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Jyoti Amge is a special child
According to some surveys, Jyoti Amge, 15, who is just 23 inches tall (1 foot, 11 inches) and weighs only 5 kilograms, is the shortest teenager in the world. Soon she may feature in the Guinness Book of World Records.
When she was three or four her parents Kishan and Ranjana Amge noticed that their daughter's growth was not normal. After consulting with doctors they discovered she has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia. Most parents would have been dejected to know this, but not the Amges. In spite of Jyoti's physical limitations, they know she is an incredible human being, a most special child.
Reportage: Preeti Patel in Nagpur. Videos: Arun Shingare
Jyoti has overcome her limitations
Adds Jyoti's mother Ranjana, "From pre-primary to high school all her teachers were very supportive and gave special attention to her studies." At school, Jyoti is provided with a specially built miniature chair and desk; her uniform needs to be specially stitched but she learns the same lessons as other students.
Other then academics she also enjoys extra-curricular activities. Her sister Rupali, 30, says, "If you will ask me about Jyoti's hobbies, I have a long list. She loves singing and acting. She draws wonderfully and paints mehendi as well. Listening to music, watching DVDs of the latest movies and playing carrom are her favourite pastimes."
In her sweet nasal voice Jyoti says the one thing she enjoys a lot is to chat with relatives and friends. "While arguing nobody can beat Jyoti," says brother Satish, 24.
Jyoti is not dependent on anyone
Among these the most interesting things is her mini wardrobe and her collection of clothes cosmetics and accessories. Jyoti loves to be well-dressed and wear good make-up. "Any normal girl her age cannot apply better make-up than her," informs her mother Ranjana.
Jyoti wants to become an actress and dreams of acting with her favourite stars Salman Khan and Katarina Kaif. This tiny devotee of goddess Durga has already has a taste of Bollywood while acting in singer Mika Singh's music video album Party Special.
'Shooting in Mumbai was unforgettable'
"I was totally surprised when Mika, one of my favourite pop stars, invited me to act in his song. Those few days, shooting in Mumbai, were the most unforgettable of my life. There I also met with many TV stars and it was a strange situation. They were thrilled to meet me and I was a star for them."
Soon after the album was released, Jyoti become a celebrity in Nagpur; even today she is invited as a guest to many events. She has also been featured on national television.
This fame and popular affection has changed the way Jyoti glances at society and vice versa. "Earlier I used to be scared due to the undue attention of people. Now I face them confidently and think this is all because I am a celebrity," she says.
'God has planned something special for her'
Kishan Amge, who is in the transportation business, say he is not worried about his daughter's future. "There is something special and great planed by God for our daughter."
Jyoti, who will turn 16 in December, has been offered a film by actor-director Rajpal Yadav.
Those who wish to help Jyoti may contact Kishan Amge at Plot 256, Juna (old) Bagadganj, Datt Nagar, Nagpur. Phone: 09373213363.