Ketholeno Kense honoured with ‘Vogue Young Achiever of the Year’

Kense in bridal wear by Anita Dongre (Photo courtesy Instagram)
  Morung Express News Adding another feather to her glittering and growing career, Naga Super Model Ketholeno Kense Vihienuo was feted at the first ever Vogue Women of the Year Awards.   The awards was launched by Vogue India to “recognize the achievement of inspirational figures across diverse fields” as a part of its 10th anniversary celebration.   Kense was given the ‘Vogue and Colours Infinity Young Achievers,’ alongside athlete Deepika Kumari, Conservation biologist Krithi Karanth.   Held at Grand Hyatt Mumbai on September 24, the inaugural event was attended by who’s who on India’s entertainment industry, business, and other celebrities among others.   “Who would have thought that a small town girl from Nagaland would be winning an award from Vogue @vogueindia!!!!!! Thank you!! For believing in DIVERSITY!!,” an elated Kense stated in her Instagram update.   Standing 5’9”, Kense shot to limelight after she towered above her competitors and won the Kingfisher Calendar Hunt in 2014.   Since then she has found herself modeling for big names like Atsu Sekhose, Tarun Tahiliani among others. Besides commercials, she is now a regular feature in leading international fashion and lifestyle magazine such as Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, including cover shoot with actor Ranbhir Kapoor on a Vogue’s September 2016 issue. Her first major assignment was an editorial shoot for Grazia magazine.   In 2014, Ace photographer Atul Kasbekar, who also shoots the Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar, has predicted to Rediff.com, “She will become a top model one day.”   She is proving to be one.   Asked about her source of inspiration, Kense admitted in an interview to rootsandleisure.com in February 2107 that she wasn’t really that inspired to pursue it full time.   “Modeling just sounded interesting to my young, adventurous mind. I honestly never thought I would get this far,” she modestly said, adding that she is “getting some good work and interesting opportunities to work with talented people in the industry. I am grateful every day for the choices I’ve made.”   “Only in the year 2013 did I really pick up modeling as a career. I have a Bachelors degree in Economics from Patkai Christian College, Nagaland. I’m originally from Dimapur but constantly shift base between Kohima and Delhi depending on my work schedule,” she added.