Disabling disability, one act at a time
Three Indian individuals with cognitive disabilities—Pranav Bakhshi, Ananya Bijesh, and Aakash Chiripal—have broken barriers in modeling, music, and digital fashion content, gaining national recognition and challenging societal stereotypes. Challenges remain, including limited access to trained educators and financial burdens on families, particularly mothers, who often sacrifice careers to care for them.
Pranav Bakhshi, a 19-year-old male model with autism and a 40% disability, became India’s first autistic male to walk a fashion ramp, defying stereotypes. Ananya Bijesh, 18, also autistic, won the 2024 National Award for Individual Excellence in the ‘Sarvashreshth Divyangjan’ category for her musical talent. Meanwhile, Aakash Chiripal, who has Down Syndrome, has gained attention for his fashion content on Instagram, where he recreates celebrity looks and met actor Vicky Kaushal. Cristeene Rose Tojo, 21, an autistic musician, overcame early struggles in formal training by teaching herself through online resources. In 2022, she won a district-level prize for keyboard performance at the Special School Arts Festival in Kottayam. She performs cover songs in English, Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil, often staying true to the original versions, with a particular connection to Celine Dion’s music. Despite their achievements, individuals with cognitive disabilities face significant challenges. Many teachers lack training to support neurodivergent students, limiting learning opportunities. Organizers and educators often struggle to accommodate their needs, creating barriers to full participation. Dr Anil Kumar Nair, director of the Different Art Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, notes that families, especially mothers, bear immense emotional and financial pressure, often sacrificing careers to provide full-time care. These individuals prove that differently-abled people can excel in arts and media despite societal and systemic obstacles. Their success highlights the need for better support systems, including trained educators and accessible resources, to help others overcome similar challenges. Their stories inspire change and challenge perceptions of disability in India’s creative industries.
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