March 14, 2010: What started as a bit of fun, has now, changed the course of life of our aspiring model, Barun Wakhley, 24, who appeared for Levis brand, and in HomePage and Country Club magazine.

Standing 6’1’’ tall, this dark-eyed and elegant-looking hunk shared with Bhutan Times his experiences and lessons he learned after modeling for few years in India.

“I came into this business almost by accident, and though I don’t know where it is taking me, I am not looking back. I will continue modeling as long as I fit in this fashion sphere,” he said, “fashion is not all about looks- its all about your attitude and the way you carry yourself.”

He describes himself as a down-to-earth, easy-going and hardworking person. He love sports, and cricket is one sport he will never quit playing. He said he was never good in entertainment activities like singing and dancing.

Barun was intimidated by the fashion world only in 2005 while pursuing his graduation in Bangalore. He said he knew very little about fashion until he reached Bangalore.

“My parents always supported me emotionally and financially, and I could have not been here without their support and trust,” he said.

He added that he started spending a lot of time and money in the gym, besides, running around for auditions and taking photographs from professional photographers which cost about around Nu 40,000 at the least.

“Living in Indian hub centre is very expensive and maintaining a social life as a model is even more challenging. However, being a model avails us opportunity to mingle with hi-so people who are able to promote our career and it’s prospective in long-run,” he said.

The setback in modeling profession is that it is seasonal and a model’s income is not constant and regular. Sometimes there is possibility a model is unemployed for months, he said. 

“A model has to make sure he looks good every day,” he said, “right diet with lots of green vegetables and fruits, and enough exercise are essential to maintain good health for a model.”

Barun Wakhley has taken part in numerous ramp shows: Country Club and charity shows. He also participated in KingFisher model hunt and was featured model of the week in Bangalore Times.

He was one of the semi-finalists of the Gladrags MegaModel and Manhunt 2008, a beauty contest organized by Maureen Wadia, the president of Gladrags Beauty Pageants , India, and also the editor of the Gladrags magazine. He was also the runners-up in the Van Heusen Model Hunt, held in Bangalore.

To provide a platform for the young aspiring models in Bhutan, last year Paljor Gyabak, Barun Wakhley and Gagan Lama, all three models with experience,  organized a fashion show in the capital assisting RENEW financially.

“The best thing about being a model is that lots of people know me now. Being a Bhutanese, it has always made me proud to represent Bhutan in platforms outside our country,” said Barun Wakhley, who is in Thimphu for a break these days.