‘Akki’ to Unveil the Struggles and Triumphs of Akshay Paranjape’s Life Journey

To Be Released on June 3 by Sachin Pilgaonkar

Pune: Once a perfectly healthy child until his teenage years, Akshay Paranjape’s life took a dramatic turn when he was suddenly diagnosed with Wilson’s disease right before his 10th-grade exams. Despite being thrust into a life similar to that of a differently-abled person, Akshay refused to give in to despair. With sheer determination, he carved out a successful career as a photographer and earned a name for himself. His inspirational journey and struggle-filled life story are now being captured in a book titled “Akki”, as announced by his father, Santosh Paranjape, during a press conference.

Based on Akshay Paranjape’s life, the motivational book “Akki – An Indomitable Willpower” will be launched on June 3 at 5 PM at the Bal Shikshan Mandal Auditorium in Pune. The book release will be graced by the hands of renowned actor Sachin Pilgaonkar. The event will also see the presence of several distinguished guests including Rajya Sabha MP Medha Tai Kulkarni, lyricist Vaibhav Joshi, Chitrapat Mahamandal president Meghraj Raje Bhosale, Ajit Gadgil, Amol Ravatekar, Amit Phalke, Rajesh Pandey, Seema Deshmukh, Shrirang Deshmukh, as well as various dignitaries, writers, and artists from diverse fields.

Sharing more about his son’s story, Santosh Paranjape said that Akshay was completely normal until the age of three. However, after developing a fever, he began experiencing hearing loss due to damage to the veins near his ears. Despite this, he excelled in activities like badminton, cycling, and public speaking, and even participated in NCC parades. However, after completing his half-yearly exams in grade 10, Akshay’s life was completely transformed due to Wilson’s disease. Even doctors in Ratnagiri struggled to diagnose his condition accurately.

Despite the health challenges, Akshay managed to secure 66% marks in his 10th-grade exams. The next four years were spent bedridden, yet he didn’t lose hope. With sheer willpower, he appeared for his 12th-grade exams and achieved an impressive 88%. It was during this time that he found himself drawn to the camera, and today, he has made a reputed name for himself in Pune’s photography scene. This book narrates Akshay’s incredible story of resilience and inspiration, as his father Santosh Paranjape proudly shared.