He was just a regular civil engineer until life made him a fashion model in Paris. Meet Shubham Vaidkar

Shubham Vaidkar did not plan a fashion career the way most runway models do. For a long time, his life looked fairly ordinary. Born and raised in India, he followed a familiar path, studied hard, and completed a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Like many middle-class students in India, stability mattered. A professional degree felt safe, sensible, and necessary.

In a recent Instagram video that has now gone viral, Shubham quietly puts these two sides of his life next to each other. In one frame, he appears in regular clothes, clicking his picture in front of a mirror with a caption stating that he was a civil engineer. In the next one, he is seen walking confidently on a high-fashion ramp in Paris, part of one of the world’s most elite fashion platforms. The contrast is sharp, and that is exactly why people stopped scrolling.

Modelling Journey

According to Hindustan Times, Shubham spoke openly about how modelling was never the original plan. He shared that he completed his civil engineering degree and took up a job as a civil engineer, earning ₹30,000 per month, or roughly ₹3.6 lakh per year.




Six months into the job, Shubham made a decision to do full-time modelling. Speaking about the financial difference to Hindustan Times, Shubham explained how international modelling works. He said that for a runway show in Milan, a model can make around €1,500 to €2,000. Campaign shoots pay significantly more, roughly €5,000 to €6,000 for a single day, depending on the project. Compared to an entry-level engineering salary in India, he called the difference massive. Today, he earns in lakhs for a one-day shoot.

The Internet’s Reaction

The Instagram video showing his transformation struck a nerve. The comments section quickly filled with reactions from people across India and beyond. Many praised his journey, calling it inspiring and bold. Several users, especially fellow Maharashtrians, expressed pride, repeatedly referring to him as a “Marathi mulga.” Others asked practical questions about how he started, his height, and how one even applies for international fashion weeks.

There were also skeptical voices, questioning how a civil engineer could walk a fashion ramp, while a few dismissed the transformation altogether. Still, the overwhelming tone leaned toward support, curiosity, and admiration. For many young professionals stuck in careers they are unsure about, Shubham’s story felt personal.