Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 29
The journey to the top has not been easy for supermodel Ketholeno Kense Vihienuo or renowned classical musician Nise Meruno: ‘breaking stereotypes’ being one of the challenges.
In the first live edition of the talk show ‘ALIFE initiative’ on the theme ‘breaking stereotypes’ held here at Kuda Café Monday night, the two Naga stars shed light on how they overcame the shackles of ‘stereotype’ to finally live their respective dreams.
ALIFE initiative is a collaboration between three likeminded grass-root social organizations namely Serendip Guardian, PathFinders and CAN Youth.
For Nise Meruno, breaking stereotypes means envisioning something beyond the common or ordinary. As a child, the musician confessed that he was not a bright student and while most boys his age played the guitar or football, he preferred to play the piano, which many during those days thought was “feminine” and off the beaten path for boys.
“But I found my forte in music (and piano) and music became my shelter”, he said.
Ketholeno also admitted that Naga society’s stereotype view of the profession of a model as “not morally respectable” was quite frightening. “Initially, I cried a lot after hearing gossips, some even from my close relatives…such stereotype comments I don’t face in the mainland, only back home”, the lithe model said.
She said most people are unaware of the tough and tortuous routine a model has to undergo daily. “Glamour is just one percent, 99 percent is hard work”, she added.
On how they finally got their big breaks, Nise said his big moment came out of the blue when he was in Delhi years ago to pursue a career as a flight steward. One night he was invited to perform in a concert and the response was so overwhelming that he was flooded with invitations and he never looked back.
Ketholeno said after winning the NE Super Model contest in 2011, her career took a turn when she won the Hunt for the Kingfisher Supermodel 2014.
However, despite the fame and accolades, both said their first priority in life is “family” and not their careers.
On the theme, the organisers said “Stereotype is one issue among many which we are surrounded with. An issue we don’t talk about or we don’t realize what stereotyping is. It has become a part of our lives and its impact on people’s live are huge. Our words and actions may be a blockage to someone’s growth-psychologically, professionally and socially.”
“Through the ALIFE talk, we look forward to bring out stories of people who have experienced and undergone a journey of confronting issues and have overcome those fears, and when shared can help others bring in a deeper understanding of the issue and its impact,” the organizers added.
Vitono Gugu Haralu was the talk host for the talk.
