A Bengaluru-based entrepreneur recently detailed his unconventional journey in the freelancing world, which began when he was just seventeen. He claimed that, due to racial bias in the international market, he adopted a false identity as a Dutch national to attract foreign clients. Shirsh Bajpai, co-founder of AevyTV, shared his experiences on LinkedIn, highlighting his financial successes during this period.

At the age of seventeen, Bajpai reportedly started earning around Rs 80,000 monthly by engaging with international clients under the guise of being from the Netherlands. He articulated the challenges faced by Indian freelancers at the time, including issues surrounding racism and discrimination. According to him, such prejudices often thwarted his attempts to connect with clients on a professional level.

In his LinkedIn post, he recounted instances of racial abuse and rejection that he encountered. He noted that derogatory comments were common, which allegedly resulted in many potential clients disqualifying him the moment they realised his Indian origins. To combat this bias, he opted to present himself online as a freelancer based in the Netherlands, utilising a foreign name and accent.

Success Through Deceptive Presentation

Bajpai explained that although his identity was a façade, the quality of his work remained unchanged. He emphasised that this shift in presentation resulted in increased acceptance from clients. He stated, “Nothing about the actual work changed. One difference. And suddenly people said yes.” This approach reportedly led to consistent income, with rates exceeding $50 for individual projects during 2017-18.

He described his method as cold-messaging prospective clients on Twitter, showcasing a portfolio that represented his skills long before he learned the phrase “cold DMing.” His transition to this mode of communication marked a significant turning point in his career.

An unexpected boost occurred when a popular YouTuber, CarryMinati, featured his work, resulting in heightened visibility and subsequent inquiries about his identity and accent from viewers. This attention, however, led Bajpai to request the removal of the feature, as he contended that the same accent which drew international clients also attracted ridicule in India.

Shift from Disguise to Authenticity

While Bajpai acknowledged that his initial disguise proved useful in securing opportunities, he asserted that sustained success rested on the quality of his deliverables. Over time, he found that the “disguise” became unnecessary as he gained recognition for his skills. “The market wasn’t fair, and I couldn’t fix that. So I found a way around it,” he wrote, illustrating his determination to navigate through bias.

His story has sparked considerable discussion online, igniting debates regarding the moral implications, pressures, and realities encountered by young Indian freelancers attempting to penetrate global markets. Comments varied, with some individuals asserting that while perception can create initial opportunities, enduring success hinges on proficiency and resilience irrespective of one’s background.

Others pointed out that his narrative sheds light on the systemic biases that can distort opportunities, particularly for young freelancers lacking established networks or credibility. In summary, his experience underscores the dynamics of digital freelancing, where strategies such as cold outreach and personal branding play crucial roles in a budding creator’s journey.

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