When Pranav Bakhshi was diagnosed with Autism when he was 2-years-old, his mother did not ask, “Why me?” There was no denials, she recalls. “My sleeves were rolled up the day the diagnosis happened”, she says, determined to do her best for her boy.
Now at 26, Pranav is the country’s first fashion model with autism, a TEDx speaker, award winning achiever and multimedia professional with Reuters. But back then, there was a little boy who had trouble expressing himself and found solace in Mr. Bean since he felt the character was ‘like me’, unable to express himself.
Then, the Marvel superheroes arrived. His mother and sister told him that Autism was his superpower. It gave him confidence, patience and the courage to continue. Just like his superheroes, he has come to learn that superpowers do not free you from struggles. “Even the superheroes have their sequels”, he adds.
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In this conversation, Pranav talks about his voice finding wings, the people who believed in his abilities, his journey into modelling and the dreams—including moving to Mumbai—that he refuses to give up on.
Question) Today, the world knows you as India’s first fashion model with autism, a TEDx speaker and an award-winning young achiever. But before all these titles, there was a young Pranav finding his own place in the world. What has that journey been like for you?
Answer: I remember my flashback clearly. I was naughty and mischievous as a kid. My mother and my sister were very patient with me. They made sure no one hurt me. They also protected me from so many things. I could not express what I wanted to express and that is why I loved Mr. Bean because I felt he was like me- not able to express himself. Slowly I started expressing myself. I could write in my journal and say what I wanted to say and that made me happy. I was always happy when I was able to do what I wanted to do. I always loved my sister the most in the whole wide world.
Question) You proudly say, “Autism is my superpower.” Was there ever a time when you struggled to understand or accept being different? What helped you turn something society often sees as a limitation into your greatest strength?
Answer: When I became a teenager, I already knew that people were not always kind. I was not included and I was not understood. My mother and my sister told me that they had a secret to tell me. I loved the Marvel characters, and I was very fond of watching the Marvel movies. The superheroes with superpowers fascinated me. They told me that just like all my favourite Marvel characters, I also had a superpower and that superpower is Autism. That is what makes me work hard, never give up and do whatever I want to do. I was so happy to hear this and I felt so confident. I felt that I could do whatever I wanted to. Now, when Marvel movies show the struggles of the superheroes, Mom and my sister discuss that with me too. Even superheroes face struggles and are defeated but there is always a sequel and they deal with things. So, we don’t have to give up ever.
Question) The fashion industry has traditionally celebrated a very narrow idea of beauty and perfection. What did it mean to you to walk into that world and say, through your presence, “I belong here too”?
Answer: I did not think of all this at first. I just fell in love with modelling, and I wanted to do it. I worked hard, worked on the skills required and did it because I wanted to do it so badly. It was after everyone started talking about it that Mom and my sister discussed with me that I had managed to do something great, and they appreciated me for my patience and hard work. Now, I feel so happy that I could do it. I belong here. I will retire from work when I am sixty, but I will never retire from modelling.
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Question) Every milestone has a story behind it. From becoming India’s first fashion model with autism to receiving the HT City 30 Under 30 Young Achievers Award, which moment made you pause and think, “I have truly come a long way”?
Answer: So many moments. Each moment is amazing. When I received the award, I realized I did it! I became a model and the fashion industry appreciated it. When I was made the Purple Ambassador for Autism at the Purple Fest Goa, organized by the ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and I saw myself on hoardings, on the roads and roundabouts, I realized that I wanted to be on a hoarding and I had done it. Being invited to Rashtrapati Bhawan by the President for the At Home Ceremony and I met the President and the Prime Minister; I felt so honoured and so happy.
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Question) Behind every successful autistic individual, there is often a journey filled with challenges that the world never sees. What were some of your toughest moments, and what kept you moving forward when giving up may have felt easier?
Answer: My mom has always told me that everyone faces challenges. What is important is how we deal with them. I have faced many challenges all the time. At every step. But I don’t like to talk about them. I like to talk about my patience and my ability to never give up. I have been wanting to shift to Mumbai for a very long time now. And it has not happened. It makes me anxious and unhappy, but I am dealing with it with patience and hope. Like always.
Question) Your success inspires many autistic children and their parents who may still be worried about the future. What would you like to tell a parent who is wondering today, “What will my child’s life look like tomorrow?”
Answer: My mom treated me with patience and respect. She never raised her voice and never made me do what I didn’t want. She always said and still says, ‘You are the boss.’ I like it. I think parents should be nice to their children and allow them to do whatever they want to and make them independent. I feel I am independent and I can live alone in Mumbai.
Question) You are also passionate about fitness. Has fitness helped you build not just physical strength but also confidence, discipline and a stronger connection with yourself? How has it shaped the person you are today?
Answer: I love my fitness and I started fitness because mom said if I wanted to be a model, I had to be fit so I love it now. I look forward to exercising with my trainer each morning. When Himanshu sir gives me a new challenge and I am able to do it, it is a great feeling. It has made me disciplined, healthy, calm and confident. It is very important to be fit and healthy.
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Question) If you could go back and meet the younger Pranav—the boy who had no idea that one day he would become a model, speaker and inspiration to so many—what would you tell him? And what is the one dream you are still chasing today?
Answer: I would tell the little Pranav to be less mischievous, less naughty and eat less junk food. Ha ha. I always wanted to do so many things, and I am so happy I could. My big dream is to live in Mumbai, and I have been chasing it for a long time. Nothing can discourage me and I will do it!
Question) Do you hope that one day we stop introducing you as “a model with autism” and simply celebrate you as Pranav Bakhshi—a model, achiever and young man who changed what inclusion looks like?
Answer: Model with autism is special. All other titles are good. Mom and my sister always discuss with me how I received so much love and appreciation. I am very happy that it happened. I like to be seen and heard and I am happy that it happened. They also taught me what being grateful means, I am so grateful.
