-1734330845684.webp)
M M Faruqui, known professionally as Lilliput, is a renowned actor who has appeared in numerous plays, movies, and TV series. He was recently seen playing Dadda Tyagi in Mirzapur Season 2 and gained exposure of the OTT space. However, the journey of the 75-year-old actor was not as pleasing as it may seem due to his medical condition of achondroplasia. It is a rare genetic bone disorder that causes dwarfism characterised by short limbs in comparison to body length.
Standing at just 4 feet 7 inches due to his medical condition, his journey in the entertainment industry has been marked by both remarkable talent and significant challenges. In a recent interview, the actor opened up about his childhood and shared his desire to wear pants.
“Tune Kya Bandh Liya Ye, Bahut Bhadde Lag Rahe Ho”: Recalls Lilliput
During a conversation with Saurabh Dwivedi on his talk show, the Mirzapur fame actor talked about societal prejudices and physical limitations. When asked about an incident when he came back to his mother after being bullied, he recalled wearing pants after his operation to get his legs straight (treatment of achondroplasia). He reached his uncle’s shop where someone mocked him, saying that pants don’t suit his body structure, and he should not wear them. In exact words, the actor shares,, “Usne mujhe dekhte hi sada hua muh bana liye aur bola kya bandh liya hai ye. Bahut bhaddhe lag rahe ho, ye sab na banaya karo. Tum par pant nahi suit karta hai.”
Mother’s Intervention Prevented His Suicidal Intentions
Candidly sharing his experiences of navigating the complexities of wearing pants, the actor detailed how his mother consoled him after the embarrassing incident. He was often subjected to various kinds of comments where his relatives and friends did not shy away from saying all kinds of mean things, or to resort to baseless myths. He was once told by a relative in the same exact words, “Abhi jab sardi aayegi, raat ko 12 baje thande pani se naha lena. Phir chadar bhiga lena aur phir sar par odh ke so jana. Subah tak lambe ho jaoge,” he recalled.
This was the time when the actor often had suicidal thoughts, and was unable to keep up with the constant bullying. He once had a conversation with his mother, where she told him that it is not allowed in their religion and advised that god has something better waiting for him.He added, “Maa ne mujhe samjhaya ki khudkhushi humare mazhab me mana hai. Agar aap khudkhushi karlenge to jo upar wale ne plan rakha hai, wo pura nahi hoga. To aap zurm karenge. Uparwale ne banaya hai to hissedari hogi samaj me aapki to aisa sochna band kijiye,” said the Mirzapur actor as his mother stopped him from the thought of committing suicide.
ALSO READ: Drug Boosts Growth In Kids With Dwarfism: Study
What is Achondroplasia or Dwarfism As Per Medicine
According to StatPearls, achondroplasia is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal bone growth, particularly affecting the long bones of the body. Commonly referred to as dwarfism, it is recognized as the most common form of skeletal dysplasia, accounting for approximately 90% of cases of disproportionate short stature.
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism in humans, occurring between 1 in 15,000 and 40,000 live births, as per a study published in PubMed. Over 90% of achondroplasia cases occur randomly and are not inherited. More than 97% of people with the medical condition have a specific mutation called Gly380Arg in the FGFR3 gene, which affects bone growth.
Lilliput's insights on achondroplasia reveal the challenges faced by those with the condition and the broader issues of representation in the entertainment industry. Despite facing challenges due to his medical condition, he has made a big impact in movies, TV series, and OTT series. His roles in shows like Mirzapur highlight his talent and hard work. The 75-year-old actor reminds us that talent has no limits and that support from family is crucial during tough times.