Manji Bhai L Ramani

As a result of an accident in 1970, Rajkot-born Manji Bhai Lajvi Bhai Ramani had to get both his arms amputated. Despite his problem, he never lost hope and has been involved in mouth painting since 1978. Mr. Ramani took a five-year degree in painting and fine arts from the College of Fine Arts in Ahmedabad, where he studied natural, figurative and abstract painting as well as portraiture. He has participated in several national exhibitions and has also hosted solo shows. Besides pursuing his own art, he also runs an institute and imparts this art to students of all ages. For his excellence in his sphere of work he has received many awards from both the Gujarat and the Central Government.

Vinod Thakur

A true Delhiite with a never-say-die spirit, Vinod hails from a poor family. A dancer by instinct, Vinod learnt dancing on his own by copying the moves of professional dancers in dance videos. Vinod, who was born with no legs as a result of a birth defect, quickly learnt how to walk on his hands. 21-year-old Vinod Thakur’s father is a truck driver and mother a simple housewife. He works in a mobile repairing shop to earn his living and fund his education. With no legs, his passion for hip-hop dance motivated him to participate in India’s Got Talent – a famous TV show where he literally set the stage on fire. The former mobile phone repairer is now hoping to open a dance training school for the physically challenged who can walk on their hands like him.