Akshay Dattu Avghade

*Akshay Dattu avghade* I’m 31 years old

I come from a lower-middle-class family, and my journey has been shaped by hard work, struggles, and the determination to never give up.

I was born and raised in a small slum in Colaba, Mumbai. About seven years ago, my family shifted to Virar in search of a better future. From a very young age, I understood that nothing comes easy in life. At just 13 years old, I started selling magazines and posters at traffic signals. On most days, I earned only ₹80–90, but for me, that money meant helping my family and learning the value of hard work.

Because of our financial condition, balancing education and work was never easy. I studied from 8th to 10th in a night school and later completed my 12th standard from Siddharth College, Mumbai. Every stage of my education came with responsibility, but I never stopped trying.

Art always attracted me, especially tattoos. I loved drawing since my school days. During college, I met a friend who became like an elder brother to me. He was a tattoo artist, and watching his work inspired me to believe that I could also build a career doing something I truly loved.

Like many young people, I wanted a stable career. I applied for a job in the airline industry and was selected. Unfortunately, just before joining, I was involved in a road accident that led to legal complications. That incident completely changed the direction of my life and became one of the biggest lessons I have ever learned.

After that, I continued moving forward instead of giving up. I worked in the VFX industry for nearly six years. Just when life seemed to be getting better, I developed severe back pain. The condition became so serious that I spent almost two years on bed rest and undergoing treatment. It was one of the most difficult phases of my life, both physically and mentally.

After recovering, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life—I started my own tattoo studio. That decision gave me a new identity. Every challenge I had faced taught me patience, and every tattoo I created became a reminder that pain can be transformed into art. Slowly, through dedication, consistency, and honest work, I built my career as a tattoo artist.

The people who never stopped believing in me were my parents. No matter how difficult life became, they stood beside me. My elder brother, after settling in his own life, also supported and encouraged me throughout my journey. Without my family, I would not be where I am today.

Being on this reality show is a dream that started in my childhood. I always wanted to be on television, but I never knew how someone like me could reach that stage. One day, while searching on Google, I came across the audition for Love and War. I took a chance, believed in myself, and today I am proud to be standing here.

This journey is far from over. I don’t want to stop here. I want to take my art to a bigger stage, show the world what I can create, keep working harder every single day, and one day become an actor—even if I start with small roles. I truly believe that your past does not decide your future. Your courage, your hard work, and your willingness to keep moving forward do.