Face value for autism?

Priyanka Chopra approached by Forum For Autism to become the face of the organisation.

Priyanka Chopra’s portrayal of an autistic person in the recently released Barfi! got her rave reviews. Her role also seems to have touched the lives and hearts of many. The Forum For Autism (FFA), a support group for parents of autistic kids in the city, has approached Priyanka to become the face of their organisation. Impressed by her acting, they believe she is the perfect ambassador for their cause.

Chitra Iyer, trustee, FFA says, “We knew that she was playing an autistic girl in the film, but after we saw it, we were really surprised. Priyanka has done an extremely good job and she played the part so well, keeping it very close to reality by not overdoing it. They’ve spread an important message through the film, that autism is not an illness, it’s a disorder.”

Ask her why she feels that Priyanka will be a good fit for the role, and she says, “Priyanka has done a lot of groundwork to play this part, and she has a clear idea about the lives of autistic people. She’s an intelligent person and will be able to spread the message in the right manner.”

Ask her about Priyanka’s reaction to this and Chitra reveals, “She has been very receptive and has promised to do whatever she can towards this cause.”

FFA will also honour the actor once she returns to the country from Los Angeles.

Chitra says, “After what she did in Barfi!, which is quite a bold movie at this point in her career, we’re thankful to her. She has shown the emotional side of autistic people, which not many understand. We want to show our appreciation and thank her, for we believe that she can truly make a difference (in spreading awareness about autism).”