A brave woman, trafficked at the age of nine in the name of marriage, has won praise from movie star Amitabh Bachchan on his show Kaun Banega Crorepati.
Fatima Khatoon will be featured on the game show on Thursday along with actress Rani Mukerjee who plays the lead role in the new film Mardaani, which is based on child trafficking.
“It was a very proud moment for me to sit on the hot seat along with Rani Mukerjee. She told me that the film is also very similar to my life. I am overwhelmed after getting a medal and a standing ovation from her and Amitabhji at the show,” Khatoon, who has begun an anti-trafficking campaign, said over the phone from Bihar.
“They will show how I reached the brothel after marriage, fought against the establishment there, came out and stood on my own feet,” the 28-year-old said.
In 2004, Khatoon began the first women’s group inside the red light area in Forbesganj. She now leads Apne Aap Girls’ programme in Uttari Rampur’s red light area.
A mother of six children, she now helps women to fight for their rights and the rights of their daughters to live a life free of sexual exploitation.
“I also investigate against trafficking rings. Me and my daughter have been constantly attacked by the traffickers who try to keep her away from going to school,” she said.
Khatoon has also won a handsome amount on the show.
“I will use the money to raise my six children and build a home for them,” she said.
She also plans to build a shelter for women in distress.