Big B makes specially-abled fans’ day memorable in Mumbai:Bachchan moved by Indore’s Gurdeep story; another fan gifted him portrait painted using only his feet

Two specially-abled students, one from Indore and another from Chhattisgarh, fulfilled their long-cherished dream of meeting Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan in Mumbai just before Diwali.
Their inspiring stories of perseverance, creativity, and determination left the veteran actor visibly moved and emotional. Gurdeep Kaur: Indore’s Helen Keller Gurdeep Kaur (34), a native of Indore, is mute, deaf, and visually impaired, yet communicates proficiently through tactile sign language. She has been longing for five years to meet Amitabh Bachchan, whom she considers her ultimate inspiration. Despite being unable to see the actor, Gurdeep has been waiting for the “blessing of his touch,” which she could feel through tactile interaction. Speaking about her dream, Gurdeep’s mother, Manjeet Kaur, explained that Gurdeep’s education and upbringing were guided carefully to support her unique abilities. “We wanted Gurdeep to get the best education possible. She initially studied in Mumbai at a school for visually impaired children until the seventh grade, then we brought her to Indore and enrolled her in the Anand Service Society, an institution for multi-disabled children,” she said. At the meeting, Gurdeep expressed her emotions through tactile communication. She used the American Tactile Method, spelling Bachchan’s name on his palm. Amitabh felt the message, and Gurdeep described the moment as “priceless.” Gokarn Patil: The artist who uses his feet The second student, Gokarn Patil, hails from Chhattisgarh and was born mute, deaf, and without hands. He learned foot-sign language at the Anand Service Society, which enabled him to communicate and complete his studies successfully. Remarkably, Gokarn created a beautiful portrait of Amitabh Bachchan using his feet, which he presented to the superstar during the meeting. Gokarn shared his excitement about finally meeting Bachchan: “I have been trying for five years to meet Amitabh Bachchan. I prepared his portrait with my feet and hoped to show him my dedication and respect. Today, I am overwhelmed and thrilled that he appreciated my work.” The superstar was visibly touched, praising Gokarn’s extraordinary talent. “There are very few people in the world who can create such beautiful artwork with their feet, and he has achieved it while being mute and deaf,” Bachchan said during the interaction. The meeting: 25 minutes of emotions and inspiration The meeting took place on October 9, 2024, at a private location separate from the Kaun Banega Crorepati set. Bachchan spent about 25 minutes interacting with the students, their teachers, and their families. The director couple of Anand Service Society, Gyanendra and Monika Purohit, briefed the superstar on the challenges these students face. “They have faced challenges since birth. They are not just differently-abled but multi-disabled. Their efforts to study, appear for exams, and seek government jobs have been extraordinary,” explained Monika Purohit. During the meeting, Bachchan offered both students blessings and Diwali wishes, making the encounter emotionally charged. He acknowledged the unique perseverance of both students and lauded the dedication of their teachers and families. Education and Training: How they learned against odds Gurdeep’s education was modeled after Helen Keller’s teaching methods, adapted for the Indian context by the Purohits. “Gurdeep was enrolled in the Anand Service Society for eighth grade. We trained her in tactile signing so that she could communicate effectively. The same methods inspired the actors of the film Black, Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, to understand tactile language for their roles,” said Gyanendra Purohit. Gokarn Patil, similarly, learned sign language using his feet, completing his 12th-class studies with first-division marks. Despite not having hands, he developed remarkable skills to draw, communicate, and express himself. “He has worked hard to overcome limitations and now hopes to secure a government job to support his livelihood,” Monika Purohit added. The role of the film ‘Black’ Gurdeep and Gokarn were inspired by the film Black, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, which portrayed the life of Helen Keller. Gurdeep said, “This movie gave me hope. It made me realize that even with disabilities, one can achieve great things.” Bachchan’s engagement with Anand Service Society began in 2020 during a show titled ‘Karmaveer 2020,’ where the actor spent significant time learning about the challenges faced by specially-abled students. During that program, the Purohits won Rs. 25 lakh for the society, and Bachchan contributed Rs. 11 lakh to install a lift in the institution, further improving accessibility. Gifts and expressions of gratitude During the meeting, Gokarn presented his foot-painted portrait of Bachchan, which left the superstar in awe. “It is incredible that someone without hands can create such detailed and beautiful artwork using their feet,” Bachchan said. Gurdeep presented her Braille letter, conveying her wishes for Bachchan’s birthday on October 11 and expressing gratitude for Black’s influence on her life. She also used tactile methods to make Bachchan feel her name on his palm, expressing the joy and significance of the moment. The superstar encouraged both students and praised the efforts of their parents, teachers, and mentors. “These children are an inspiration. The dedication and skill they display despite multiple disabilities are extraordinary,” Bachchan said. Emotions and national attention The encounter brought smiles and tears alike. Gokarn shared, “I used my feet to operate my phone and forwarded pictures of the meeting to all my friends and relatives. It is unbelievable that I met Amitabh Bachchan and gifted him a portrait made with my feet.” Gurdeep instructed her sister to forward photos to friends and family, which led to congratulations pouring in from Delhi, Mumbai, and across India. The meeting became an inspiring story of hope, determination, and creativity, highlighting how differently-abled children can overcome immense challenges. Lessons from the meeting The Purohits said, “Normal children often demand expensive gifts for festivals or special occasions. But for these children, seeing their dreams come true and bringing a smile to their faces is the greatest gift.” Bachchan’s interaction and blessings reaffirmed the belief that perseverance and dedication can overcome all odds. Gurdeep and Gokarn’s stories now serve as motivation for millions of differently-abled children across India, showing that determination, education, and creative expression can make dreams come true. A memorable moment of inspiration For Amitabh Bachchan, meeting Gurdeep and Gokarn was equally memorable. He said, “The joy and determination of these children remind me that life’s challenges can be faced with courage and creativity. Their meeting with me today is unforgettable.” The portraits, tactile letters, and the interactions will remain cherished memories, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the power of dreams. For Gurdeep, the touch of Amitabh Bachchan was not just a blessing—it was a moment of fulfillment after years of anticipation. For Gokarn, gifting his artwork using his feet was a way to express his respect and creativity.