Alappuzha, Kerala: Ever since she watched Hrithik Roshan in his debut film Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, Beeja Krishnan had cherished one dream — to meet the Bollywood star in person. Years later, that seemingly distant wish finally came true, thanks to her younger brother’s unwavering efforts.

For 52-year-old Beeja, who has lived with cerebral palsy since childhood, the meeting was much more than a celebrity encounter. It was the fulfilment of a dream she had held close to her heart for over two decades.

On September 8, Beeja finally met Hrithik Roshan in Mumbai, spending around 20 minutes with the actor, exchanging gifts, posing for photographs and sharing a conversation about their favourite films.

The meeting was made possible by her younger brother, Shyam Kurup, director of Vismaya Max Studios, who had spent years trying to arrange an interaction between his sister and her favourite actor.

Hailing from Mararikulam, Alappuzha, Beeja developed cerebral palsy at the age of three. Her condition prevented her from continuing her education beyond Class 1.

Her father, Krishna Kurup, worked in Pune, where Beeja lived until she was 19. Growing up in Maharashtra helped her become fluent in Hindi and develop a deep affection for Hindi films and songs.

It was Hrithik Roshan’s debut film, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, that sparked her desire to meet the actor.

At the time, Beeja’s health was relatively better. Over the years, however, her physical condition has deteriorated. She now struggles to speak clearly, hold her head upright and sit without assistance.

Despite these challenges, her admiration for Hrithik remained unchanged.

Shyam had made several attempts to fulfil his sister’s wish, but none succeeded. A chance encounter during a recent trip to Israel eventually opened the door.

During the visit, Shyam happened to meet Hrithik Roshan’s manager. He shared Beeja’s story, explaining her medical condition and her long-standing dream of meeting the actor.

When Hrithik learned about her wish, arrangements were made for a meeting in Mumbai.

Although travelling posed considerable challenges because of her health, Beeja was flown to Mumbai, accompanied by her family.

The meeting lasted approximately 20 minutes. Hrithik spent time talking to Beeja, posed for photographs and exchanged gifts with her.

One moment made the encounter particularly memorable.

When Hrithik asked Beeja which of his films she liked the most, she replied, Fiza.

To her delight, the actor told her that Fiza was his favourite film too.

The meeting also coincided with the 26th anniversary of the film’s release, adding another special dimension to the occasion.

Beeja’s 80-year-old mother, Balamani Amma, also travelled to Mumbai with her children to witness the long-awaited meeting.

Despite her advancing age and health-related difficulties, Balamani Amma remains Beeja’s primary caregiver.

A former teacher, she taught her daughter to read and write after Beeja was forced to discontinue formal schooling.

Over the years, Beeja recorded her thoughts, experiences and aspirations in writing. Her mother later transcribed these accounts and compiled them into a book titled Hridayathinte Thengalukal (Heart’s Laments).

The family has also endured considerable personal loss. Beeja’s elder brother, Biju, who also had cerebral palsy, died at the age of 36.

For Beeja, meeting Hrithik Roshan marked the fulfilment of one of three dreams she has cherished throughout her life.

Two wishes, however, remain unfulfilled — to dance and to feel the rain falling on her.