'Short' stars enjoy tall stardom

THE ROAD AHEAD
It's lifelong friendship for both Dulal and Debolina. “I can't think of anything beyond friendship,“ said Dulal. When asked why, he replied, “You have to watch the film for the answer.“ Soma seconded that: “It's only work for me now. No point thinking about things that can only complicate life. What if I give birth to another dwarf? The kid will face the same mental trauma we've grown up with. No point in risking that.“

LIFE & CIRCUS
“We dwarfs are considered `jokers' in India.We are the butt of jokes, and seem to be born just to entertain people. Life itself cuts our dreams short, as nothing seems to fit us,“ said Dulal, as he interacted with jokers at the circus. Debolina, who grew nostalgic during the show, said, “We lead lives of shrunken hopes and dreams, but have created our own beautiful space in this hostile world. I hope Kaushikda's film will make the world a better place for us to live in.“

BADMINTON TIME!
Dulal said he loves to play badminton, though no one in his para or school teamed up with him. “They teased me saying that I wouldn't be able to reach the shuttlecock! But I still played and grew up to be a decent player,“ he said with a smile. Debolina, who is more into singing and dancing, said she enjoyed playing the game, but spent most of her young years “standing in a corner and watching my friends play“ because no one would let her.

SHOPPING GALORE
Debolina is wearing a nice white gown to wear to the premiere.“Baba got me this new dress and Dulalda agreed to choose a neckpiece to go with it.I will keep my hair open and do some makeup on my own,“ she said, while zeroing in on a trouser and a red chequered shirt for Dulal. “I'm buying a sari for ma, whose strength has made me what I am today. The humiliation she faced because of me is unimaginable!" Dulal said in a choked voice.

PREMIERE CARDS
That Chotoder Chobi has changed their lives is apparent, given the way they were mobbed while shopping. So, it came as no surprise when they treated the premiere card like a veritable milestone in their lives. Dulal held one up and said, “Baba, this is for you. I promised you I will make you proud one day...I've tried. Bless me from heaven."
Debolina, on the other hand, seemed to be brimming with emotions as she looked at the cards. “This is it...,“ she said.

PHUCHKA, HOT & CRUNCHY
Debolina can have 30 phuckas with loads of chilli and tamarind at one go, but for Dulal, it's barely five, and even those can't be hot. “Debolina can survive on phuchkas. She is a mad woman!" he said, pulling her churni.