Sahara has appeared in the serial Chotte Ustad on Star Plus as a guest and has also walked the ramp with models during the Femina Miss India beauty pageant. But now that her chemotherapy is over Sahara plans to be a child model and is looking at getting some modeling assignments. “My daughter came on an episode of Chote Ustad where she was seen seated with Salman Khan. She has also presented an award to Miss Golden Heart which was a category at the Femina Miss India competition,” states Shanti Shah, Sahara’s mother.

Born in Kathmandu, Sahara was brought to Ambernath, a distant Mumbai suburb by her mother Shanti for treatment. After learning of her illness, her father who had left for Kuwait before Sahara was born was contacted but unfortunately even after promises to return he did not come back. He has even stopped all channels of communicating with his family. So after selling all her possessions, Shanti moved to Mumbai with her daughter as per doctor’s advice. She and Sahara are now staying with her brother’s family. With no money for treatment, Shanti got Sahara registered at Tata Memorial Hospital’s programme for poor patients.

However, Shanti still finds it very difficult to attend to her daughter and make ends meet. “I tried working, but holding a job is just impossible as I have to take Sahara to the hospital everyday which means a five-hour commute. All the money I used to earn went on just food and travel.”

Now that Sahara’s chemotherapy is over, she is able to attend school more often. Says Shanti, “Earlier Sahara was unable to attend school, as she had fever quite often. Her resistance was low and would keep falling ill. But since the last two months or so her condition has stabilised drastically. She has become more regular at school. I would like to thank the authorities at Fatima high school who are not charging any fees from us.”

Sahara wants to grow up to be doctor and a model. “I want to become a doctor and work at Tata Memorial Hospital. I want to treat small children like me for which I will never charge any money. I also want to be a model, as they are so pretty and if I become one, I will get to wear lots of pretty dresses,” says Sahara.

With dreams in her eyes and a will to fight any challenge that comes her way, Sahara is sure to be a winner in life.