23 February,2018 04:17 PM IST | Mumbai | Rupsa Chakraborty
After earning nation-wide recognition for tutoring Hrithik Roshan for his role as a quadriplegic in the 2010 film Guzaarish, Divya Arora, 38, didn't expect that friends in Bollywood would turn her away in a time of need. But, following mid-day's report on her struggle to raise funds for a life-saving kidney surgery, help has arrived from unexpected quarters - up-and-coming actor Nikhil Dwivedi, who says he has never met Arora.
Divya is wheelchair-bound and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, but never let it get in the way of her career as a theatre artiste and director. But now, she is in urgent need of a surgery to help her failing kidneys, for which she is struggling to raise R2.5 lakh.
mid-day had reported on February 21 that when Divya reached out to her friends and colleagues in Bollywood, none of them agreed to help her.
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She had collaborated with several actors and filmmakers in the past.
In Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Guzaarish, she had trained Hrithik for his role as a paralysed magician. Later, she also acted in the movie Shaitan.
Divya is also a recipient of the prestigious Karmaveer Puraskaar.
Friend in need
Following this paper's report, one person has finally stepped up. Nikhil -- who has acted in films such as Raavan, Shor in the City, and Hate Story -- has signed a cheque for R30,000 to contribute to her cause. Surprisingly, Nikhil has never worked or even met her Divya.
In an email to this reporter, he wrote, "Reacting to an article you have written in mid-day. Though I do not know Divya, I would still like to help her in whatever small capacity I can."
Others remain silent
Meanwhile, Divya is still waiting to hear from the actors and directors who have worked with her. "I am thankful that at least someone is taking the initiative. No one else has reached out to me. I'm not asking for a big amount, but it can save my life," she said.
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