Aanchal Shah
The model talks small-town courage, big-city ambition, and the journey that shaped her.
In a world where the runway often celebrates the polished final product, stories like Aanchal Shah’s remind us that the journey matters just as much as the destination. Born and raised in Nepalgunj, Aanchal grew up far from the glamour, noise and pace of the fashion capitals she dreamt of conquering. Today, she navigates the fast, competitive world of Mumbai fashion with the same grit with which she first stepped onto a Kathmandu runway.
Her journey has been shaped by self-doubt, courage and transformation. From being told she lacked the English fluency or personality to survive in a big city, to questioning her own worth, to finding her confidence through Mumbai’s chaotic rhythm, Aanchal has lived every chapter with the will to overcome. She credits choreographer and model, Aastha Pokharel, as the guiding force who believed in her potential when she could not fully see it herself.
Now, with fashion weeks, editorial shoots and high-pressure castings becoming her everyday reality, her story is not simply about becoming a model, it is about discovering what a girl from a small town can dream of and attain when she persists.
In conversation with WOW’s Ankita Jain, Aanchal opens up about her journey, her insecurities, the stereotypes she is determined to dismantle, the beauty of being a dusky model, and the mind-shift that turned her doubts into power. Excerpts:
Let us begin with a personal reflection. When you look back, what has shaped you the most?
My journey has been shaped by both encouragement and criticism. One of my favourite models has always been Aastha Pokharel, and I have followed her work since childhood. Working with her felt like a dream come true, and I am grateful to her for being an important part of my growth. She took me for shows, guided me, encouraged me and helped me build confidence as a young model. Her support strengthened my belief that I could go further.
Growing up, I heard comments about my behaviour, personality and even my English. People questioned how someone like me could live in Mumbai without speaking perfect English. I was often told that wearing nice clothes is not enough and that I needed a better personality. Those comments affected me deeply. They made me wonder whether I was good enough. But in between the criticism, there were people who believed in me.
I began working on myself. For an introverted girl, going from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu and eventually to Mumbai was not easy. But I never gave up. Mumbai became a turning point. It taught me independence, resilience and self-belief. Now I stand stronger, more confident, and unaffected by unnecessary opinions. I have learnt to respond with professionalism and inner strength. This journey has allowed me to discover who I truly am, and I am proud of how far I have come.
Was leaving Kathmandu for Mumbai by instinct or a planned leap?
I always dreamt of working in Mumbai. I had already worked with many brands and walked almost every major fashion show in Nepal, yet I still felt unfulfilled. I wanted bigger platforms, international brands and new challenges. I knew that staying in Nepal would limit my growth.
Around that time, a major agency scouted me, and that gave clarity to my decision. I felt the universe was supporting my dream. Moving to Mumbai was a bold step but I knew it would be worth it.
How was the journey of navigating the fast, high-pressure world of Mumbai fashion?
Coming from a small town and building a career in Mumbai has been an incredible journey of growth. It has taught me patience, resilience and the value of hard work. No matter how many obstacles came my way, I never gave up or stopped dreaming big. People say it is difficult to survive in Mumbai but I never felt that way. When you are truly passionate about something, the challenges become easier to face.
How does the fashion and modelling ecosystem in Mumbai differ from Kathmandu creatively, professionally and culturally?
Mumbai offers a vast range of opportunities. There are numerous international brands, multiple fashion weeks, and a much larger network of industry professionals. Brands appreciate diversity and there is no strict age limit in modelling. If you have talent and work hard, you can achieve both recognition and financial stability.
In Nepal, many brands tend to work with the same models repeatedly. I feel it would be beneficial if they rotated opportunities and welcomed more of the talented and good-looking models who currently remain inactive. With more rotation and openness, the industry could give upcoming models a fair chance to grow and showcase their potential.
What is a stereotype about small-town girls in modelling that you are determined to dismantle?
People often assume that girls from small towns lack confidence, exposure or the ability to keep up with the fast pace of the industry. I want to break that mindset completely. Talent, discipline and determination are far more powerful than the place you come from. I want to show that small-town girls can be just as professional, confident, and successful as anyone else.
As a dusky model in an industry still grappling with skin colour, what have been your defining battles and breakthroughs?
I have heard negative comments about my dusky skin and acne in the past, even from school and college friends who teased me. It made me insecure. But once I entered modelling, everything changed. People appreciated my skin tone, features and body.
My breakthrough came when I realised that my uniqueness was my strength. People recognised me for it and gave me opportunities because of it. Over time, I learnt to love myself and embraced being a dusky model. These experiences have strengthened my self-belief and allowed me to inspire others to embrace their beauty. I am grateful to everyone who supported me along the way.
What does a typical Mumbai hustle day look like for you?
A typical day in Mumbai is a mix of glamour, grind and everything in between. People see the photoshoots and runway shows but they do not see the early mornings and long commutes. There are days when I wake up before sunrise, travel across the city, sometimes changing multiple trains or sitting in heavy traffic, just to reach a shoot on time.
Between shoots, there are fittings, castings and constant preparation. There is also the need for self-care, mental focus and staying presentable despite exhaustion. My life in Mumbai is challenging and hectic but every moment contributes to my growth. I love what I do, and that passion fuels me every day.
One thing you always carry to a shoot?
I always carry a positive mindset and confidence. I remind myself to stay humble, grounded and respectful towards everyone on set. This energy helps me give my best.
The boldest thing you have done for a shoot?
One bold thing I have done was stepping out of my comfort zone to try a completely new concept or look. It was intimidating at first, but it pushed me to grow. Having a supportive photographer made the experience empowering.
One misconception people have about models?
A common misconception is that modelling is all glamour. In reality, it requires discipline, long hours and constant effort. Behind every perfect photo or runway moment, there is a lot of hard work that people do not see.
The first thing you do when doubt hits?
When doubt hits, I remind myself why I started. I think about my goals, the progress I have made, and the hard work behind me. That reflection turns doubt into motivation.
Runway or editorial: what is your real high?
Both give me different kinds of highs. Runway shows are thrilling, full of energy and adrenaline. Editorial shoots allow me to explore creativity and storytelling. I genuinely love both.
Is there a moment from your Nepalgunj days you wish you could freeze in time?
Yes. I wish I could freeze those simple days spent with my childhood friends and family in Nepalgunj, especially the moments enjoying my mother’s home-cooked meals. There was no pressure, just pure happiness. Remembering those times helps keep me grounded whenever city life feels overwhelming.
For young Nepali girls dreaming of stepping onto bigger runways, what is one brutally honest advice and one soft, nurturing advice you would give?
My brutally honest advice is to stay real, focused and prepared to work extremely hard. Talent alone is not enough. You need discipline, consistency and patience. Success will not come overnight.
My soft advice is to believe in yourself even when others doubt you. You are capable, worthy and stronger than you realise. Protect your confidence and take care of your mental well-being.
