BEAUTY PAGEANTS BEYOND JUST LOOKS

Dikpal Karki

Model, Actor & Fashion Choreographer

I am among the few men in Nepal who are professionally involved in pageants, and having been a winner of men’s pageant myself, I see the world of pageantry from a very different lens. Many perceive pageants as being only about beauty but in reality, it takes immense dedication, discipline and preparation to participate.

Pageantry is a journey that demands the perfect balance of body, brain and performance. Maintaining beauty is not effortless, it involves strict control over one’s diet, rigorous workouts, consistent care for skin, hair and overall appearance. It requires discipline and a strong mindset to stay committed to such a lifestyle. Beyond physical preparation, contestants must sharpen their intellect, stay informed about global and social issues, and develop excellent communication skills to represent themselves confidently on both national and international stages. Pageant participants are also performers, they must master their walk, stage presence, posture and expression, all while radiating confidence and authenticity.

To me, beauty queens are more than just beautiful faces; they embody beauty, intelligence, grace and purpose. They are complete personalities who serve as ambassadors of culture and change, inspiring others and contributing positively to society through their influence and actions.

Suraj Raj Pandey

Co-Founder & CEO, Revamp Nepal

Today’s beauty pageants, in my view, are platforms of purpose rather than just competitions of appearance. They honour people who use their voices to advocate for important principles and who exhibit bravery, intelligence and empathy. I think that self-awareness, kindness, boldness, elegance and determination are keys to true beauty. They foster honesty, self-assurance and leadership, even offstage.

For males, beauty beyond perfection must be viewed as a purpose, having the capacity to inspire others. Standing on that stage means more than just introducing oneself; it means communicating one’s values. Beauty, in its truest form, is about inspiring others through purpose, passion and presence.

Dr Sanjeev Kumar Jha

Dermatologist

As a dermatologist at D’Cosmo Nepal, I have learned that true beauty goes far beyond flawless skin or perfect features. Interestingly, many men today share this evolving perspective. Beauty pageants, especially Miss Universe, have transformed into platforms that celebrate inclusivity, purpose and authenticity. With the motto “Beautifully Confident” and the belief that “Every woman is uniquely empowered to inspire change,” Miss Universe has redefined what it means to be beautiful. By welcoming married women, mothers and transgender participants, it sends a powerful message: beauty and womanhood cannot be confined to one mould.

Many men now see contestants not just as icons of glamour but as role models, these are women who stand for confidence, compassion and courage. When they advocate for causes close to their hearts, it inspires respect that transcends appearance. True beauty, as these pageants remind us, lies in confidence and purpose; the kind that radiates from within and leaves a lasting impact.

Hiroshi Khanal

Content Creator & Brand Marketing Specialist

For me, beauty pageants have never been about “beauty” in the way people simplify it. My perspective comes from growing up with a sister who has walked this journey for years, from Teen Princess Nepal 2017 to representing Nepal internationally in Miss World Tourism Sri Lanka and Miss Supranational Poland and recently winning Supranational Nepal 2024. Watching her grow through every stage completely changed the way I see pageants.

Behind the glamour, I have seen the discipline, the pressure, the late-night practice sessions, and the emotional strength it takes to stand in front of the world with confidence. These platforms have helped her develop leadership, resilience, communication skills, and a sense of purpose. So, when people say pageants are “just about looks,” it feels unfair. I have seen how much these spaces can empower women to find their own voice.

Lex Limbu

Founder, Tracing Nepal Blogger

These days, I feel quite different from my younger years when I used to blog endlessly about beauty pageants and beauty queens. I know our country’s fascination with pageants is not going away anytime soon. While participants do learn many good things during training, I worry that too much importance is given to looks and fitting into a narrow idea of “beauty.”

At the same time, I have seen many amazing people from pageants struggle to move beyond that label; to be seen as more than just a “pretty face.” I hope the positive lessons from pageants like confidence, discipline, punctuality, and a sense of sisterhood and brotherhood can also be learned through other paths, not just through beauty contests.