Vishal Pinjani is an Indian activist, speaker, poet, and actor who became Mr Gay India on October 5, 2023. |
In 1999, he opened a bookstore named 'Granth' in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, visited by celebrities like Soha Ali Khan and Farah Khan. |
He started his YouTube channel in 2012, sharing motivational content, including a video titled 'How to be Happy' in 2020. |
In 2017, he founded an NGO called 'Abhimaan' to support the LGBTQIA+ community and raise awareness about gender studies and rights. |
The NGO was inspired by the alarming rate of suicides among gay individuals in his hometown. |
He began working as an excellence coach in March 2020. |
Vishal Pinjani acted in the Indian web series 'The Visitor' (2021), and its subsequent seasons in 2022 and 2023 on YouTube. |
He participated in and won the title of Mr Gay India at the Mr Gay World India 2023 pageant. |
Pinjani aims to shed light on issues faced by gay men in rural areas through his title. |
He also holds the title of Mr Gay Maharashtra 2023. |
Representing India, he competed in the Mr Gay World pageant in South Africa on October 27, 2023. |
He enjoys writing poetry, attending literary festivals, and poet meets. |
During a Josh Talks speech, he shared his experience of being bullied in school and coming out to his parents at 16. |
A fitness enthusiast, Pinjani maintains a strict workout routine. |
He used to be frequently seen consuming alcohol at events. |