Shirsh Bajpai, co-founder of AevyTV, shared a candid account of how he faked an identity as a Dutch designer to overcome online prejudice and secure better pay for his work. At just 17, he crafted a persona complete with a Western name and accent, which allowed him to earn around ₹80,000 monthly by charging foreign clients $50 for design thumbnails. Bajpai faced significant challenges as an Indian freelancer, stating that online racism often led clients to reject him upon learning his true identity. His fabricated persona opened doors, but he emphasized that it was his actual skills that kept clients coming back. His success was cut short when a popular YouTuber featured his work, leading to backlash as his true identity was revealed. Despite the initial deception, Bajpai's story resonates with many, highlighting how perception can influence opportunities in the market, while competence ultimately determines success.