Gautam Gambhir, Gauri Sawant inspired by specially abled girl's story

Mumbai, Oct 11: Cricketer Gautam Gambhir and transgender activist Gauri Sawant say the story of Nisha Lobo, who was abandoned by her biological parents as she was suffering from genetic skin disorder ichthyosis, is very inspirational. And the 18-year-old says she won't mind a biopic on her life as long as it stays true to reality.

Gambhir and Sawant were at the Vicks #TouchOfCare campaign launch here on Wednesday. A short film was showcased on Nisha's life.

She was abandoned by her biological parents when she was just two weeks old. Her life was transformed when she was adopted by Aloma and David Lobo, who despite having children of their own, gave Nisha a family by adopting her from an orphanage.

The film captures Nisha's story as she sails through the challenges and complexities of life, with her mother and a family at her side. It depicts how Nisha leads an ordinary life.

"I am personally overwhelmed with Nisha's story, and I am confident that people will shower her with the same love and affection that was given to me," said Sawant.

The first campaign by Vicks had showcased Sawant's life and journey.

The campaign sends out a strong message of how every child deserves the touch of care, irrespective of gender, colour or challenges.

Gambhir told IANS: "It is inspiring and an eye-opener. When I saw the film the first time, I got goosebumps and felt emotional as well."

Nisha, who is excited about having made her screen debut in the ad film with the intention to inspire many minds with her heartwarming life story, says she won't mind if a biopic is made on her life, projecting her story in a truthful manner.

"I won't mind a biopic on me if it stays true to my story. If my journey inspires many, then I would love to share it with the world. But I am not a 'bechari' (helpless), so if someone presents my story exactly the way it is, close to my reality, I would love that," Nisha told IANS here.

"However, I must say that shooting is filled with madness and I experienced it when we were shooting for the ad film," said Nisha.

On her experience of shooting the ad film "One in a Million Star", she said: "That was crazy, they came to our house and I have never been exposed to such things. It was a three-day shoot."

Was it a difficult childhood for her because of her appearance?

"Yes, when I was a child, all my classmate used to look at me differently. Some were curious, some were scared. But I always smiled and waved to them. When in return they also smiled back, at least a few of them - I think we welcomed each other. As children, we do not think too much and tend to do things that rest of our friends are doing.

"So, when one passed a smile to me, the other followed the same, that is how I made friends in class," said the Bengaluru-based girl.

She aspires to be a teacher. "I want to teach English and History."

On her 'never give up' spirit, Nisha said: "I know that as a child when people constantly look at you with curiosity, making fun of you for your different ability and create a distance because of your weakness, it is certainly not easy to dream big and achieve something. It affects our confidence and makes us feel weaker.

"But such a thing happens if only we allow ourselves to get affected by it. People's words are not in our hands, but staying unaffected is... It is our life, our struggle and we win if we have the resilience."