This Engineering graduate is India's first differently-abled model
What's the story
26-year old, Mahalakshmi Mahadev, could possibly be India's first differently-abled TV model. The Bengaluru-based woman breaks the stigma by featuring in a 44-second advertisement for a textile brand, according to a report by NDTV. The 44-second advertisement shows the young model Mahalakshmi in a beautiful ensemble and adorned with heavy jewellery. Here are the details.
Ad
Here are the details of the advertisement
In the advertisement, Mahalakshmi is seen standing in the first shot. It becomes known that she is a polio-survivor, only towards the end of the ad when she is placed back in her wheelchair. Mahadev, a Bachelor of Technology graduate, reminisces her experience during a 13-hour-long shoot in Chennai. Her story is really inspiring.
Dream
Modelling, a dream come true for Mahalakshmi
Mahalakshmi's modelling dreams turned into reality when she met Chennai-based designer, Shalini Visakan, who specializes in designing clothes for the differently-abled. Her husband, Visakan Rajendiran was keen to feature a differently-abled model for their clothing line. "I was nervous at first, but now I'm so happy. Differently-abled can do anything. If they dream, they can achieve it," she said.