Prativa Gurung Yakthumba, also known as Dolly Gurung, overcame third-stage colon cancer and found healing in the embrace of nature.

As the first female television model in Nepal, Gurung began her modelling journey with an advertisement for Wai Wai noodles in 1984/85. Beyond her inspiring journey, Gurung is a devoted plant enthusiast, nurturing over 1,000 varieties of plants in her home.

In this conversation with the Post, Gurung shares her initial modelling days, outlook on life after beating cancer, and affinity for plants.

Please share a bit about your journey as Nepal's first female model and the challenges you faced.

My modelling journey began when I was offered a role in the first television advertisement for Wai Wai noodles. I was only 16 then and did not know much about modelling.

Back then, I did things that were unconventional for a girl. I was athletic and rode bikes. However, when the modelling opportunity came, I grabbed it.

To my surprise, the ad blew up. Right after the shooting, I flew to the Philippines. I continued my modelling journey there while working as a DJ.

After a few days, I started getting phone calls from my family asking if I was alright. A few newspapers and magazines at the time published sensational fake news about my marriage and health. One of the news even claimed that I was dead.

Not only that, but an edited photo of me sitting on the lap of a minister was also published in a magazine. Seeing all of that, my brothers questioned my line of work.

As a cancer survivor, how has your experience influenced your outlook on life and your approach to health and wellness?

Cancer runs in my family, which is why I wasn’t surprised when I was diagnosed with it.

On my 50th birthday, I went on a 15-day trek in the Everest region. During the trek, I felt unusual discomfort in my body. After returning, I immediately went for a checkup, and the doctor told me I had third-stage colon cancer.

The experience of battling cancer made me believe in the idea of destiny. I started resonating with the phrase, “If it is meant to be, it will be” on a deeper level.

I was conscious about my health and wellness before. However, after I came out of cancer, my consciousness expanded, making me more mindful of my food and lifestyle choices.

I have increased the amount of superfoods in my kitchen and no junk food in my fridge. I love to host dinner parties and cook for everyone, but I avoid oily foods.

What made you a plant enthusiast? And what inspired you to fill your home with them?

I have always had an affinity for nature and have been a plant lover. Today, I have more than one thousand plants in my home.

I feel more at home in and around greenery, which inspires me to fill my house with plants. Although I live in Kathmandu, I breathe fresh and healthy air, which is another inspiration for adding more plants to my collections.

What are some of the most unique plants in your collection, and where did you source them from?

Anthurium, False Birds of Paradise, Hoya and Weeping Begonia are a few unique plants in my collection.

I also source plants from my travels in Europe, the United States, Thailand, Germany, and Vietnam. I buy and bring boxes full of plants to my home. My children study abroad, and whenever they return to Nepal for vacation, I tell them to get plants for me.

How does being around plants affect your well-being and the atmosphere of your home?

Sometimes, I get bothered by various things. These plants can soothe, calm me down, and provide profound positivity. Because of their irrational pull, I do not feel like going out.

I enjoy my life to the fullest when my plants at home surround me. They make me feel healthier and happier.

The atmosphere of my home feels more aesthetic and robust, too.

What are your top five indoor plant recommendations that are easy to care for?

Pothos: I love plants with vines and trails, and Pothos is one of them.

It is also one of the easiest plants for beginners to take care of.

Monstera: These plants are famous for their natural leaf holes. 

They grow well in moist soil, so regular watering will keep them healthy.

Anthurium family: Its bright green leaves are beautiful and carry a glossy shine.

This plant must be watered more frequently in summer.

Philodendron family: Philodendrons are the easiest houseplants to grow. 

Most of the time, they can be left alone in a lowlight setting with moderately dry soil.

Hoya: One of my favourites, Hoya is a low-maintenance and easy-to-care indoor plant. 

You can place your hoya plant in a hanging basket or allow it to cling to a small trellis to grow well.