld of music, Nepa-laya is 

dedicated and focused on bringing 

back artists from yesteryears who 

have been absent from the musical 

scene. The Paleti series is an event 

that started in 2003 and presents 

singers, musicians, and lyricist of 

Nepali folk and contemporary folk 

music (Adhunik) to a much wider 

audience. 

Nepa-laya helped establish a platform 

for Nepali authors by going into 

publication; they have published 

books of Narayan Wagle (Palpasa 

Café and Mayur Times), Kunda Dixit 

74 

The man who made 

things happen 

Nepa-laya has identifi ed itself as a power house of Event Management, Book 

Publication, Music Production and every year they change their yearly calendar 

and add more ventures to the list. Excerpts from an interview with Kiran 

Shrestha, who conceived Nepa-laya. 

TEXT: PUJAN SHRESTHA 

(A People War Trilogy), and Sanjeeb 

Uprety (Ghanchakkar) and the recent 

one by Prakash Subedi (Chori Jwuai 

Bhetna America). These published 

books have gained immense 

popularity recently with record 

breaking sales in the country. 

Kiran Shrestha, the team leader for 

Nepa-laya has worked with various 

artists, writers, fi lm makers in 

producing and promoting musical 

events in Nepal. As a promoter, he 

has organized major musical events 

and re- introduced Nepal’s top 

musical greats to a wider audience. 

An independent fi lm maker by hobby, 

his fi rst documentary titled ‘Bheda 

ko oon justo’ was the fi rst non-fi ction 

fi lm ever to be released in a cinema 

hall in Nepal. It showcased an 

ethnographic study and research of 

folk music of Nepal and to inspired 

urban musicians to undertake 

similar research before working on 

the folk melodies. The documentary 

was shown in various international 

fi lm festivals, the South Asian Film 

festival, Bilal Film Festival and the 

prestigious Royal Anthropological 

Institute Film Festival. 

What is the main motive 

behind the Paleti series? 

Kiran – The right words would 

be to re- create, rejuvenate, 

re- introduce and resurrect the 

musical greats of our nation 

that have been away from the 

limelight. I divide musicians into 

I think we are traveling towards a destination 

where there is no trail, but nonetheless it’s 

the enthusiasm and hope that our work 

brings, the genuine satisfaction we see in our 

artists and our audience. 

two categories, studio singers 

and performers. Performers are 

what we are focusing on, and 

that is ‘true entertainment’. 

We have a treasure trove of old 

artists and we acknowledge their

contributions to Nepali music. I 

remember Shanti Thatal saying 

that through Paleti, the relation 

of Darjeeling and Kathmandu has 

revived and strengthened. We 

feature them as Nepali music rather 

than Nepal’s music. Artists from 

Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Assam have 

contributed through their creations 

and talents to this event. The event 

has helped create a group of skilled 

listeners who come to share and 

experience folk music by inspiring 

artists of the Nepali Adhunik 

Sangeet genre. The motive is to 

raise musical consciousness in the 

community and the signifi cance of 

folk and contemporary folk music. 

How do you describe Nepa-laya’s 

journey? 

-To be honest, we still have to reach 

our destination, and we are still 

searching for ways to get there. The 

important thing is that our team 

is dedicated in every step we take. 

I think we are traveling towards a 

destination where there is no trail, 

but nonetheless it’s the enthusiasm 

and hope that our work brings, the 

genuine satisfaction we see in our 

artists and our audience. 

What is your upcoming 

documentary fi lm going to be and 

what themes will it explore? 

-The documentaries I make will 

always be travel based. During the 

confl ict years in the country, we 

traveled to remote regions in the 

country collecting a lot of footage of 

the people and places affected by the 

war; it’s an account of despair and 

hope. The documentary will explore 

and refl ect a time in Nepal that we 

lived through, a refl ection of the 

past that we should never forget and 

hope will never see again. 

Any words of inspiration to the 

younger generation of independent 

fi lm makers in the country? 

Film making has to come from within 

you; you should make it by heart, 

living talk 

75 

the feeling you have is what you have 

to take out with a more modest yet 

stylistic approach that brings you 

closer to the truth and the moment. A 

fi lm should be focused on storytelling, 

therefore imagination should fl ow 

freely. Focus on making a fi lm that 

you have not seen and you will have 

more ideas fl owing from you and will 

help you make it more meaningful. 

Are there any books that 

Nepa-laya is planning to 

launch? 

We were recently approved 

for authorized translation 

and now we are working 

to launch books on Nepali 

interest. We will also translate 

and launch a biography 

of Ani Choying Drolma 

( Singing for Freedom) 

which was written 

by the French author 

Matthieu Ricard. The 

book was also published 

internationally in 

twelve languages. 

What inspires and 

infl uences your work 

in general? 

It’s the satisfaction and 

sense of gratitude I see in 

our contributing artists 

and our audience. The 

feedback we get from our 

audience has helped us to 

move ahead in whatever 

we do. What motivates 

me is that there should 

be no commerce with 

arts, no comparison 

but enjoyment through 

good music and the 

experience of harmony 

with a group of skilled 

listeners in an event 

that will always be about 

celebration. 

I think people would 

love to hear about your 

infl uences in life, alive 

or dead? 

I admire Bob Geldof, who provided a 

platform for international performers 

to become socially conscious. He 

organized major events such as ‘Live Aid 

Concert’ and ‘Band Aid concert’ to help 

raise funds for relief in Africa. I also 

admire the colorful and enthusiastic 

personality of Richard Branson, 

the baron of Virgin group. 

He has a youthful 

enthusiasm and 

exuberance with 

which he runs his 

company, proving 

to all that work 

should involve 

fun. � 

ECS Media

For all the gratitude we have been indebted with, for accentuating 

our confidence and beauty, Living dedicates this issue to every piece of 

jewelry we own; for adding to our list of proud details in life. 

78 

Blue Topaz Diamond Earring (E 2157) 

14 pcs Diamond /0.22ct, 2pcs Blue Topaz /27.22ct 

18K Gold /6.15 gm 

Price: Rs.43,000 

Blue Topaz Diamond Pendant(P 2158) 

7 pcs Diamond /0.11ct, 1 pcs Blue Topaz /14.44ct 

18K Gold /2.80 gm, Price: Rs.23,000 

Vairab Jewelry & Gems 

Indrachowk,Bhedasing, 4222186,4238286 ECS Media

Treasure 

Island 

79 

You might like it Green 

She would go with the sari you ‘just’ bought 

Or a dazzling Red 

She would help you fl aunt yourself 

A pure White 

To make you feel royal 

A black with attitude 

Or a color that is a loner, does not talk much 

Or a menagerie of colors 

Turn into a pretty pink when there are lights around, a quiet 

Fuchsia when there is chaos all around 

Your world lacks color when she is not around 

Yes she colors your world 

Paints it scarlet or blue 

We are taking you to a place 

A pre planned clandestine rendezvous 

It’s the place where she is talked about. Discussed. And 

fl aunted. 

It is the forlorn and protected island of treasure. 

You are almost there. 

TEXT: BARTIKA RAI

A Gold Necklace, 11.71 grams 

A Gold Bangle, 11.66 grams 

A pair of Gold Earing, 4.39 grams 

All three items are made in 24 carat gold. 

Ebisu jewellers, Durbar Marg, 4219016 

The Anti-Gold Rush? 

80 

ECS Media

Yes I have noticed it 

too. You can blame 

‘that’ character 

from your favorite 

series whose sense 

of accessorizing 

with artifi cial jewelry inspires you. 

You can blame the ever increasing 

price of gold that just will not stop. Or 

you can just blame your taste. People 

are talking about it all over the town. 

Less of gold is seen in parties. Even 

less of it is seen in the streets today. It 

seems like artifi cial jewels and stones 

are taking over. It seems very much 

like this trend has taken off in Nepal. 

The anti-gold rush. 

To clarify this situation, Living 

carried out it’s small research, 

walking through the ‘jewelry gallis’ 

in Kathmandu, observing ordinary 

people, carrying out surveys 

and interviewing professionals 

and customers alike. What we 

concluded was that there seems 

to be no anti-gold rush,although 

sparks may have been set. There 

is no decrease in the hype for gold 

and governments all over the world 

still hold their reserves in gold in 

a world of universal paper money. 

The gold market still accounts for 

the largest amount payed as tax 

to the government. Only recently, 

Shree Ridhi Sidhi Jewelers was 

amongst the fi rms to submit the 

largest tax to the revenue collected 

by the Nepali government. Yes, 

take it your way; Gold is still the 

Queen. The Queen in Jewelry land. 

Why do you ask? To start with, 

gold is neither Dollar nor Pound 

and wherever you are, you will 

have the advantage of getting back 

81 

A large number of people seem to be wearing artifi cial jewelry today. And the rest seem to 

be choosing diamonds and semi-precious stones over gold. The jewelry market that was once 

dominated by gold seems to be in the process of being replaced. So is the global trend followed 

in Nepal? Living talks about this ‘apparent’ situation and about the situation of gold today. 

TEXT: BARTIKA RAI 

cover story 

what you invested in. Intelligence 

reports from around the world 

give an ever increasing optimistic 

forecast of the gold market and 

therefore, investment is the number 

option. To continue with, pure 

gold is extremely soft which makes 

it easy for the designers to work 

on, creating intricate designs and 

exclusive jewelry. Moreover, shift 

your focus to Nepal; gold is linked to 

our culture, prestige and lifestyle. 

Gold is evaluated according to 

its carats. Gold carats are always 

denoted in twenty-fourths. This 

is to say that pure gold has 24 

carats - that is 24/24 parts by mass 

is gold. To make jewelry suitable 

for wear and tear, gold is blended 

with copper, silver and sometimes 

nickel to harden it. The carats 

tell you how much other metal 

has been added. Nine carat gold is 

9/24 parts gold by mass, or 37.5% 

gold. This means that 62.5% of the 

jewelry is another metal. Fourteen 

carat gold is 14/24 parts gold by 

mass, or 58.3% gold. Eighteen carat 

gold is 18/24 parts gold by mass or 

75% gold. Similarly, twenty-two 

carat gold is 22/24 parts gold by 

mass or 91.6% gold. 

The cost of your jewelry depends 

not only on how much gold 

there is in it, but the cost of the 

other metals added too. Copper 

is cheap, therefore gold jewelry 

made with copper is cheaper than 

gold jewelry made with silver. 

Pure 24 carat gold is extremely 

soft and therefore it is likely that 

the particles might rub off on 

your skin and the more you wear 

it, the more it will thin down. 

So, can you tell what carat it is 

simply by looking at it? The answer 

to this query depends on opinions 

and skills. “It is almost impossible to 

stud stones in 24 carat gold because 

of its extreme softness. That is one 

way you can check its carat. The 

other way can be by looking at its 

color. Yes, it is possible to assume 

the amount of carats in a piece of 

gold you are looking at,”informs 

Rahul Goyel, Director for Shalimar 

Jewelry. Gold is originally a bright 

shiny yellow metal. The more other 

metals you add, the duller it gets. 

Therefore, the color gets lighter as it 

moves from being 24 to 9 carats. 

Good jewelry is also hallmarked by 

the jeweler to indicate the carat in 

it. However, since Nepal does not 

have a strict legal system to put a 

check on the jewelry market, cases of 

cheating by adulterating gold might 

be rampant. To be smart, you can 

check on the after-sale services that 

the jeweler offers. Therefore, you 

cannot just rely on the color alone. 

As Sandeep Gupta, Proprietor, Shree 

Balaji Diamond explains, “It is quite 

diffi cult to be exact about the carat 

involved. Nowadays, you cannot even 

say if it’s gold in the fi rst place.” 

Gold to some extent is an inert 

metal - that is, it doesn’t react 

with chemicals. However, some of 

the other metals used in the alloy 

do react, especially copper, which 

corrodes. Thus people with 9 carat 

gold jewelry made with copper may 

fi nd that the jewelry tarnishes and 

goes green or black, leaving marks 

on your clothes and skin. Therefore 

to retain the color, go for the 

highest carat gold you can afford. �

How many of 

your fi ngers are 

accessorized to protect 

you from misfortune? 

How many uncles do 

you remember who do 

not leave home without All their rings? 

Your family members? Friends? You will 

be a rare one if you cannot answer any 

of the questions posed above. We have 

been told that the stars, planets and the 

moon in the solar system affect the state 

of our health, prosperity and luck. What 

is good? We can fi ght the downfall. How? 

By being smart with stones. 

“I have been wearing this golden 

ring studded with panna for eight 

years now. Before that, I had a lot of 

badluck. I got promoted at work as 

soon as I started wearing this ring. I 

owe it all to my astrologer,” Sameeta, 

26 happily reveals. 

Indeed the idea of whether these 

work with a guarantee or not is 

debatable. Aadarsh, 31, says, “The 

idea of astrology and stones is plain 

impossible. I believe the idea that the 

planets and moon in the solar system 

have some effect on people residing 

82 

From celebrities and millionaires to students and people in the slums, who does not believe in 

luck? The stars seem to have it all and to turn the moons and the stars to their favor, astrologers 

have come up with a magic savior: the Stones. Powerful. And magical. Rare are the ones who 

remain ignorant. However, Living gives you your stones. Do confi rm with your astrologer though! 

TEXT: BARTIKA RAI 

cover story 

All the Stars 

the Stones 

& 

Stones according 

to your zodiac 

ZODIAC SIGN GEMSTONE 

Aries Bloodstone 

Taurus Sapphire 

Gemini Agate 

Cancer Emerald 

Leo Onyx 

Virgo Carnelian 

Libra Peridot 

Scorpio Aquamarine 

Sagittarius Topaz 

Capricorn Ruby 

Aquarius Garnet 

Pisces Amethyst 


to your month 

MONTH BIRTHSTONE 

January Garnet 

February Amethyst 

March Aquamarine, Bloodstone 

April Diamond 

May Emerald 

June Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone 

July Ruby 

August Sardonyx 

September Sapphire 

October Opal, Tourmaline 

November Topaz 

December Turquoise, Zircon (the gem) 

on the earth. But, if the effects are 

certain, how is it possible to combat 

it with mantras or stones or fasting? 

That is insensible ; a joke!” 

People are many and therefore 

opinions follow a geometric 

progression. However, the good side is 

that you get to choose for yourself. You 

have the choice of selecting a stone 

for the day you were born, the birth 

month, zodiac sign, season of the year, 

religious choice, and/or by the color if 

you choose a synthetic stone. Yes. Just 

thinking about all those choices can 

give you a headache. 

Humanity is beginning to rediscover 

the almost forgotten healing arts 

based on earth energies that is thought 

to be inherent in several different 

stones. Crystals and minerals were 

fi rst thought to contain the necessary 

power used in healing many types of 

illnesses. Next came the gemstones 

themselves and the clearer and more 

perfect, the more power they possesed. 

Whether it will work, none can ever 

guarantee, but you can try your luck 

and to assist you, we have the charts. �


to the day you 

were born 

DAY OF WEEK GEMSTONE 

Monday Pearl 

Tuesday Ruby 

Wednesday Amethyst 

Thursday Sapphire 

Friday Emerald 

Saturday Turquoise, Diamond 

Sunday Topaz 

Crystals and minerals were first thought to contain the 

necessary power used in healing many types of illnesses. 

83 

Nine Planets 

Gold- 40.07 grams/18 carats 

Color Stones- 38.36 carats 

Diamond Solitaire- 0.75 carats 

Diamond- 1.72 carats 

Types of Color Stone- Center 16-hand-Ganesh 

Coral,Pearl,Ruby,Garnet,Blue Sapphire,Cats Eye,Yellow 

Sapphire and Emerald 

Jewelry Type: Brooch / Pendant 

Shree Balaji Diamond, 

Bishal Bazar, Shop no. 4, 4228353 

ECS Media

ECS Media 

cover story 

Casual accessories for a night out, silver bracelets embedded with colorful stones, 

allowing you to take your pick in reds, oranges, greens and even blues. 

84 

Forever Yours! 

Relationships come and go but you remain always ‘Forever Mine’ 

When I am feeling down or want the spotlight to fall on me, you are always on my side 

Danglers, chokers, cuffs, brooches, rings or pendants- you come with many names 

You dazzle, sparkle, and amuse me with your beauty to accentuate mine 

Multi-colour Flower Bracelet 

92.5% Sterling Silver 

Tourquise and Coral pasted stones 

Price: Rs. 3,600/- 

*Also available in different colour of 

pasted stones. 

Flower & Stem Design Bracelet 

92.5% sterling Silver 

Tourmaline stone 

Price: Rs. 6,500/- 

*Also available in different stones 

Leaf and Flower Design Bracelet 

92.5% sterling silver 

Perdiot stone 

Price: Rs. 4,200/- 

*Available in different stones 

New Gift Shop 

Chaksibari,Thamel, 

4265695

These diamond embedded 

earrings and a matching 

pendant, will remind you of 

the compliments you received 

after adorning them. 

85 

Diamond Pendant 

Diamond, 5.13 carat 

Gold, 16.734 grams 

Price: Rs.2,07,000 

Diamond Earrings 



Price: Rs.1,82,000 

Asri Jewelers, New Road, 4249506 

ECS Media

ECS Media 

Ruby with Diamond Necklace in 18 k Gold 

Price on Request 

Gem House, Newroad, 4246298, 4244717 

cover story 

86 

The rubies accentuate the gold and 

together, they add to your beauty.

Marquise Ruby Diamond Necklace(N 3129) 

36 pcs Ruby /5.342ct, 138 pcs Round Diamond / 

2.15ct, 42 pcs Baguette Diamond /0.38ct 

18K Gold /23.18 gm, Price: Rs.2,65,000/- 

Marquise Ruby Diamond Earrings(E 3130) 

12 pcs Ruby /1.516ct, 112 pcs Diamond /1.73ct, 

18K Gold /11.0 gm, Price: Rs.1,52,000/- 

Vairab Jewelry & Gems 

Indrachowk,Bhedasing, 4222186,4238286 

87 

A floral designed necklace with earrings to 

match. The pink gemstone sets off the gold, and 

of course, the diamonds are predominant! 

ECS Media

Combining 

simplicity with 

elegance; 

this pair of 

earrings is a 

guaranteed 

eye-catcher. 

ECS Media 

ECS Media 

A many armed sun 

Unheated Natural Burmies Ruby with 

Diamond earrings 

Price on request 

Kesav Jewellery, City Centre 3rd fl oor, 4011541 

Diamond, 445 pcs 



Price: Rs.2,91,000 

Asri jewelers, New Road, 4249506

ECS Media 

89 

Play-of-Colors 


Color Stones- 12.6 carats 


Type of Color Stone- Black Opel 

Jewelry Type- Earrings 

Shree Balaji Diamond 

Bishal Bazar, Shop no 4, 4228353 

Diamond framed, with an eye-catching blue centerpiece, 

these dangling earrings create a refreshing new look.

ECS Media 

90 

Gold and 

diamond come 

together in this 

set of danglers, 

creating a 

traditional look. 

Danglers 

Diamond, 680 pcs 



Price: Rs.5,03,000 

Asri jewelers, New Road, 4249506

For the casual chic look: a chunky silver 

ring with a carved (dragon) design. ECS 

Dragon Carved Ring 

92.5% Sterling Silver 

Golden Topaz Stone 

Price: Rs. 1,800/- 

*Also available in different stones 

New Gift Shop 

Chaksibari,Thamel, 4265695 

Media

A diamond studded ring with a plain 

gold band, you’re going to love it! 

Solitary Beauty 

Big Diamond 1 pc / Weighing 0.70 carat, 

Small Round Diamond / Weighing 0.48 carat, 

Baquette Diamond / Weighing 0.40 carat, 

Made in 14 carat Gold / Weighing 3.92 grams, 

Price: Rs.2,60,000 

Ebisu Jewellers, Durbar Marg, 4219016 

ECS Media

93 

Set in the shape of a flower, these diamond earrings go 

with any outfit, and are also sure to catch the light! 

Snow droplets 

Diamond 38 pieces, Weighing 4.56 carats, 

made in 18 carat gold, Weighing 9.88 grams, 

Price: Rs. 4,25,000 

Ebisu Jewellers, Durbar Marg, 4219016 

ECS Media

ECS Media 

Spirit of Nepal 

Gorkhali Khukuri 



Jewelry Type- Brooch 

Cross Gorkhali Khukuri 

Gold- 3.39 grams/ 18 carats 


Jewelry Type- Brooch 

Diamond Crescent 



Jewelry Type: Brooch 

Shree Balaji Diamond 

Bishal Bazar, Shop no. 4, 4228353 

This collection of brooches is a must-wear for the patriotic Nepali. 

Not only do the brooches symbolize our heritage, they also look 

charming, and are bound to be conversation starters! 

94

ECS Media 

Silver Snake Necklace 

Price: Rs. 3,500/- 

New Gift Shop 

Chaksibari,Thamel, 4265695 

95 

Elegant without being ostentatious, 

this necklace is perfect for a night out 

with friends or family.

SHAVONA 

SHRESTHA 

Owner, L.A. Rocks 

I inherited 

the earrings 

from my 

grandmother. 

96 

1. Why is this piece particularly your favorite? 

These earrings were given to me by my grandmother 

so it obviously has the emotional value. Also, the 

diamond and emerald piece has been in my family for 

the past three generations. 

2. Do you and your grandmother agree when it comes 

to jewelry? 

We totally do, we both are into vintage and old stuff. 

She has a very unique collection of jewelry. I’d love to 

inherit all of them someday. 

3. How long has it been with you and when do you 

wear it? 

It has been with me for past two and half years and 

I normally wear it for weddings and other special 

occasions. 

4. Have you saved your own jewelry to pass it down 

someday? 

I have my collection safe but there is a lot more to add. 

Hand Me Down 

A jewelry-piece is dear to every woman. And its means infi nitely more if it has 

been inherited from someone special. We interviewed six leading ladies of 

Kathmandu on their inherited jewelry. 

TEXT: POOJA BYANJANKAR 

ECS Media 

cover story 

1. How do you relate to it? 

My mother-in-law got it from Calcutta and it is almost 50 

years old. This piece is one of my favorites as it is simple yet 

elegant and goes with traditional as well as western wear. 

2. Is your mother-in-law’s choice similar to yours? 

Not at all. When it comes to jewelry she is into heavy 

and big pieces while I am not a jewelry person, I do not 

go gaga over diamonds and stones. If I have a neckpiece 

on then I leave my ears bare and vice versa. 

3. Are you planning to pass it on to someone? 

Yes, my eldest daughter has been eyeing it for a long 

time. She wears it more than I do. So, I will hand it down 

to her for sure. 

4. From your own collection of jewelries, have you 

specially saved some pieces to pass on to your daughters? 

I have a few gold rings with stones according to their birth 

months. I also have this 3 tola gold chain that my mother 

got from my great aunt. I always tell my three daughters 

that I’ll break it into 3 pieces and give 1 tola to each. 

SHRIJANA 

SINGH 

YONJAN 

Creative Head, 

Celebrating 

Womanhood 

I got these 

danglers recently 

from my 

mother-in-law. 

ECS Media

I inherited both the 

earrings and bracelet 

from my grandmother. 

1. Why is it your favorite and what is so special about 

this piece? 

My grandmother (father’s side) is from Lahore and 

she had a habit of collecting stones of different kind. 

The ring is made of a stone she had kept. About the 

earrings, my other grandmother gave it to me and my 

sisters for our weddings. 

2. When do you wear it? 

I wear the ring all the time, I think it’s lucky for me. As 

for the earrings, I wear them just on special occasions 

or at times when I’m really happy and want to wear 

something really nice and special. 

3. From your own collection of jewelries have you 

specially saved some pieces to pass on to your daughter? 

I do like collecting jewelries but I am not thinking about 

passing it to anyone at the moment. My daughter is 

still very small so there’s a lot of time to think about 

handing it down. However, I have a black pearl gifted 

by my brother, I do not know its price or its worth but I 

defi nitely will pass this on to my daughter. 

I got the fi nger 

ring from 

my father’s 

mother and the 

danglers from 

my mother’s 

mother. 

ECS Media 

SHRISTI 

MADAN 

KARKI 

Chief Manager 

Corporate, Morang Auto 

Works 

97 

VIDUSHI 

RANA 

Managing Director, 

Zen Con 

I inherited 

both the 

earrings 

aand 

bracelet 

from my 

grandmother. 

1. What makes the piece special? 

My grandfather gifted the earrings to my grandmother 

in the 1950’s when they were on a trip to London. The 

earrings are from Cartier. About the bracelet, it has 

been passed down from generations. I got it from my 

mother; she got it from her mother and so on. It has 

been in my family from a very long time. 

2. Is your grandmother’s choice similar to yours? 

It is similar in a sense as we both are very fond of 

jewelries but our choices and designs vary as we 

have a vast age gap and belong to different times. 

3. When was it given to you and when do you wear 

them? 

I got them on my wedding so I wear them just on 

the special occasions. 

4. Are you planning to pass it on to someone whom? 

Defi nitely, I’ll pass it down to my daughter but she’s 

still too young now. I will also give her most of my 

wedding jewelries. 

ECS Media

NILIMA 

SHARMA 

Owner, Nilima Studios 

I inherited the 

bracelet and the 

neckpiece from my 

grandmother and 

the earrings from 

my mom. 

98 

1. How do you relate to it? 

I used to wear make up and this big bowed 

locket as a child and play for the entire day. 

My grandmother told me that it would be 

mine the day I get married. So, the 20 year 

old necklace is fi nally mine. 

2. Is your mother’s/ grandmother’s 

choice similar to yours or is it completely 

different? 

I and my mother are completely different. 

She likes everything small and subtle 

where as it has to be something big and 

loud for me. The earrings I got from her 

is the only piece that matches my taste. 

Whereas my grandmother is just like me, 

she prefers everything ritzy and grand. 

3. Are you planning to pass it on to 

someone? 

I have two sons so I do not have anyone 

to pass it down to. I will defi nitely pass it 

down to my daughter-in-laws but I’ll have 

to wait a lot for that. 

ECS Media 

cover story 

1. Why is this jewelry set your favorite 

amongst all? 

I love it because it as it was a gift from my 

in-laws and she inherited it from her motherin-law. 

2. Does your choice match with your motherin-law’s 

in terms of jewelry. 

No, there is a difference as she belongs to a 

different age. But even I like wearing classis 

ethnic pieces as these designs are still very 

fashionable and well-liked by people and very 

in the market at present time as well. 

3. When did you inherit the set and how often 

do you wear it? 

I received it almost ten years ago and I wear it 

in weddings and other special occasions. 

4. Are you planning to pass it down to 

someone? 

Yes, I will give it to my daughter-in-law as I 

received it from my mother-in-law. 

5. Have you saved some of your own 

collections to pass it on to someone? 

Yes, I have saved a lot. I am very possessive 

about old jewelry you should never sell them. 

BHAWANI 

RANA 

Vice President, FNCCI 

My in-laws 

gifted me this 

set of earrings 

and a choker. 

ECS Media

The Nepali 

The jewelry market in 

Nepal has made a giant 

leap-evident from the highfashion 

& posh jewerlry 

stores. But the small dingy 

one room jewelry shops still 

have their loyals. BARTIKA 

RAI interviewed professionals 

in the Nepali jewelry market 

to compare the happenings 

in the jewelry market and 

discuss the forecasts. 

On the future 

of the Gold Market 

YUBA NANDA BAJRACHARYA 

Deputy CEO, Kathmandu 

Jewelry Dev Corner Pvt Ltd, 

Naxal (Dev Corner) 

Yuba Nanda 

Bajracharya forecasts 

a positive expectation 

for people involved 

in the jewelry market 

mainly because of 

the gold market. He 

divides the customers 

in the Nepali gold 

market into two 

groups. The customers 

in Group A view gold as an investment 

and the people in Group B view gold as 

fashion. According to him, the demand 

from people in Group A is not likely to 

fall. This is why, he explains, amongst 

every other jewelry available, gold is the 

one market where the shift in demand 

is not fl uctuating much, which ensures a 

positive forecast for people involved in 

both buying and selling gold. 

Dev Corner has been contributing to the 

Nepali Jewelry market as a family business 

since a long time but it was incorporated 

only in 2008. They stress on the fact that 

it is the right of the customers to receive a 

100% guarantee on everything they invest 

in. They offer a ‘buy back guarantee’ and 

specialize in gold. 

Jewelry Market 

On The Silver market 

of Nepal 

RATNA SAMPURNA SHAHI 

Executive Director, New Gift 

Shop, Thamel 

Ratna Rat Sampurna 

Shahi Sha blames the 

level lev of awareness 

among am domestic 

customers cus for 

the demand for 

silver to become 

comparatively low. 

However, the demand 

for silver has seen 

a rise in recent years. He expects a 

10-15 % rise in the demand in the 

silver market through the years. In the 

past, he mentions having only high 

class and high middle class customers. 

“Nowadays, even villagers have 

become our customers. It could be 

because of the media and the growing 

awareness,” he remarks. A forecast 

of about 17% growth in the demand 

has helped give a positive forecast for 

stakeholders in the silver market. “Due 

to increased competition, it is only 

likely that the situation is going to get 

better,.” he opines, “ Firstly, silver is a 

precious metal only after gold. Second, 

it reacts very well with stones which 

makes studding and designing easy. 

Moreover, it is less expensive and can 

be molded into different shapes and 

designs easily due to it’s softness. We 

are noticing a gradual rise in demand. 

Most of our customers are youngsters 

at the moment. They are more aware 

about silver than their elders. They will 

become elders tomorrow and therefore, 

we only have a positive forecast.” 

New Gift Shop in Thamel has been 

contributing to the domestic jewelry 

market since 1985. An ISO 9001 

2008 certifi ed jewelry shop, it also 

holds a certifi cate on QMS by Planner 

Finance. The source of their materials 

is Switzerland. They have their own 

workshop and offer unique designs. 

On the domestic 

market that deals in 

stones 

RAJIV MANANDHAR & 

RAKESH MANANDHAR 

Executive Directors, Gem House, 

122 New Road; Branch offi ce: Bira 

Complex, New Road 

With the rise in the price of gold, a 

larger percentage of the population 

has shifted their demands to colored 

stones. The market for colored stone 

has therefore grown and competition 

has seen a rise, while choices have 

increased and market development 

has taken place. Rakesh says, “Before 

1993, a larger number of people 

from the fi nancially dependent group 

were astrologically inclined to stones. 

With the years, more people from 

the fi nancially independent group 

have also become astrologically 

inclined which could have been due 

to the growing insecurity among the 

people.” “In this market, awareness 

amongt the customers is the most 

essential and jewelers are responsible 

for their education,.”explains Rajiv. 

They forecast a development of the 

market and a rise in prices. 

Gem House in New Road has been 

contributing to the domestic jewelry 

market since 1976. Starting out small, 

quality has been their number one 

priority. They are customer focused 

and therefore believe in protecting 

customers. They offer all kinds of 

jewelry and get their materials from 

Bangkok, India and Sri Lanka. On why 

customers should visit them, they 

answer, “Because we tell what we 

sell and we sell what we tell.”

Yesterday, Today 

On why gold is still 

dominant in the 

jewelry market 

NARENDRA KUMAR GUPTA 

CEO, Shree Riddhi Siddhi 

Jewellers, Bishal Bazaar 

Narendra Kumar 

Gupta explains 

that Gold has 

always been the 

most dominant 

contributor 

in the Nepali 

Jewelry market. 

He explains that 

it is linked to 

the economic condition, culture and 

investment purpose of the Nepalis. 

“The Indian soaps also have a huge 

role here,” he adds. As gold is soft, 

it is very easy to draw intricate 

designs over it, remake it and re- 

mould it which makes it easier for 

the sellers to give guarantees and 

after sales services. Take for example 

platinum. Why isn’t it popular here? 

It is because it is extremely diffi cult 

to work on and draw designs. 

Therefore, as gold is easy to work 

on, it has a huge resale value and 

also traditional, the market is still 

dominated by gold. “However, it is 

also ignorance amongst the Nepali 

people who live with the myth 

that anything other than gold is 

extremely expensive, which in fact, 

is false,” He adds. 

Shree Riddhi Siddhi Jewelers has 

been contributing to the Nepali 

market since 1997. SRSS is a pioneer 

in this fi eld, being the fi rst ever 

ISO certifi ed jeweler and employs 

58 designers with designer houses 

in Dubai and Hong Kong . Their 

specialty in designing is to merge 

traditional design with creative 

designs and come out with jewelry 

that has quality which is suitable for 

the Nepali economy. They focus on 

quality, designs and timely delivery: 

short for effi ciency! 

and Tomorrow 

The rising demand for 

gold and its effects on 

customers and sellers 

SUNIL TAMRAKAR 

Proprietor, Vairab Jewelry and 

Gems, Bhedasingh, Indrachowk 

Sunil Tamrakar considers the growing 

awareness of customers to be the major 

reason behind the rise in demand in the 

jewelry market and the growth of the 

market. “The customers are also gradually 

moving on from traditional designs to 

custom made designs today. Therefore, it is 

very important that we (as sellers) focus on 

updating ourselves with the latest fashion 

and differences in taste. As the jewelry 

market has now grown signifi cantly, we 

have become more customer focused. 

Customers are our number one priority,” he 

adds. This would mean that due to increased 

competition, customers will benefi t; 

experiencing decrease in prices and increase 

in choices. This in turn, will be favorable 

for the sellers as they will be kept under 

constant check. This is indicative of a positive 

forecast in the jewelry market. 

Vairab Jewelry has as been contributing to 

the Nepali jewelry ry market since 1972 

and specializes in n diamonds and colored 

gemstones. They bring in raw materials from 

India, Thailand, Sri ri Lanka and Brazil and 

offer unique designs. gns. 

On the growth of the 

Diamond market in 

Nepal 

MANISH PRADHAN 

Director, Asri Jewellers, New Road 

Manish Pradhan explains, 

“Since four or fi ve years, 

customers here are gradually 

shifting their demand to 

diamonds.The major reason 

behind this is that diamonds 

sold in our domestic market 

are cheaper, competitive 

and more reliable. The 

import tax is only 1 % 

which is considerably low. Additionally, the labour 

cost and design cost in this sector is comparatively 

low.Therefore, we can offer diamonds at cheaper 

prices. We also offer excellent after sales services and 

guarantee, hence, diamonds in Nepal end up being a 

lot cheaper. This is the main reason behind the growth 

of diamond fi rms in the Nepali jewelry market.” 

Asri Jewellers has been contributing to the Nepali 

Jewelry market since 2005. They offer Indian 

brands such as Nakshatra and Asmi while Asri is 

their home brand. 

On the Diamond 

market of Nepal 

PRINCE DHANUKA 

Marketing Consultant, Gd Gemologist, 

Shree Balaji Diamond, Bishal Bazaar 

Prince Prin Dhanuka explains that the demand for diamond is gradually 

increasing increa and nowadays, the number of customers who come looking 

for dia diamonds is on the rise too. “The problem with the Nepali diamond 

market mark is that of ignorance. Since not many people are educated and 

live with the circulation of myths around, it is diffi cult to completely 

focus the shift of demand to diamonds. However, we as gemologists 

aand 

sellers, have been educating our customers and therefore 

bringing b changes which we aim to continue,” he says. “I, as a 

gem gemologist graduate from GIA have done a few forecasts and a few 

10 10-year plans, but since the Nepali customers are still traditionally 

inclined, it is extremely diffi cult to get it implemented. 

SShree 

Balaji Diamond has been contributing to the Nepali jewelry 

market since 2005 and specialises in diamonds. The quality 

grading is done by GIA, HRD. They have launched Indian brands 

like l 

Asmi and Nakshatra for the Geetanjali Group. They focus on 

Italian designs when it comes to necklaces.

102

The model is seemingly in a protective stance. 

The two shadows imitate their bearer. 

arty fashion 

SEEKING OUT 

SHADOWS 

An alter-ego, traditionally represented by 

shadows, is the hidden personality within a 

person. The dark colors and the dim lights 

highlight the lonely setting; signifying perhaps, 

the isolated journey into our subconscious that 

all of us must undertake to understand and 

accept our “second self”. 

TEXT: SHRISTI UPRETY

fashion 

ARTY FASHION | FEATURE 

Model: Saniya Gurung

Model: Riviera Gorkhali 

The halo around the model appears to 

be protecting her, but beyond this aura is 

darkness. The vacant stare into space is 

ghost-like. Has the “other self” taken over?

Model: Dristi Shakya 

The shadow stretches across the wall, almost 

like something alive. Seemingly in motion, as 

if running away from some unknown danger, 

the model faces the camera with wary eyes…

Model: Riviera Gorkhali 

Once again the shadow is in focus, large and 

distorted against the plain background. The 

emptiness of the background contrasts with 

the embroidered gown, highlighting how 

the model is essentially alone, preparing to 

crouch, ready to face something unseen.

Model: Dristi Shakya 

Two become one, as the model merges with her 

shadow. The vibrant blue eye makeup throws 

the dark eyes into focus, which, coupled with the 

unusual pose creates the feel of a sinister ritual.

Model: Chetung Limbu 

The vibrant blues contrast with the dim 

background, and the relatively tame pose 

is transformed into something frightening 

as a shadow - a translation of suppressed 

emotions? The shadow appears as a separate 

individual, as one being ready to take over.

Model: Saniya Gurung 

Facing the audience, clad in a patterned dress, 

red lipstick, and a standoff-ish attitude, the model 

appears to be telling people to leave her alone. 

Sometimes, our shadows are all we’ve got.

In this close up the model radiates aloofness; 

you are essentially on your own when facing 

the darkness of your mind. 

K2art factory production 

CONCEPT & PHOTOGRAPHY: 

KISHOR KAYASTHA, 9851052778 

WWW.K2ARTFACTORY.COM 

ASST. PHOTOGRAPHERS: SANJAYA KHANIBANJAR 

ANJIL AWAL, AKASH SHRESTHA 

STYLIST: MEENA KAYASTHA 

MAKE UP: NIMA LAMA 

HAIR: SUMAN 

INTERN: DIPESH PRADHAN 

WARDROBE DESIGNED BY: TENZIN TSETEN BHUTIA 

SPECIAL THANKS TO: NGAWANG TARA GHALE

Model: Dristi Shakya

style meter 

SUNANDA BASKOTA 

She’s been here barely three months and 

yet Sunanda Baskota has already created a 

storm in the capital with her good looks and 

elegant style. Back from London after a four 

year study, she is currently associated with 

the travel business. A huge workout fanatic, 

she shares how she keeps it stylish! 

TEXT: LIZA PAUDEL 

How brand conscious are you? Any 

favorites? 

When it comes to clothing, I am not 

brand conscious but instead into high 

fashion street. Topshop, Ray ban, 

Zara and Miss Selfbridge are some 

places I like. But when it comes 

to shoes and bags, I always go for 

brands! 

Which are your favorite places to 

shop? 

In Nepal, its Sherpa Mall and 

Tresmonde. Outside, I like Singapore 

and London. 

Your style icon 

Cindy Crawford. And Victoria 

Beckham because she is petite like 

me! 

Classy or unorthodox, what is your 

style? 

Classy, elegant and sophisticated 

Favorite item from your closet? 

Dresses! Especially navy blue ones. 

You have a fetish for? 

Shoes, bags and watches. Cannot 

live without them! 

Your last indulgence? 

My Versace shades. 

If you had one clothing on for the 

rest of your life, it’d be.. 

Denim. Paired with tees. 

According to you, what is one BIG 

fashion disaster? 

Denim skirt paired with uggs. Ugh! 

Your dream destination? What 

would you pack? 

Barbados and the Carribean Islands. 

I’d pack a fi tted two piece, colorful 

clothes and maxi gowns, huge 

shades and a huge hat! 

Tom Cruise or Johnny Depp, whose 

style is more likeable? 

Johnny Depp. His is more sophisticated. 

You smell of…? 

Alien by Thierry Mugler 

One thing we’d always fi nd in your 

wallet? 

My credit card of course! I cannot 

shop without it! 

Thamel or Jhamel? 

Jhamel! It’s less crowded and has 

parking space! 

Choosing one: Beautiful or Stylish? 

Hmmm…stylish. Once you’re stylish, 

you’ll look beautiful! 

Bossini to you is… 

Casual, comfortable and easy to 

wear. It cannot go wrong!

fashion feature 

118 

IN A CITY OF CASUALS 

Smart Casual is a loosely defi ned dress code which is informal but polished and smart 

enough to adapt to the particular standards of certain social groups. Students of 

Namuna College of Fashion Technology, Bansbari act as stylists to four models and dress 

them in Smart Casual Wear that is preppy and youthful and extremely easy to copy. 


STYLIST: ANILA TULADHAR 

What did you have in mind before choosing this 

outfi t for her? 

The outfi t looks very nice on her body structure and the 

shirt goes well with her jaw line and the color of the 

shorts fl atters her complexion while it is also suitable 

for the current season. 

Why did you choose SMART CASUAL as the theme 

to work on? 

Smart Casuals can be worn by people of every age and 

any profession. It is also an easy theme for a stylist and 

the model to work on. 

Did this project help you in any way to grow as a 

designer or a stylist? 

It is my fi rst time styling someone and it obviously has 

helped me to understand what things are important 

for a person in order to look perfect. It was a great 

opportunity for me. 

MODEL: AKANCHA THAPA, 19, 

BBA 1 st year Student 

How do you feel about what you are wearing and 

the way you look at the moment? 

I like what I am wearing. I was with her when we 

chose the fi nal clothes so I am pleased with my look. 

How do you dress yourself for a normal day? 

I normally go for light tees and shorts in summer. 

What do you like the most from what you are 

wearing? 

The shirt. 

If you had a choice of removing or adding 

anything to your present attire, what would it be 

and why? 

I would have worn fl at shoes. 

Smart Casuals can be worn 

by people of every age and 

any profession. 

Orange Shorts: Fuel 

Belt: Fuel 

Shoes: Sphinx 

Off-white top: Victoria Secret 

AKANCHA THAPA 

I normally go for 

light tees and shorts 

in summer. 

ECS Media

STYLIST: NISHA SHRESTHA 

What did you have in mind before choosing this outfi t 

for her? 

I went for something that goes with her looks. That is why I 

chose a smart British look for her. 

Why did you choose SMART CASUAL as the theme to work 

on? 

Smart Casuals can be worn by people of any age and 

profession. Our target was to style models in a way that can be 

copied and understood by everyone. 

Have you given equal importance to shoes and other 

accessories? 

One accessory is supplementary to another. If you get one 

part of the outfi t wrong, the whole attire looks bad. So, it is 

defi nitely compulsory to give importance to the entire look. 



Yes, at school all we do is design clothes but styling the model 

made me understand what we are studying in class in a 

practical way. 

119 

Smart casuals is all about mixing 

and matching your wardrobe 

and creating something 

fashionable and preppy. 

MODEL: SALINA SHAHI, 23 

Professional Model 

Do you like what you are wearing? Are you happy with 

what the stylist has chosen for you? 

Yes, I love the skirt and the hat. It really suits me. 

How do you dress for a normal day? Would it have been 

something similar to what you are wearing or totally 

different? 

I wear anything I feel comfortable in. However, it would be 

different from what I am wearing right now as this is a bit too 

formal for me to wear on a casual day. 

What do you like the most from what you are wearing? 

I love the skirt and the belt. 

If you had a choice of removing or adding anything to 

your present attire, what would it be and why? 

I would have opted for a formal collared shirt and closed shoes. 

White Frilled Top: Stylist’s own 

Black Floppy Hat: Chocolate 

Black Platform heels: Bentley 

ECS Media Red Pencil Skirt: Stylist’s own 

SALINA SHAHI 

This is a bit too 

formal for me to wear 

on a casual day.

STYLIST: PRAGYA CHITRAKAR 

Why did you decide on this type of dress and material 

particularly for her? 

Her top is of jersey fabric which is cool in summer and as for her 

jeans, denim is classic and always in. I also threw in a thin cardigan 

as the weather is very unpredictable here in Kathmandu. 

Why did you choose SMART CASUAL as the theme to work on? 

People in Nepal have a tendency of copying whatever they see on 

television and glossy magazines. Smart casuals is all about mixing 

and matching your wardrobe and creating something fashionable 

and preppy. It is the perfect blend of formals and casuals which can 

be worn from work to a fun day out or to a movie or a business 

meeting. 

Have you paid equal importance to shoes and other 

accessories? 

Yes, one’s make-up and hair has a direct impact on how she looks. 

Bad accessorizing can ruin the whole look of a person no matter 

how stylish the clothes she wears are. 

Did this project help you in any way to grow as a designer or 

a stylist? 

Of course, it did. I gained a lot of knowledge about designing and its 

various areas. Styling has defi nitely helped me learn a lot. 

Smart casuals is all about mixing 

and matching your wardrobe 

and creating something 

fashionable and preppy. 

MODEL: ATISHA GAUTAM, 16 

Student 

How do you dress for a normal day? Would it have been 

something similar to what you are wearing or totally 

different? 

I prefer wearing shorts and tees in a normal summer day. So, it 

would be something like what I am wearing. 

What do you like the most from what you are wearing? 

I like the denim shorts. 

If you had a choice of removing or adding anything to your 

present attire, what would it be and why? 

I wouldn’t change anything. 

Sling Bag: United Colors of Benetton 

Yellow Cardigan: United Colors of Benetton 

Printed Halter Top: Store One 

Denim Shorts: Store One 

Watch: Bentley 

Flat Shoes: U.F.O 

ATISHA GAUTAM 

I prefer wearing 

shorts and tees in a 

normal summer day. 

ECS Media

ECS Media 

STYLIST: MABINA MAHARJAN 

What did you have in mind before choosing this outfi t for 

her? 

I chose a jumpsuit for her as it is very in at the moment and 

the color and fabric suits the summer season. 

Why did you choose SMART CASUAL as one of the themes 

to work on? 

I chose smart casual because of the variety of options we get 

in casual wear. 

Have you given equal importance to shoes and other 

accessories? 

Very simple accessories make a huge difference and I have 

gone simple with her whole look. The jumpsuit has ruffl es 

which act as accessories. 



This project was a confi dence booster to me and the experience 

was fantastic as well. 

Very simple accessories 

make a huge difference 

and I have gone simple 

with her whole look. 

MODEL: ANITA LAMA, 20 

Miss Kathmandu 

How do you feel about what you are wearing and the 

way you look at the moment? 

I like everything from top to bottom. I am satisfi ed with the 

make up and hair as well. The concept was good and the 

setting was perfect as well. 

How do you dress yourself for a normal day? Would it 

have been something similar to what you are wearing or 

totally different? 

I normally wear dresses, shorts and outfi ts that are comfortable 

and make me look elegant as well. 

If you had a choice of removing or adding anything to 

your present attire, what would it be and why? 

I would have added a bit of gajal to my eyes and matched the 

bangles with my heels. 

ANITA LAMA 

The concept was good 

and the setting was 

perfect as well. 

Navy Blue Jumpsuit: Chocolate 

Shoes: Store One 

Silver Bangles: Bentley 

Eye Shades: Model’s Own

122 

When SANJOG RAI was an in-house staff at ECS Media with Fr!day, his colleagues were all 

fl abbergasted with his experimental ways, the choice of his subjects, his viewpoints on life 

and photography. And being in Milan has only catapulted his creativity and his Sanjog Rai Art 

Photography (the fb site) bears signs of that. 

How to best introduce 

you? 

I’m an art and fashion 

photographer currently 

studying in Instituto Italiano di 

Fotografi a and also working as a 

fashion photographer in Milan. I have 

been doing photography for almost 2 

years now. I am mostly into fashion 

photography but my main interest is 

in artistic mix- media pictures like 

nudes and self portraits. I try to 

combine art and fashion photography 

to give a different feel to pictures. 

What was the purpose behind 

going to Milan, Italy? And why 

Milan and not Paris or New York? 

Main purpose for me to come here 

was to study fashion photography, 

but it didn’t go that well as I was 

going through many problems. So I 

had to quit school. 

Italy, actually was not my fi rst 

choice as I really wanted to be in NY 

and I even had applied in many art 

schools in NY. But even though I got 

partial scholarship in schools like 

NYU and School of Visual Art (SVA)

I couldn’t afford to pay such a large 

amount, so I applied here and got a 

good scholarship. 

That’s the reason I am here. But Italy 

is not bad, especially Milan as it is 

really good for people like us, who 

want to join the creative fi eld. Milan 

has so much to offer in fashion as it 

is one of the most important fashion 

cities of the world. 

Describe fashion in Milan. How do 

men and women dress out there? 

HOT! unconventional, uniquely 

different. The thing is that people 

123

do not fear what others might say or 

comment on what they are wearing. 

They experiment with everything. 

I think even if they wear underwear 

over pants or trousers like 

superman, it would look perfect. 

They have this ability to carry off 

everything that they wear. People 

live for fashion here. 

What is in fashion there at the 

moment? 

Vintage is very popular these days 

in Milan and since 

it’s summer, people 

are just going 

crazy with clothes. 

Women can be seen 

in off-one-shoulder 

toga dresses or short 

frilly skirts and hot 

pants coupled with 

skimpy tops. It’s a 

colorful summer. 

And Men’s fl ared 

jeans are back. 1970s fashion is a 

major infl uence on trends these 

days. Shawl sweaters, a variety of 

jackets, swanky footwear, and bags 

124 

and there is lot of triple-pleated 

trousers, roomy jackets, and relaxed 

knitwear and these transform from 

slick retro red, black, and white 

to updated 90s American prep. I 

personally love it. Prints like Native- 

American. Check. Stripes. check. 

Plaid. check. 

Was/ Is it diffi cult to establish 

yourself in the BIG fashion 

world of Milan? 

If you have connections it’s not that 

hard but if you don’t know anyone 

from that 

world then at 

fi rst it seems 

impossible. 

For me it 

was really 

hard. I even 

stopped taking 

pictures for 

months as 

I was going 

through an 

identity crisis. 

I didn’t know what I was doing, 

what I wanted. That was the time 

when I created most of my artistic 

pictures which tells the story about 

I think even if they 

wear underwear 

over pants or 

trousers like 

superman, it would 

look perfect. 

myself. Later, I built connections 

with models and many agencies 

here, so now I don’t have to run 

after anyone as I am always getting 

calls from models or agencies. 

What drives you to do what you do? 

I don’t know; there is something 

about photography that always pulls 

me towards it. It’s like a force that 

always pulls me towards it. I can 

never stop taking pictures. For me, 

taking pictures is like what people 

do: eat and breathe. 

What are you currently involved in? 

I’m not involved in anything particular 

right now but this month has been 

quite busy as I am shooting with 27 

different models for one agency. 

How is life in Milan? 

You always feel there is something 

missing when you are far away 

from home but apart from that it’s 

pretty much the same as in Nepal. 

I was struggling back there and I’m 

struggling here as well. 

At fi rst it was really hard for me 

because of the language and fi nancial

125 

They have 

this ability 

to carry off 

everything 

that they 

wear.


126 

reasons. But later I got the hang of it 

and now it’s actually pretty good. 

How did you get into 

photography? 

It is actually funny because I never 

had this side of me. I always wanted 

to be a pilot and I was focused on it 

but a few years back, I was involved 

in a cultural exchange program 

with Korean friends and I was 

always surrounded by cameras and 

photographers. One of my Korean 

friends gave me her camera to use for 

a while and I never stopped from then. 

What cameras are you currently 

using? 

I am using a canon 40D. My fi rst 

camera. 

How does the Fashion Industry 

function there? 

I don’t have much idea on this topic 

but there are lots of independent 

sectors that are connected to the 

main industry which are always 

devoted to the goal of satisfying 

consumer demand for apparel under 

conditions that somehow is making 

a huge profi t to the industry to run 

well and grow rapidly. I think that is 

why people are after Italian designs. 

Where do you get your models/ 

props/lights/make-up & hair 

from? Who co-ordinates for all 

these and also the venue? 

Most of the time, agencies provide 

everything but if I have to do my own 

portfolios, than I fi nd models from 

One of my Korean 

friends gave me 

her camera to use 

for a while and 

I never stopped 

from then.


127 

I am using a 

canon 40D. My 

fi rst camera.

128 

I like old 

buildings and 

rough places to 

shoot in.

a website called modelmayhem.com, 

it’s a forum for people who are in this 

fi eld. And as per venues, I go around 

the city to fi nd unique places. I like old 

buildings and rough places to shoot in. 

Do you have to pay your models? 

No, but I do get paid by them. lol 

What is it about Fashion that 

interests you- is it the glamor, 

the ‘larger than life’ picture, the 

models, fame? 

It is actually a 

“secret about 

a secret” that 

interests me the 

most. The more it 

shows, the less you 

know what this 

world has to offer 

you. It is not the 

glamor, the models 

or the fame, but it 

is a secret that lies behind all these 

things. 

Who inspires you? 

In the past, I never followed any 

photographers but currently I’m just 

‘wow’ about Annie Leibovitz. I’m 

really inspired by her works. I am also 

thinking of recreating her old works 

giving my own personal touch to it. 

I never followed 

any photographers 

but currently I’m 

just ‘wow’ about 

Annie Leibovitz. 

129 

Who is your favorite- 

Photographer, Fashion Designer, 

Model? Please give reasons. 

Annie Leibovitz is my favorite 

photographer as her life has always 

been about life behind the lens and 

it inspirese me a lot, seeing how one 

person can change the whole scenario 

in the world of photography. 

Fashion Designer, Alexender Mcqueen 

I think is Picasso of the fashion world. 

But sadly, he is not in this world now. 

And another of my 

favorite is Donatella 

Varsace. 

Model, Shristi 

Shrestha, Nepali 

model from London 

who is one of my 

best friends, Naomi 

Campbell, Chanel 

Iman Robinson, 

Adriana Lima & Carmen Kass. 

Which photographer, fashion 

designer, model, fashion house- 

you want to work with? 

Photographer- Of course Anie 

Leibovitz, Fashion Designer - 

Alexender Mcqueen, I will never 

get the pleasure to work with him 

but my new favorite is Marc Jacobs; 

would love to work with him. Model 

- I dream of Adriana Lima everyday, 

I really want to work with her and 

also Carmen Kass, 

Fashion House - Just Cavalli, I had 

the pleasure of being there for 

Milan Fashion Week and I was just 

blown away by Just Cavalli show, 

defi nitely would love to work with 

them. 

Do you plan to come back? 

Yes, I do want to come back to Nepal 

and do something but I don’t think 

I will be back soon as I have so 

many things to explore. 

I personally feel that before 

thinking of doing something for 

the country, you have to think of 

yourself fi rst, you have to grow and 

be good at what you do. That’s how 

you can bring change. 

What do you think makes a 

picture ‘perfect’? 

I think the ability to present your 

ideas perfectly and giving life to a 

picture somehow connects with the 

viewer. 

However, I feel that a picture cannot 

be perfect as different people have 

different ideas of what ‘perfect’ is. �

Standing 5 feet 6 in general and 6 feet tall in 

killer heels, Sahana Vajracharya our cover 

girl for this month has been featured in 

Living a couple of times before but every 

time with a different outlook. With hair the 

color of freshly brewed coffee, Sahana calls 

herself a punctual, emotional and a perfectionist when I 

ask her to describe herself in 3 adjectives. With an hourglass 

fi gure to die for and a wardrobe full of over 60 dresses, she 

tells us how much she is in love with all of her dresses. 

Currently doing a program called Frame by Frame for 

Kantipur Television, Sahana claims to be a neat freak 

and a shopaholic! Tenzin Tseten Bhutia, her best friend 

130 

Iron First! 

A peek into the fashionable life of 

Sahana Vajracharya. 

FUN UNDER 

THE SUN! 

Flaunting her favorite book and 

one of her favorite dresses; an avid 

reader, Sahana tells me she wears it 

on lazy sunny afternoons. 

Bought at Civil Mall, Chocolate 


TEXT: NIVIDA LAMICHHANE 

ECS Media 

was also present there when I asked her about her 

shopping habits and he laughed out loud telling us about 

her bad habit, “She likes it and buys it. Without putting 

an effort of trying it and amazingly, she looks good in 

them once she wears it! I could call her a psychic for it!” 

While she was getting ready for the photo shoot in her 

friend’s apartment, between the relaxed conversations 

we had over a glass of juice, she seemed to be a person 

who was down to earth with a playful personality. As 

we started with the shoot, her poses came naturally and 

without a fuss. Fling, swing and we were done! However, 

the day was a success and I would like to thank Tenzin 

Tseten Bhutia for helping out! �

ECS Media 

131 

AFTER WORK 

GATHERING! 

On days when she has to visit a 

friend for a social gathering right 

after work, Sahana chooses to be 

formal yet glittery for a party! 

Bought at Ginger, Fuel, Envy

“I smell of Chanel’s No.5” says 

Sahana as she poses for this picture. 

The tiny dress she is wearing is her 

favorite from her wardrobe and 

wears it only for special occasions. 

Bought in Hong Kong 

ECS Media 

PUFFING HER 

WAY TO HEAVEN! 

132

ECS Media 

133 

THE RED 

GODDESS 

Another design by Tenzin 

Tseten Bhutia, this red gown 

is something I got my eyes 

on. Sahana wore this in one of 

the rounds for the Miss Earth 

Pageant and now wears it for 

parties and gatherings!

ECS Media 

EXCUSE ME WHILE 

I KISS THE SKY! 

Along with the pout, 

Sahana complains about 

how there are no places to 

fl aunt hats in the streets 

of Kathmandu; and wants 

to set a trend. The perfect 

summer look is good to go 

on any occasion! 

Bought at DS Collection, 

Ginger 

Which color rules your wardrobe? 

Black is very dominant! 

Where do you shop? 

Ginger, DS Collection, Envy and Giordano 

Are you an easy shopper? 

I am an easy and crazy shopper! 

Shop alone? 

I am a shopaholic! I used to shop alone 

but now I take Tenzin Tseten Bhutia 

with me which is so much fun! 

Does appearance matter? 

I am a very tidy person who needs to 

iron everything before wearing it! So 

maybe appearance does matter! 


134 

What do you do on a bad hair day? 

I am very sensitive about my hair! It 

might come as a shock, but I never have a 

bad hair day! 

Do you look at the price tag fi rst or last? 

This is one bad habit I have! I never look 

at the price tag until it is on the counter 

table! 

Can you survive a day without the mirror? 

Yes! 

Favorite Magazine? 

Vogue! 

Are you an accessory person? 

I am gaga over Chunky earrings! 

JUICY SUNDAY 

BRUNCH! 

Dressed in a cute polka dot tee and 

trousers by Tenzin Tseten Bhutia, 

Sahana tells us that she wears this 

on lunch with her girlfriends. 

Bought at Envy, Tenzin Tseten Bhutia 

Rapid Fire 

with 

Sahana 

Vajracharya

ECS Media 

ROCKER CHIC! 

Even though she claims not to 

be a guitar person, her outfi t 

suits the environment just 

right! With jeans shorts and a 

nice brown top, Sahana slips 

into casuals on Saturdays! 

Bought at Ginger, Giordano 

135

with a pinch of salt 

136 

Shrijana Singh Yonjan 

Creative Consultant 

From Amaravati to the ugliest city 

Kathmandu is Dead. Nietzsche could not have found a better alternative to his subject. Shrijana 

Singh Yonjan writes on the dying, dirty, dysfunctional city. But do we have hope? 

I was shocked to know that Kathmandu has been recently 

categorized as the 7 th ugliest city in the world. This indeed is 

very disheartening news, especially while we are supposedly 

celebrating Nepal Tourism Year and inviting tourists from all 

over the world. 

There was a time when poets inspired by the beauty of Kathmandu 

penned down immortal lines; the structural designs of 

the Valley were replicated in neighboring countries and the 

valley embodied spiritualism and ethereal beauty. Bhanubhakta 

compared Kathmandu to Amaravati, the abode of the Gods in one 

of his better known works. The connotation defi nitely no longer 

holds true. Kathmandu today is an ugly jumble of concrete buildings 

with no uniformity and standardization in style or shape. 

The roads are narrow and unmarked, with no footpath area for 

pedestrians. The few existing footpaths are invaded by vendors 

selling all kinds of goods. The skyline is marred by messy wires 

and the water and drainage system, an unsolved mystery. The 

river Bagmati that could have and should have been a focal point 

of the city is a place we wish we did not have to pass by. 

As I pass by on the streets of Kathmandu, I cannot help 

noticing the overwhelming hoarding boards of all shapes and 

sizes carrying advertisements of different products and organizations. 

Judging by their number and sizes, anyone would 

be led to think that these are the ones with the big ‘bucks’. The 

hoarding boards seem to be competing with one another in their 

ugly massiveness and content. For some months now, I have 

been waiting for women rights activists to voice their opinion 

on a few of them and am surprised that there has been no such 

reaction. For instance, what has a woman in a micro mini with 

both legs up on the sofa got to do anything with the phone she’s 

holding? I would understand if this kind of visual were situated 

at a specifi c area where she was inviting persons in search of 

illicit fun. But the boards are placed at popular junctions of the 

city where they are in full view of people of all ages. One is even 

near a college at Maitighar. 

The other advertisements that always bothers me are the 

vodka advertisements where the women are always skimpily clad 

and suggestive. Is that supposed to mean that woman who drink 

vodka are always provocative? Call me a prude if you want to, but 

isn’t vodka actually the drink that is drunk to ‘kill the chill’ not 

‘chill in the heat’? The other thing I noticed is the enforcement 

of non-Nepali terminologies in the advertisements. We can accept 

English as it is the international mode of communication. 

But what does, ‘have you done your champi today’ mean? As far 

as I know Champi is not a Nepali word, but the advertisement 

presumes that we understand. 

Yes, Kathmandu has become an ugly city! Yet everybody wants to 

be in Kathmandu. Why? Simply because everything from politics to 

economy and education to entertainment is focused here. Kathmandu 

has provided ample opportunities to those who have sought its refuge. 

But have we acknowledged that and ever given back anything 

to the city. We Kathmanduites have grown so used to living in this 

clutter and chaos that we seem to have passed the point of caring. 

Yes, drafting and preserving the city’s landscape, infrastructure and 

maintenance is fi rstly the government’s responsibility. But we should 

know by now that if we had a functional and visionary government, 

we would not be in this situation in the fi rst place. 

So what can be done? Shouldn’t we, those of us who live in 

this city start showing some concern? We could for a start reveal 

the city behind the big hoarding boards. Wouldn’t it be nice to 

see rows of trees along areas where the hoarding boards stand 

today? I am sure organizations behind these big hoarding boards 

consist of a ‘board of people’, who are aware of their public responsibility. 

If just a few of these knowledgeable persons who 

have the means and power to get things done get together and 

start a new trend, others would follow. We could then move on 

to other issues compelling the concerned authorities to brush up 

their act. It’s all a matter of who has the courage to be different 

and pave the way for others to follow. 

Meanwhile, I just hope we do not make it to the number 1 

position in the category of the ugliest cities in the world. � 

Disclaimer: The views expressed are solely that of the writer.

entertainment movie 

For maximum entertainment, keep yourself connected with QFX cinemas. 

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara 

Release Date: July 15th 2011 

Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar, 

Katrina Kaif and Kalki Koechlin. 

Shot at locations such as Spain, Egypt and India, the 

story starts as recently engaged Kabir wants to go on 

an extended bachelor party to Spain- a three week 

road trip with Imraan and Arjun - his two best friends 

since school. The only problem is, Arjun is too tied 

up with work and after a great deal of emotional 

blackmail and coaxing, they set off on a trip they 

were meant to take 4 years ago. Each one gets to do 

the sport of his choice and the other two just have to 

follow him whether they like it or not. But with the 

trip comes the situation that challenge their friendship 

that can change their lives forever. 

140 

Imran Khan and Ranbir Kapoor were approached 

for roles in the fi lm, but both turned down the offer as they wished to star 

together in their own production. 

The Smurfs 3D 

Release Date: July 29th 

Starring: Hank Azaria, Neil 

Patrick Harris, George Lopez, 

Jonathan Winters, Katy Perry 

Your favorite old school cartoon 

show, “THE SMURFS” is now 

released on 3D. Directed by Raja Gosnell, the movie is about the tiny Smurfs that are chased 

out of their village by the evil wizard Gargamel. This is when the Smurfs fall from their 

magical world and get into ours – in fact, smack dab in the middle of Central Park. Just three 

apples high and stuck in the Big Apple, the Smurfs must fi nd a way to get back to their 

village before Gargamel tracks them down. 

Capitan America: The First Avenger 3D 

Release Date: July 22nd 2011 

Starring: Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving, Sebastian Stan. 

Captain America: The First Avenger, focuses on the early days of the Marvel Universe 

when Steve Rogers volunteers to involve himself in an experimental program after being 

declared unfi t for military service. This turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain 

America, a superhero dedicated to defending America’s ideals. He then joins forces with 

Bucky Barnes and Peggy Carter to wage war on the evil HYDRA organization, led by the 

villainous Red Skull. 

FOR BOOKING: 

QFX cinemas 4442220. 

www.qfxcinemas.com 

Singham 

Release Date: July 22nd 2011 

Starring: Ajay Devgan, Kajal 

Aggarwal, Prakash Raj, Ashok Sharaf, 

Sonali Kulkarni 

Rohit Shetty, the director of Golmaal, 

is all set to remake the hit Tamil fi lm 

Singham (Yamudu in Telugu). The 

Hindi version features Ajay Devgan in 

Suriya’s part from the original version. 

Kajal Agarwal takes her fl ight to 

B-town playing the female lead role 

opposite Ajay. 

The fi lm revolves around a clash between 

a sincere police offi cer and a deadly gang 

leader in Goa. Ajay Devgan is coming 

up with his new look as an angry police 

avatar in Singham. Ajay plays a tough cop 

with style and has developed a sturdy 

body for his role in the movie. Loud 

music beats, impressive action sequences 

– vehicles fl ying, hero escaping from 

weapons, punchy dialogue and the 

villains striking presence makes the 

movie quite promising and something to 

look forward to.

q&a 

Pallavi Dhakal 

This time Pallavi Dhakal, the most sought-after model 

and media personality, is in the hot seat. And she sure 

spilled some beans. 


Do you think the world will 

really come to an end in 2012? 

Mayan calendar might suggest so 

but I continue living my life without 

sweating over it. Eventually we all 

must die. 

What is the biggest risk you have 

taken till date? 

I’ve heard luck follows the brave 

who take risk and honestly I haven’t 

been very lucky. However, the 

future looks different. You can read 

between the lines. 

Do you dread old age? 

No I don’t. Getting old gracefully is 

something I will accept and enjoy. 

What’s your proudest career 

moment? 

Working for International Committee 

of the Red Cross was very close to 

my heart. The position that I hold at 

Image Channel as a Deputy Executive 

Producer is also a career milestone 

but the proudest is yet to come. 

Favorite Brand 

I like clothes from Guess, Miss Sixty, 

River Island and Next. I also prefer 

H&M and Gap when I don’t have much 

to spend. As for shoes and bags I prefer 

Aldo and Offi ce, good and affordable. 

If you could bring back 

something from the past, what 

would it be? 

As people get older they become bitter 

through experiences. If I could bring 

back anything it would be my innocence. 

Your biggest wish. 

To rise above and go beyond 

everything and anything. 

142 

What do you enjoy doing on a 

typical sunny day? 

When in London, I loved to go to parks. 

A day in a beach would be fun as well. 

In Nepal, on a typical sunny day, I 

prefer ice tea over a good conversation. 

Did you have nicknames as a 

kid? What were they? 

Yes all sorts, my parents and 

relatives were very creative. Kanchu, 

Kaili, Pallu, Pallaghare, Heera 

Panna, Moti were some of them. 

Do celebrities promote brands or 

vice versa? 

I think brands promote celebrities 

more than they promote brands at 

least in Nepal. But we are getting 

better at it slowly. 

Twitter or Facebook? 

Twitter for sure! I fi nd tweets more 

intellectual, open and smart. 

One superpower you wish you 

had… 

I wish I had the power to go back in 

time and infl uence history. I would 

have stopped world wars, holocaust, 

tsunami, slavery and even in Nepal I 

would have stopped internal armed 

confl ict and the Royal Massacre. 

You have a weakness for… 

The people I love. I think we all do. 

Heart does not do what the head wants. 

A secret you want to share with 

LIVING… 

I am an open book. I wish I had 

secrets. It would make life more 

thrilling. 

You would rather be dead than… 

Living a life without Passion and 

Ambition. 

What programs are you 

following on TV? 

News and views from Aljazeera, 

Music of Your Choice, South Park 

and Dexter. 

Pallavi Dhakal as a Model or as 

a VJ? 

Pallavi Dhakal as a Producer and a 

Social Worker. 

Three men you’d love to date 

I would love talk to Mr. Wael 

Ghonim about his peaceful 

revolution through social network 

to overthrow Mubarak, over an 

Egyptian Hukka, go cycling with 

Lance Armstrong and get inspired 

and work out and burn calories with 

Cristiano Ronaldo while admiring 

his physique. 

A cartoon character you want to 

play... 

I want to experience being the lazy 

dumb Homer Simpson that he is. � 

ECS Media

ad index 

AUTOMOBILES 

Car Vatika(49) 4280609 

Laxmi Motor (13) 4101565 

Syakar (138) 4225376 

Leon Motors (11) 4622485 

Morang Autoworks (27,28) 4261160 

BANKS 

Commercial Bank (35) 4446150 

NMB(65) 4246160 

BEAUTY PRODUCTS 

Thompson Nepal (19,20,21) 4265777 

Pantene(17) 

CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR 

Giordano Watch (9) 4221451 

GADGETS 

Broadlink (16) 

C.G (7) 5525039 

Jyotishree (60) 4259166 

Regency Watch (2) 

Nabin Distributiors(103) 4441155 

Sulux Centre (4,12) 4222539 

HOTEL & RESORT 

Radisson (10) 

4411818 

INTERIOR PRODUCTS 

Kitchen Concept (6) 4221858 

Rich Interior(139) 4421000 

Ultimate Décor (62) 4288514 

JEWELLERY 

Asri Jewelers(31) 4249506 

Bikash Diamond(105) 4252730 

Ebisu (137) 4219016 

Gem House(65) 4244717 

Keshav Jewellery(41) 4011541 

Shree Ridhi Siddhi Jewellers(99) 4228104 

LIQUORS & CIGARETTES 

Antiquity (71) 4265777 

Himalayan Distillery (23,67) 

"My wonderful experience with 

relieving treatment at Chaitanya" 

Actress. Karishma Manandhar 

Any kind of 10 massage 

(60 min.) 

10,000 only 

Any kind of 10 massage 

(90 min.) 

12,000 only 

Yoga one month 

2,500 only 

Yoga three month 

6,000 only 

Yoga Membership 3 months 

with sauna/steam/zaccuzi 

& 3 complimentry massage 

Rs. 15,000 only

SNEAK 

PEEK 

OF HEALTHY LIFE ISSUE -20 JULY 2011 

Ecstasy in a Click 

The Sweet Child Of Mine photo contest 

required no special talent, not much time, and 

no propensity for drama; the simplicity of the 

contest belied the final and total number of votes 

tallied, which was unprecedented, unthoughtof 

and surprising even to those who conceived 

the contest idea in the first place. This month, 

the spotlight is on three little kids who stole the 

show in the end, and their supportive parents 

who made it all happen for them. 

On 

Stands 

Now 

Handling Sibling 

Rivalry at Home 

It is obvious that family sizes are getting smaller 

by the day and there are many families today with 

only a single child. It was not always so, and just 

a generation ago, one was fortunate to have many 

brothers and sisters in the family. So, for some today, 

sibling rivalry might not be a big deal, but for those 

still blessed with siblings, it is a very real issue.

ICE COLD 

SERVE COLD 

“I doubt whether the world holds for 

anyone a more soul-stirring surprise 

than the first adventure with ice cream” 

- Heywood C.Broun, Journalist 

tips for 

Healthy 

Cooking 

It’s 

Honey 

Love 

In the coming 

days, expect 

to see rabbit 

meat and honey 

recipes in at 

least a couple 

of restaurants 

around town. 

You may credit 

it to a business in 

Budanilkantha that 

can be said to be a wee 

bit unusual. 

Fresh Summer 

Summer is a time not to be taken 

lightly as far as your health is 

concerned and especially not with 

regard to the food you and your family 

eat because food spoils easily and 

contamination is at a high during the 

hot months of the year. 

The Challenges of 

Raising Twins 

Meera was actually horrified because 

she thought that she had conceived a 

child with multiple legs. For six whole 

months, this bizarre thought took hold 

of her conscience. She still remembers 

how relieved she was when the doctor 

finally informed her about the logic 

behind her receiving kicks from every 

possible side of her belly; she was 

carrying twins.

feature - Living

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?