One of the one percent in 13 million.

[Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi]

Akash Kanaujia attracts attention, no question about it. As though every atom comprising his ripped body is pure muscle.

It’s also certain that Mr Kanaujia is used to being stared at. Pedestrians along this central Delhi lane outside Lodhi Gardens are instinctively turning towards this hotel executive with dazed eyes; while evening commuters on a slow-moving bus gawk unabashedly.

“My life’s really too hectic to mind the attention,” he laughs. “Five years ago, I was nothing more than a chopstick. Then I started gymming.”

This 75-kg guy trains three hours daily before leaving for the office, where he was recently hired as sales manager for a hotel company. “When I was interviewed for the job they jokingly remarked that they wanted to hire a sales manager and not a model.”

He got the job and believes his well-trained physique adds to the profile. In his 20s, Mr Kanaujia says he doesn’t mind being approached by women at parties or the gym. This happens regularly, “but most girls actually prefer chocolaty boys, I think.”

Now he sits down on a pavement bench, quiet and almost motionless. You can see his chest moving, as though there’s a kitten hidden inside his T-shirt. Then he explains: “This makes me feel so good.”

[This is the 168th portrait of Mission Delhi project]

Iron Man sighting

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.