‘Akki’: A Book That Chronicles Akshay Paranjape’s Inspiring Journey from Adversity to Achievement

The biography will be launched on June 3 by veteran actor Sachin Pilgaonkar

Pune – Once a perfectly healthy child, Akshay Paranjape’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease just before his Class 10 exams. The rare condition left him with severe disabilities, but rather than giving in to despair, Akshay chose to fight back. Today, he is a renowned photographer in Pune, and his incredible journey of resilience and determination has been captured in a new book titled “Akki – Ek Akshay Ichchashakti” (Akki – An Eternal Willpower).

The book will be officially released on June 3 at 5 PM at the Bal Shikshan Mandal Auditorium, Pune. The event will be graced by veteran actor Sachin Pilgaonkar, who will do the honors of unveiling the biography.

A Star-Studded Launch Event

The launch ceremony will witness the presence of several notable personalities from various walks of life, including:

• Medha Kulkarni (Rajya Sabha MP)
• Vaibhav Joshi, renowned lyricist
• Meghraj Raje Bhosale, Chairman, Maharashtra Film Development Corporation
• Ajit Gadgil, Amol Rautekar, Amit Phalke, Rajesh Pandey, Seema Deshmukh, and Shrirang Deshmukh

Writers, artists, and well-known names from the literary and cultural community are also expected to attend.

From a Normal Childhood to a Life-Altering Diagnosis

Speaking at a press conference, Akshay’s father Santosh Paranjape shared emotional insights into his son’s life. “Akshay was absolutely normal until the age of three,” he recalled. “Later, after a bout of fever, he developed hearing difficulties due to damage to veins near his ears. Still, he remained physically active—excelled in badminton, cycling, NCC parades, and was an excellent speaker.”

However, life took a dramatic turn during Class 10, shortly after Akshay completed his midterm exams. He was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the liver and nervous system. “Even doctors in Ratnagiri couldn’t detect it initially. But despite his deteriorating health, Akshay passed his Class 10 exams with 66%,” said Santosh.

Triumph Over Trials

Akshay was bedridden for nearly four years after his diagnosis. But his fighting spirit remained intact. Defying all odds, he appeared for the Class 12 board exams and secured an impressive 88%. His passion for photography soon took over, and he began to learn and master the craft.

Today, Akshay is not only a professional photographer but also a symbol of courage and inspiration for many.

A Must-Read Story of Willpower

The book “Akki” tells the story of grit, struggle, and perseverance—how a young man refused to be defined by his physical limitations and instead carved a niche for himself. It promises to be a powerful read for anyone seeking motivation and a reminder of the strength of the human will.

The biography has already garnered interest from readers, and its launch is expected to mark a significant moment in inspirational literature in Marathi.