Bidhan Shrestha - When MTV Approached Me And Wanted Me On The Show As A Real Hero, It Was A Big Shock For Me! (Real Hero, India in 2018 from Nepal)



I was listed as one of the 14 Real Heroes of the year 2018 in India for saving a guy while I was summiting Stok Kangri (6153m) mountain in Ladakh back in 2016. Then I was selected as one of the 3 Real Heroes to be a part of MTV Roadies (Season 17) and became the 2nd runner up.


1. Tell us about your background and journey.


I'm a 23 years old enthusiastic young guy from Kathmandu, Nepal who loves adventures and to explore new things. Academically, I'm a Mechanical Engineer but people have labelled me with different titles. Be it a traveler, musician, sportsman, roadie, photographer, artist or what not.

Having wide range knowledge gives me the feeling of independence and I always try to keep pushing the limits. I was always active and curious from an early age. I always loved extracurricular activities and was exposed to Karate, Music, Boxing, Arts along with my studies that helped to mould into the person I'm today.

I always kept myself busy and was determined to achieve my goals.


2. Did you ever think or dream of doing a TV show?


I've never imagined myself being on a TV show. Roadies surprisingly came into my life. I used to watch Roadies auditions specially and even got me thinking that I could easily do the tasks and maybe even get selected for the journey. But being a full time student, it was a long way with the audition process and seemed hard to balance it along with my studies.


But when MTV approached me and wanted me on the show as a Real hero, it was a big shock for me and those who knew me. As I was selected as one of three real heroes, I'd be directly entering the journey. MTV Roadies being such a huge platform, it was an honor to be a part of it. And I was even more proud to be able to represent my country Nepal. 



3.How hard was it to make it as a finalist in MTV roadies?


I never thought I'd make it so far in the show. I was sure that I'd be able to perform the tasks well in the journey but I was worried about the politics behind it. On the journey, I was able to build good relations with everything and performed the tasks well enough which made me immune throughout the vote out.


When I won the 'Hotshot to Finale' task, it was such a proud moment for me. Coming from a small village from Nepal and being the first finalist of MTV Roadies, was a big thing. I've always wanted to make my family, friends and country proud. This left me the happiest person.





4. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to make it on a TV show?


If your dream is to be on the TV show, I personally don't have much to advise you. I can only share my experience with you and hope that helps you in some way. The most important thing is to be yourself and unique. The producers are always looking for different personalities to showcase to the audience.


So, make sure that you stand out the crowd. Being on a reality show definitely gives you a boost in your career as well as a strong fan base which you can really use to shine out. Believe in yourself and keep on trying until you achieve your dreams. Best of luck for that.



5. How and when did you realize your passion for photography?


My love for camera and photography started really young. I was around 10 years old and owning a simple point & shoot camera at that time was a big thing. I loved to capture every moment and make memories. I used to take pictures of everything and experiment with different settings and techniques.


This really sparked the passion for photography in me and I've never stopped ever since. I was always eager to learn new things. Watching YouTube videos and reading books related to photography was my main source where I could learn about it in more depth.



6. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?


Creativity and perspective is the important factor for me in photography. Playing with the elements and the way you capture photographs makes a great impact to the audience. And also, I believe storytelling is the soul of the photographs.


Most people think having an expensive camera produces a greater picture. But it's the skills and how you use your gears that matter.



7. What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?

For all the aspiring photographers, Please keep shooting and share it on social media. It is such a powerful medium where you can get noticed across the globe. There are plenty of opportunities waiting for you to grab it. Participate in any sort of competition or Collaborate with different people. Just don't stop and keep shooting.

Start doing projects, commercials shoots, weddings, events or anything that you can get your hands on. It'll help you gather the experiences and develop your skills. Remember, everybody has their own learning curves so give time to yourself and keep progressing. Photography is a beautiful art of capturing the moment, I hope you all enjoy the process.




8. Throw some light on your journey of being a Martial Arts expert.

Growing up watching Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee's movies inspired me to get into Martial Arts. It's a great way to get fit and stronger as well as makes one discipline in life. So, at the age of 11 I joined Karate in Naraharipur Dojo which was nearby my home.

I was trained there for nearly 3 years. All that rigorous training has made me stronger and more determined in life. It has taught me to overcome my fears and pain. And also the importance of hard work. After my school, I wanted to explore more in another style so I joined Boxing here in Boshigaun Sports Club. 

I've participated in National level competitions and hold multiple medals for both karate and boxing. I've trained boxing for more than a year and couldn't continue further because of my studies back then. But till today, I've been practicing it on my own and it helps me to maintain both my physical health and mental health.


9. What are your future plans and what impact do you want to create in this world?

Talking about my future plans, I'm still trying to explore more and gain experience as much as possible. I really haven't travelled Nepal in depth, so I'm planning to travel more and get to know my own country closely. For me, travelling is a big teacher and let's you find the true essence of life. 

I feel like we humans are so stuck up in this modern world that we have lost our morals and values. I'd like to see the world where people are more kind to one another and keep the very thing alive that makes us humans; taking care of mother nature, animals, being the voice for the voiceless, respecting each other and so on.. to create a better world for all of us to live in.


10. Which is your favorite book and why?

'Into the Wild' is my favorite book so far. I just can connect with it on so many levels and this book has inspired me to travel in the first place. It has triggered that adventurous soul in me and taught me to enjoy life at every moment.

I'd like to request you all to solo travel at least one time and get a taste of it. I'm sure it'll change you for the best and you'll never be the same person. It teaches you what a four walled classroom can't and makes you value life and appreciate every little thing. 


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Bidhan Shrestha


My hobbies are Travelling, Photography, Videography, Playing guitar, drums, boxing, karate, creative projects, etc., and I'm an animal and a nature lover.

Being a solo traveler and Adventure lover, I have backpacked to multiple destinations in India and Nepal like Ladakh, Jammu, Kerala, Hampi, Manali, Mangalore, Gosaikunda, Helambu, etc.


Instagram: bidhanshr


Interviewed by Pearlina Marie Rein K