Fueled by Passion, How Early Experiences Ignited Barsha’s Love for Storytelling and People Connection, Starting as a Radio Presenter at 15

Let’s get to know more about Barsha in an Exclusive Interview.

Hi Barsha, can you tell us more about your journey from growing up in a small village in Nepal to becoming an influential Entertainment Media Journalist?

Certainly! My journey from a small village in Nepal to becoming an Entertainment Media Journalist has been a testament to perseverance and passion.

Despite the challenges of growing up in a lower-middle-class family, I started working at a young age while continuing my studies and pursuing hobbies like volunteering in radio and scouting.

These experiences instilled in me a love for storytelling and connecting with people. Beginning my media career at just 15 as a Radio Presenter, I immersed myself in the entertainment world, eventually founding Cinepati TV in 2016.

I’ve built a platform through dedication and hard work to share stories and advocate for causes close to my heart. Of course, it is not easy to establish yourself in such a field in a country like Nepal, especially when you are from a lower middle-class family without any relatives In the same area to support and more when you are a woman, but for sure if you do hard work and have strong confidence on yourself, you can make anything possible. That’s precisely what happened to me. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in media and entertainment, particularly considering your humble beginnings?

My inspiration stems from my desire to make a difference and amplify voices, especially those of underrepresented communities. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the power of storytelling in bringing about change and empowering individuals.

Despite facing socio-economic challenges, I was determined to use my platform in media and entertainment to advocate for issues like gender equity, diversity & inclusion, and mental health.

Moreover, the joy of connecting with people and sharing their stories fueled my passion for this field.

When I was working in a clothing store right after my school, I was always listening to a radio people are talking nicely and sharing their stories to inspire others, that is how I provoked myself to enter in this field. I can proudly say that My major inspiration to be an entertainment journalist was my motivation to join this field and work hard. 

Could you share more about your journey from starting as a Radio Presenter at 15 to founding your own company, Cinepati TV, and becoming an influencer and activist?

Absolutely! Starting as a Radio Presenter at a young age allowed me to hone my skills and build a loyal audience base. At the beginning stage, the remuneration for my 5 hours of daily work was just NRs.1500, but I never quit what I had started. I have faced so many challenges, but I have never let my confidence down.  

As I progressed in my career, I realized the potential to create a more significant impact by establishing my platform.

Thus 2016, I founded Cinepati TV, a company dedicated to promoting diverse voices and advocating for social causes. Alongside my role as a media professional, I embraced the role of an influencer and activist, using social media as a tool for advocacy and empowerment. It’s been a challenging but enriching journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunities to inspire and make a difference.

You mentioned being passionate about empowering young women. Can you elaborate on the specific issues you focus on, such as body confidence, gender equity, diversity & inclusion, and mental health?

Absolutely. Empowering young women is at the core of my mission, and I focus on various issues that affect their lives. Body confidence is crucial, especially in a society that often imposes unrealistic beauty standards.

I advocate for embracing diverse body types and challenging beauty norms. Gender equity is another area of focus where I strive to create equal opportunities for women in all spheres of life. Additionally, I’m passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion, ensuring that women from all backgrounds have a voice and a seat at the table.

Mental health is also a significant concern, and I work to raise awareness and provide support for those struggling with mental health issues. I have utilised my social media platforms and the Nepal Scouts to raise different problems and inspire more and more young women. 

Your decision to shave your hair to inspire women battling cancer garnered praise and criticism. Can you tell us more about the motivations behind this courageous act and its impact on reshaping societal perceptions of beauty?

Shaving my hair was a profoundly personal decision rooted in empathy and solidarity with women battling cancer.

I wanted to show that beauty isn’t defined by outward appearance and that true beauty lies in courage, resilience, and compassion.

While the decision faced criticism, it also sparked essential conversations about societal perceptions of beauty and the importance of empathy and support for those facing health challenges. Ultimately, it was a humbling experience highlighting solidarity’s power in reshaping cultural norms and fostering empathy.

There was a mixed reaction from my family and friends to my decision to shave my hair, but I do not have any regrets about what I did, and I believe I was able to make a little positive impact on the lives of those women who are facing a hard time. 

Travel seems to be an integral part of your lifestyle. How has exploring new places influenced your perspective on empowerment and storytelling?

Travel has been instrumental in broadening my horizons and shaping my perspective on empowerment and storytelling.

By immersing myself in different cultures and environments, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences and challenges women worldwide face. Each new place I visit offers a unique story waiting to be told, and it’s through these experiences that I find inspiration for my advocacy work.

Travel reminds me of the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of amplifying diverse voices in the pursuit of empowerment and social change. It also allows me to see how diverse and beautiful this world is.

I wanted to tell every woman in Nepal and in the world to live your life, travel as much as you can, choose your path, make your own decisions and not let anyone stop you from making yourself happy before anything else. 

Can you share some memorable experiences from your travels that have shaped your outlook on life and contributed to your personal growth?

Certainly! One memorable experience was visiting a remote village in Nepal, where I had the opportunity to interact with women who were breaking barriers and challenging traditional gender roles.

Despite facing immense challenges, their resilience and determination profoundly impacted me and reaffirmed my commitment to advocacy.

Another memorable experience was participating in a community-led initiative to promote girls’ education in a rural area. That project was initiated by Girl Scouts, where I witnessed the transformative power of education and saw the potential it unlocks in young girls, inspiring me to continue empowering women through education and storytelling.

I can say that the women and girls in Nepal are the strongest in the world.

As an individual, a woman plays several roles in making their family happy despite facing many challenges and forgetting their happiness. 

As an influencer and activist, what challenges have you faced in your journey, and how have you overcome them?

The journey of an influencer and activist is not without its challenges. From facing backlash for speaking out on controversial issues to navigating the pressures of social media, I’ve encountered various obstacles along the way.

Especially in developing communities like ours in Nepal, people are so judgmental, having a lot of stigma and stereotypes on their minds when they see a woman who opens up herself as an independent and strong character.   

However, I’ve learned to approach challenges with resilience and determination. Building a solid support network of like-minded individuals and staying true to my values has been crucial in overcoming obstacles.

Additionally, I’ve embraced failure as a learning opportunity and used it to fuel my passion for advocacy and social change.

What advice do you have for young women navigating career uncertainties and socio-economic challenges, based on your experiences?

I advise young women facing career uncertainties and socio-economic challenges to believe in themselves and never underestimate their potential to create change.

It’s essential to embrace every opportunity, no matter how small, and persevere in adversity. Surround yourself with mentors and allies who support your goals and aspirations, and don’t be afraid to seek help when needed.

Remember that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth, and each challenge you overcome makes you stronger and more resilient.

Above all, stay true to yourself and your values, and never lose sight of the impact you can have on the world. And always think that being a woman, you are not incapable of anyone; you can do anything, you can lead this world, and you are the past, present and future of this world. 

How do you balance your professional commitments and personal interests, such as travel and social media content creation?

Balancing professional commitments with personal interests can be challenging, but I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.

I consciously try to schedule time for travel and social media content creation while ensuring I fulfil my professional responsibilities.

It’s essential to find moments of rest amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, whether through travel, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in hobbies.

I can recharge and stay inspired to pursue my passions by balancing work and leisure.

You’ve expressed enthusiasm for contributing to Femest’s mission. How do you see your story aligning with Femest’s vision of empowering women on a global scale?

I believe My story aligns with Femest’s vision of empowering women on a global scale through its focus on advocacy, storytelling, and fostering connections.

As an activist for gender equity, diversity & inclusion, and mental health awareness, I believe in the transformative power of sharing authentic narratives and amplifying marginalized voices.

By collaborating with Femest, I aim to reach a broader audience and contribute to the collective effort of empowering women worldwide.

Together, we can inspire change, challenge stereotypes, and create a more inclusive and equitable society for future generations. For every girl and woman in this world.