Mumbai in Film.

Over the weekend I watched Salaam Bombay, a film about a young boy named Chaipau who lives on the streets, and struggles to work is way out of Bombay (Mumbai). This film, which made its way onto my Netflix queue, was produced in 1988 by director Mira Nair, and was comprised of a cast that was full of children who had actually been living on the streets at the time. When I began watching this film I was instantly reminded of the recent Hollywood sensation, Slumdog Millionaire, and how similar, but extremely different the two are. What Slumdog lacks is the true grit that it takes to make it out of Bombay while at the same time being a realistic and compelling story. I am convinced that this blockbuster is anything but a Hollywood film that would fulfill our expectations of having a happy ending. Which is why I have been so moved by Salaam Bombay. It is not what you expect, yet everything you could about children living on the streets of the fast moving, fast growing metropolis.

Manju & Chaipau of Salaam Bombay

I won't spoil the film for you all, but I will discuss a few things that stood out to me as I watched the film. Life on the street, as I would imagine, is painfully difficult in a big city full of millions of people, especially as a child. This film explored the constant changes and spontaneous events that come up for both children and adults who live on the streets of Mumbai. From the daughter of a prostitute who longs to play with and get attention from her parents, to a boy who works selling and delivering chai tea to save money so he can go home. Poverty is constantly an issue for the characters of this film. It is a reminder that there are millions of people who have no way out, no access to resources and institutions that can pave a way to a better life. It is also a reminder, at least for me, of what we often take for granted. I am grateful for my life; I know that I am privileged to have not grown up in extreme poverty. Through this internship, my goal is to give back to the global community, to India, and learn from the experiences of this culture while at the same time being present and understanding. Suspending. Not judging.

Director Mira Nair

Also, what is interesting about the production of Salaam Bombay, the director established a fund for the street children that were in her film in order to rehabilitate them and help them get off the street. The trust is still in existence and continues to help children of Mumbai.

So, no. This film was not catchy in the sense that it had the sounds of M.I.A.'s Paper Planes echoing in the background. It certainly didn't have the true romance of star-crossed lovers yearning to be together. Not at all. It had a taste of reality, of what perhaps poverty is like in India. Although I have yet to be there, just short of a few weeks, I would say that I felt so much more connected to the point and interests that Salaam Bombay was trying to achieve. Watch it! Compare the two!