'I might also compensate for my wheelchair with my clothes'

What does cerebral palsy mean?

“It is also known as spasticity and is a posture and movement disorder caused by damage to the brain. In my case, this is due to a lack of oxygen at birth. My biological mother gave birth on the street, after which I ended up in a children's home in Mumbai.

I was adopted when I was seven months old and ended up in the Netherlands. This is where my disability was diagnosed. I can barely walk, so I have been in a wheelchair since I was three.”

Do you feel as young/old as you are?

“Actually, yes. At least I don't feel old! I think this is because I do a lot of business and am often among people. For example, I did wheelchair dancing, I enjoy acting and I am building a modeling career.

I have no problem with growing older; Isn't that just part of life? It is inevitable, but that does not alter the fact that I hope to slow down the process with healthy food and nice creams.”

Do you have a beauty secret?

"Self confidence! That really makes you shine. I must honestly say that I used to lack it. I was insecure and concerned with what others thought about me.

Since I started to leave my comfort zone more often, that has changed. I realized that if you want to be seen, you have to dare to show yourself. This is the only way I can stand up for the message that everyone is beautiful in their own way.”

What do people compliment you on?

“With my tan skin color and my thick, curly hair. I owe both of that to my Indian roots.”

What do you like most about yourself?

“How I approach life and create all kinds of possibilities for myself. In India my life would have been much less promising, so I am grateful for everything I can take advantage of. For example, I am currently working on my own book.”

And in terms of appearance?

“My eyes and cheerful clothing style. I usually wear bright colors that beautifully accentuate my complexion. Maybe it is also a kind of compensation for the wheelchair; that that is not the only thing that strikes me.”

What are you less happy with?

“With my height. I'm only 1 meter 45 tall, but luckily that's not so noticeable when I'm in the wheelchair. Well, that is also typically Indian. Another thing that makes me different from others. Sometimes that is annoying.”

Are you where you wanted to be?

“Not quite yet. I still have many dreams, such as presenting a television program where everyone counts. Also people with disabilities. Sometimes it seems as if all the outsiders on the tube have faded away.”

Do you have a life lesson?

"Believe in yourself. Give lots of love to others, but also be open to receiving love. In my opinion, that is the path to happiness.

Because of my disability I had to fight hard to reach that point, but in the end it made me extra strong. I don't really care what others think anymore. I wish that for everyone.”