Short docu on autistic model’s journey debuts in Kolkata

Kolkata: Sixteen-year-old Baiduriyya Bakshi, who was detected with autism at the age of three, started modelling during the pandemic. Now, a short documentary by Soumen Das, ‘Breaking the Frame', has been made on his journey that was screened in the city on Wednesday. The idea behind the making of the film is to spread awareness and give a feeling of inclusivity to families with children with autism.When Baiduriyya was a little over two, he started idolising Salman Khan. "He could hardly talk but started mimicking his pose. Many children with autism struggle before a camera. He did not. He loved to mirror. He took to underwater swimming, yoga and karate. His special educator saw the pull and told us to follow what lit him up," his mother, Sumitra Paul Bakshi, said.In 2018, the family went to Delhi and met Pranav Bakshi, India's first model with autism. Sumitra returned with guidance on how to shape her son's gift for modelling. During the pandemic, they trained him at home. A family friend shot his portfolio. "My son has sensory issues. Sound and crowds can unsettle him. But he is so happy when the camera turns on," she said.Before the 2022 pujas, he shot his first portfolio series at Victoria and Kumartuli. He worked through the day. He changed costumes in the car. The family posted the images on social media. "In 2023, he was selected for an Indian Chronicle brand shoot," his mother said.What began as a passion soon earned Baiduriyya pocket money. He won the 2022 state award for People With Disabilities, and began earning through professional assignments, including campaigns for biscuits and coffee. Baiduriyya is thrilled to have been able to come this far. The happiness is visible in his reactions. "Someday, I wish I can meet Salman Khan. I have saved the money and will want to take a bus ride to the sea one day," he said, before rushing off to the screening.