Last December, I had applied for visa through US Embassy in Nepal. I had taken picture in US itself, "US passport application standard picture". But surprise, the lady at Nabil bank said that's not valid. She said it’s slightly darker than me. It was true, but shouldn't be of any concern as it wasn't much significant. I asked her why it could be any problem; she replied "that picture doesn't look exactly like you". I argued with her as my passport had exactly the same picture. She then said "it's harder to print your darker picture in visa". I asked her what people in Africa do for their picture then, they already are darker to start with. She had no answer, but simply wouldn't allow me to use my picture.

I then took a new picture (they however didn't suggest me any places). Paying extra cost for emergency picture I returned next day to her, she accepted that picture. The new picture had me fairer, tad lipstick on (I'm male), tad foundation. What the hell? That doesn't look similar to me than the one I had taken in US.

Judging by this thread, either some sucker in that bank are making hefty amount on commission or its “बिरालो बांधेर श्राद्ध ”, they are used to people bringing picture from “Photo Concern” which are pimped up.