She was fondly referred to as Baby Pooja when POST readers first met her. But 11 years later Pooja Santoo, born with only two stubs for arms and one for a left leg, is anything but a baby.
The confident young lady was thrilled to have POST visit her at her Lotus Park, Isipingo home last week. “It’s so nice to see you,” she said with a hug.
“I love to grow my hair but it goes into my eyes so I just went to have it cut today,” she added, taking a seat on the floor in the lounge.
One of four children, Pooja’s parents are Seena Amrisha Santoo and Mickey Santoo, a vegetable hawker from the Lower Malakazi Settlement in Isipingo.
Shortly after her birth, her parents separated and she and her sister were left in the care of childless couple and distant relative Rolly Maharaj and his late wife, Shamilla.
So what’s life been like for Pooja? “It’s been difficult, but I try to keep my spirits up,” she said.
The preteen said her only dream was to acquire prosthetic arms and legs, and to return to school.
“I haven’t been to school since the beginning of this year and I miss my friends. I also miss colouring and maths. Maths is exciting.”
She had been stuck at home since she and her family were involved in an accident at the end of last year.
“We were on our way to Galleria when our car crashed. Now we don’t have a car and I cannot go to school. I am hoping that changes soon.”
Another major setback was when Shamilla died four years ago from natural causes.
While Pooja misses her, she said she was close to her father and her sister Priyanka, 18, a Grade 11 pupil, who now played the role of mother.
“What are you cooking tonight?” Pooja asked Priyanka. “I feel like breyani,” she joked.
Priyanka said she had to assist Pooja with tasks like going to the toilet, bathing and feeding.
But while her condition was “sad”, Pooja said she liked looking on the bright side of things. “Being good makes one happy. I rather be good.”
She makes an effort to do things herself. Apart from dialling numbers on her Blackberry cellphone, and painting her own toenails, Pooja is able to write her name and her telephone number.
“I am a real lady. I love jewellery and love wearing earrings and big chains.”
Her favourite rapper is Tyga. She quickly googled a picture to show POST who she was talking about.
“I also love dancing and singing. When I grow up I want to be a singer.”
She said her dream was to go to Johannesburg on holiday.
“I have never left home and gone anywhere. Sometimes when I hear about Joburg I just want to see what it’s all about,” she said. “I would also like to go to the mall.”
Pooja said she was used to people asking her about her condition.
“I just say I was born like that and then we talk about other things.”
Pooja added that she hoped someone would make her dream a reality and help her get prosthetic arms and legs.
“I will literally jump for joy when that happens.”