5 dwarfs reveal how Chotoder Chobi changed their lives

Kaushik Ganguly's Chotoder Chobi is an emotionally enlightening journey into the world of midgets -people afflicted by dwarfism since birth. It's a simple tale of love of a dwarf couple -Khoka and Soma. Soma's father Shibu is bed-ridden after having a major accident during a circus trapeze act. He is not reimbursed properly by the circus and the family has to go through trying times. That's when Khoka, one of Shibu's subordinates at the circus, starts helping them.Eventually , Soma and Khoka grow close, but are unsure about taking their relationship further. What's the point of starting a family and risk bringing into this world another dwarf child who would grow up facing humiliation from all quarters?The film has already won accolades all over for its sensitive and insightful portrayal of the life of these oft-ridiculed members of society and is now poised to introduce the city audience to the poignant subject. So, CT found the timing apt to talk to the film's cast about their lives, and how things have changed for them now. Here's what they had to say...

DEBOLINA ROY (SOMA)
I left my job to act in Chotoder Chobi. The film changed my life, as the same people who used to ridicule me, treat me with respect now. It has been a long journey of ridicule. Even back in school, each and every student used to make fun of me. I would cry, but never raise my voice. I often heard parents telling their children, `Oi dekh, bete bamon jacche', pointing at me. I used to share all these with my parents, who would assure me that one day I'd emerge a winner. Like Soma does in Chotoder Chobi, produced by Shree Venkatesh Films, I too had fallen in love in real life. But I never had the guts to tell the man in fear of being snubbed. But now, life seems full of open doors and I'm concentrating on moving ahead.

DULAL SARKAR
After I bagged the best actor award for Kaushik Ganguly's Chotoder Chobi at the 45th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa, people who used to tease me started respecting me. But I can't forget those days when my neighbours, relatives and friends only used to tease me. But I had promised myself that I'll prove my worth one day. So, now that my work is being appreciated, I don't know how to react. Kaushikda didn't just give me a chance, he gave recognition to our community. It's my earnest request to everyone, don't make fun of us! We already have a tragic existence, trying to `fit in' because nothing fits us.

SUCHITA CHAKRABORTY
Our lives are pathetic, as people think that since we are short, we have narrow minds. I want to tell people loudly who make fun of us that it's not our fault that god created us this way. We don't need sympathy, but please don't make fun of us. All through my life I've been teased for my height, be it in school or in the para! I could never think of marriage, as I know no man would ever give his heart to a midget! But this film has taught me to dream again.

NIRMAL KUMAR MAJUMDAR
This is my 20th film, but the first film in which I've bagged a proper role that doesn't portray me as a joker or a comic character. Kaushik da treated us as normal human beings -something I experienced for the first time, as I've grown up being ridiculed for my height. This film will surely change society's attitude towards us.

SK MURSELIN
I have worked in films and serials, but everywhere, people would call me `nata'. Sometimes, I almost felt it was my real name! Chotoder Chobi will hopefully convey the message that we, too, are human beings; we are just short in height.

DIRECTOR'S TAKE — -KAUSHIK GANGULY
They are born, experience the joys and sadness in life and one day, they die, just like us. But there's one huge difference -while we lead normal lives, they live being the butt of jokes, with society calling them names likes `nata' and `bete bamon' for no fault of theirs. In fact, in India, dwarfs are called `jokers' by most, as if they were born to entertain us. That way, my film is very special to me, as it helps open up our hearts and minds and change our perception about midgets. With no professional actors, making this film was a unique challenge, for which I am grateful to my little friends, who allowed me to take a peek into their private world.

SPECIALIST SPEAKS — Dr Shiladitya Roy
First, being a dwarf is not a disease; it is just a physiological transformation that is not abnormal. The good thing is that society has become more open to dwarfs now, though the situation was different about two decades ago.Some dwarfs accept their condition and don't suffer from anxiety or depression, but some become introverts and opt for social seclusion.We should make them feel at home, as they are no different from us.