Meet Pranav Bakhshi, first Indian male model with autism who is a photographer, works as a graphic designer at…, his idol is…

Pranav Bakhshi is a model who shows that fire of passion can get you places.

The fire of passion burns brighter than anything. This 24-year-old is shows how to keep it burning. India’s first male model with autism, Pranav Bakhshi is making a niche in the work by his own. Pranav was only two-years-old when he was diagnosed with autism. It is a developmental disorder that impedes ones basic capabilities to community and motor skills. However, strong like a pillar, her mother Anupama Bakhshi was always by his side, supporting and encouraging him to follow the path of his dreams.

Pranav had once expressed his interest in modelling to his mother, and since then there was no looking back. In an old interview with HT, Ms Bakhshi said, “We were in a mall when suddenly he came up to me showing a billboard. He expressed his desire to model and I could only agree with his decision. Pranav is very well aware that he has autism and is fighting it on a day to day basic. But he is a strong man and I really want the other kids with autism to take inspiration from him and believe in themselves.”

Then began the flow of emails to several modeling agencies. However, only one,run by Ninja Singh had a positive revert.

Due to autism, Pranav lives with 40 per cent disability, and deals with issues like anxiety, extreme obsession. But, these stubbles never struck down his spirit to do what he loves. According to a report by GQ, Pranav idolises Spanish supermodel Jon Kortajarena.

After signing up a modelling agency, he has already worked with big brands like United Colours of Benetton and US POLO.

Growing up, Pranav developed plethora of passions – music, photography, travelling, etc. Pranav was 16 when he fell in love with modelling. Both Pranav and Anupama had attended Velvi Art for Autism Festival, primarily a theatre workshop for young people with autism, in Mumbai.

“Once he was on it, I saw his body language change completely. I was so happy to see that he had finally found his true calling. One day, after we came back to Delhi from the workshop, we were in a mall when he pointed to an LCD screen showing models on the ramp. “I want to do this”, he said, and I remember, I laughed. How distant that dream must have sounded even to a committed autism mom like me, now I think in retrospect. When we came back home, his mindful older sister Nikita asked me why I had laughed. She was convinced that if he wants to do it, that is what he must do,” recalls Anupama speaking with The Better India.

Pranav hangs out with his sister Nikit and some of his cousins often. In 2022, he walked the runaway at Lakme Fashion Week as well.

Pranav is a fitness enthusiasts and follows a dedicated routine. He is currently working as a graphic designer for Thomson Reuters.

Pranav believes that autism is his superpower and shows the world everyday how.