Judge Rachana Gurung Faces Criticism at Miss Nepal 2025

Miss Nepal is Nepal's biggest beauty pageant, and it often generates significant public discussion about its contestants, winners, and judges. The 2025 edition is currently underway, with two episodes already broadcast and various events being uploaded to YouTube. Recently, a clip from the pageant has gone viral on social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook, sparking both criticism and praise. The focus of the controversy is judge Rachana Gurung, who has been accused of insensitive behavior towards a contestant named Roshani, a young woman with a physical disability.

Roshani's Historic Participation and the Incident

This year marks the first time in Miss Nepal's history that a contestant with a physical disability, Roshani, has participated. Her involvement was widely praised on social media for promoting inclusivity. However, during the audition round, judge Rachana Gurung interacted with Roshani in a way that many perceived as insensitive. In the clip, Rachana asks Roshani in English, "You must know what our first question is." When Roshani seemed unsure and replied, "Sorry," Rachana repeated the question and then gestured towards Roshani's arm, saying, "Explain. Explain about your hand once." Roshani then explained that she was born with a congenital condition affecting her arm and shared the challenges she and her parents have faced. While Rachana later offered encouragement and support, the initial exchange was seen as tactless.

Backlash and Support from the Public

The incident led to significant backlash on social media, with Rachana Gurung facing bullying and harsh comments. Some celebrities, including model and actress Eliza Gautam, joined the criticism. Eliza, who has a daughter with a similar condition, expressed that the incident felt relatable and advised that judges should treat contestants with more sensitivity. This is not the first time Rachana has faced controversy as a judge; six years ago, she was criticized for asking a contestant why she hadn't worn makeup.

The Bigger Picture and the Grand Finale

Despite the criticism, the Miss Nepal 2025 pageant continues, with the grand finale scheduled for Bhadau 14. The incident has sparked important conversations about inclusivity, sensitivity, and how people with disabilities are treated in public forums.