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World Theatre Day: The inspiring story of a DJ who grew up with disability but never stopped trying

WION Web Team
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaWritten By: Preshy AroraUpdated: Mar 30, 2018, 05:52 PM IST
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Arpan likes to go out and meet people. Photograph:(WION)

Arpan Arora in his late twenties is suffering from Achondroplasia, a form of short-limbed dwarfism. A part-time disc jockey (DJ) and theatre artist, Arpan is around 4 feet tall.

"My arms and legs are short and head is broad. People find it very awkward the way I am and laugh at me," he says.

For Arpan, it is a challenge to prove himself as a professional. People don't take him seriously, often tease him and bully him because of his physical appearance which makes him lonely. "I want to step out from home because I don't want to be locked in the house like a prisoner. Everyone is working day and night to become successful then why can't I?" he questions in grief.

Some of them ask Arpan to work for free. "But why should I work for free? I need work and money," he says expressing his anguish. Arpan says anyone is free to comment on his work. If they don't like it, they can simply tell him that and he won't bother them again.

Such reactions hurt Arpan and make him angry. He says women feel scared while going out at night but he feels scared even in broad daylight.

But his disability has never come in the way of his passion for music. Arpan's real strength is his mother who motivates and supports him. "Though initially she was confused what should I opt for, but she helped in paving a path for my career," says Arpan.

As his mother observed him listening and enjoying music, she thought that he could go for a career in this. Initially, she wanted Arpan to play guitar but because of his crippled fingers it was not easy. Later, she suggested playing keyboard but it was similarly difficult. After trying all that, Arpan finally became a DJ.

"My mother was happy for me. People appreciated that I play well," explains the theatre artist who was guided by his own mother to think out-of-the-box for his professional career.

He dreams of beating Hollywood star Peter Dinklage, a dwarf like him. "I do have a problem, but I'm not retarded or special. I'm like anyone else," Arpan says.

Arpan is trying to eke out an existence of his own in this world. He wants people to treat him like any other person and respect his intelligence. What is inspiring is he never stops trying.