As part of promoting my film Hawahawai, actress Varsha Usgaonkar and I met an inspiring woman named Sunita in Pune, who, despite her disability, has fought courageously to survive. We shared her story on social media to inspire others.
Sunita’s life changed dramatically when, while working on a construction site as a laborer, she attempted to save a coworker who received an electric shock. In the process, Sunita also suffered severe injuries, ultimately losing both arms from the elbow down. Struggling with poverty and despair, she was abandoned by her husband, left without family support, and even considered ending her life. But she realized she couldn’t take this step with a child in her womb and another young daughter depending on her. Determined to live, Sunita rebuilt her life from a tin shed, learning to do household chores independently and raising her children despite the odds.
When Varsha and I visited her home, she expressed one heartfelt wish: to have a place she could truly call her own, even if it was a small, single room. I worked on securing a government-subsidized home for her. With the support of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Dada Pawar, Sunita’s home was approved, but paperwork issues arose, and a local politician who initially offered help ended up making her around for weeks without progress. With assistance from various officials, the issues were resolved. Although the home wasn’t free, and payment was still needed, I helped arrange the necessary funds when Sunita, overwhelmed, felt it was impossible.
Finally, Sunita received the keys to her new flat, and when she called the local politician, he continued to tell her it was impossible. When I informed him that Sunita’s home was secured, it felt fulfilling to give him a piece of my mind.
This Diwali, Sunita has moved from a tin shed into her very own 1-BHK. Seeing her and her children’s radiant faces, I felt grateful to have been part of lighting up their lives.
