Geeta, 23, has been in Pakistan since she crossed over accidentally 14 years ago
The story of Geeta, an Indian stuck in Pakistan after accidentally crossing over as a child, has inspired actor Salman Khan to channel "Bajrangi Bhaijaan," his character in the eponymous film that has made waves on both sides of the border.
"Salman Khan offers to help Geeta. Asks director Kabir Khan to find out how he can help Geeta meet her family," activist and former Pakistan minister Ansar Burney tweeted last night.
Geeta, who is hearing and speech-impaired, was nine when she crossed into Pakistani territory. Personnel of the Punjab Rangers took her to a social welfare organisation, the Edhi Foundation, in Lahore. She soon moved to a home in Karachi.
Geeta can recognise the Indian map but she has not been able to give much more to go on. Officials at her shelter believe she tries to say that her father is from Jharkhand and mother from Telangana. She has also conveyed that she has 11 siblings, including four sisters.
For Geeta, a separate prayer room has been set up at the shelter home with posters of Hindu deities like Ganesha. She has written in her journal: "Maa Baap Bahut Yaad Aate Hain (I really miss my parents)."
Ansar Burney took up Geeta's cause three years ago during a visit to India.
Her story drew fresh attention after the success of the Salman Khan-starrer based on a speech-impaired girl from Pakistan. The actor plays the character Bajrangi Bhaijaan, who takes on the mission of reuniting the girl with her family in Pakistan.