Inspiring! Meet Pranav Bakshi India’s First Model With Autism

Mad4Change By Chaithra B S | 2 min read

Autism

When others labeled him as disabled, this young boy with autism proved that he is capable. Pranav Bakhshi is defying preconceptions and showing Autism is his superpower, from watching models on big screens to walking the runway himself! 

Autism Didn’t Stop Pranav From Achieving His Dreams 

Pranav Bakhshi, India’s first model with Autism, is a power to be reckoned with. He is an award-winning self-taught photographer who has given three TEDx speeches and spoken as a self-advocate at major events such as IIT Bombay’s e-cell program, Microsoft India, and India Autism at Work’21, among others. He’s only 22 years old and has already worked with huge worldwide brands. 

Pranav, who was born in May of 2000, had a difficult birth with numerous health issues. Even though things appeared to be improving by the time but when he was two years old, his speech had begun to regress rather than progress. Pranav began echolalia or repeating what others said, and was shortly diagnosed with autism. 

Mother Took A Stand To Help Her Son With Autism 

His mother swiftly gathered her thoughts, researched the matter, and started the intervention procedure. He struggled with social interaction, emotional understanding, complex concept learning, sensory issues, and hyperactivity, all of which were symptoms of autism.

Pranav was just 16 when he discovered his passion for modeling, and he was exposed to ramp walking as an organized activity after attending the Velvi Art for Autism festival. He spotted models strolling down the ramp and wanted to be like them.  When he saw hoardings, he wanted to be just like them. 

Pranav’s Journey Towards Becoming A Model 

Pranav’s prospects grew after he walked for Benetton, and he’s since done advertising for Big Bazaar and FBB in addition to walking for companies. His most recent runway appearance was for Lakme Fashion Week. He felt great every time he strolled to the sounds of great music. While going through auditions, clothing trials, rehearsals, and finally the final presentation, I feel a sense of anticipation. Every time, I feel confident and fantastic.

Pranav is a model as well as a self-taught photographer who has received recognition for his work. Pranav also works as a Digital Producer-Contractor for the news agency Thomson Reuters and has given three TEDx talks.

Autism Is A Superpower For Pranav Bakhshi

In 2017, his family urged him to take part in the Vevi Festival. Later that year, he took part in a ramp walk in Bangalore for people with disabilities. Pranav’s desire became even more earnest and sincere as a result of these encounters, and he soon began to receive freelance jobs. With Benetton, he got a big break into the professional modeling world. 

Pranav was destined to be a ramp walker. He is a natural at posing in front of the camera and is well-versed in the nuances of the art. Following his decision to pursue modeling, he dedicated himself to physical work and made a conscious effort to eat healthily.

His fashion icon is Spanish supermodel Jon Kortajarena, and with his determination, there’s no reason he can’t follow in his footsteps.

Modeling isn’t on most people’s to-do lists. Pranav added it to his to-do list. Despite the hurdles that autism presents, he has created a modeling career on his merit with the help of his mother and siblings. He isn’t searching for freebies and has a well-defined career path in mind.

Reach out to Pranav Bakshi on Instagram

If you like this inspiring story of Pranav Bakshi, Read another similar story here: These special cafes run by differently-abled people are breaking the stereotypes and winning the hearts

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