ITF Model Arfaat Shaikh Mumbai

My name is Mohammad Arfaat Shaikh, and I am from Mumbai.
My father is an auto-rickshaw driver.
Since childhood, I had a dream — I wanted to become a model.
But life was not easy. Seeing the financial condition of my family, I decided to take responsibility at a young age. Instead of chasing my dream immediately, I chose to support my family. I started driving an auto-rickshaw, just like my father. Along with that, I worked delivery jobs for companies like Swiggy, Zomato, and Meesho.
I carried parcels in the day… and carried dreams in my heart.
Despite the struggles, I never gave up on myself. I kept creating content on TikTok and Instagram. I believed that if I kept showing my talent, one day someone would notice.
And one day… someone did.
My brother believed in me. After seeing my passion and dedication, he helped me get an opportunity in a show called Bollywood Roshan Sitare. That became my first stage — my first pageant show.
In 2022, I won the title of Mr. Mumbai.
That moment changed everything.
My father and my family finally saw that dreams are not bigger than hard work. They understood that no matter how tough life is, passion finds its way.
Instead of stopping there, I pushed myself further.
In 2023, I competed again — and won Mr. Mumbai once more.
I also did the advertisement shoot for Season 2 of the India TV Talent Show.
And now, I am preparing to walk at the AIFA International Runway.
From driving an auto on Mumbai streets…
To walking on international runways…
This is just the beginning.
Because I don’t come from a rich background —
I come from a strong background.
And my journey proves one thing:
No matter where you start, your mindset decides where you finish.