5 Times Slum Kids Received Fame, After Getting Spotted

Showbiz can do wonders be it a film, modelling, or internet viral. It has the power to change the life of a person. All one needs to get is spotted. Luck can change life proves to be true, when one comes across the tales of rag to riches. Similar luck worked in the life of a few kids, who grew up in slums, but went on to make a name for themselves. 

Maleesha Kharwa and Slum Kids

Recently, a 14-year-old teenage content creator Maleesha Kharwa received fame for featuring on the cover of a fashion magazine. Kharwa, a slum-dweller dreams of becoming a model and dancer when she grows up. Her life has also been the  subject of a short film documentary titled Live Your Fairytale by Jas Sagu and Arsala Qureishi. Kharwa was spotted by Step-2 actor Rober Hoffman, during his time in India, when he came to shoot for the music video. 

Like Kharwa, there are a few more kids, who earned a name for themselves. They posed as an example that money can make you a totally different person. 

Kisbu From Kerala

Recently, a photograph of balloon seller Kisbu in Kerala went viral. She belongs to a Rajasthani family, a photographer Arjun Krishnan spotted Kisbu selling balloons on the streets of the Andalur Kavu festival in Kerala. Krishnan clicked her beautiful shots and shared a video showing photos of the girl. The video received 1 lakh 36 thousand views on Instagram.

Saniya Mistri

The 15-year-old " target="_blank" rel="noopener">rapper Saniya Mistri is making waves in Mumbai’s slums. Saniya raps in videos and showcases her talent on Youtube, since then she has gone viral. Saniya first heard Emiway’s rap in 8th grade and decided to become a rapper one day. Saniya Mistri Qaiyummuddin lives in Shivaji Nagar (Govandi), M East Ward of Mumbai. 

The 15-year-old raps songs on childhood, dreams, Covid-19, and government. Few of lyrics are- "Chaalon pe chaleein hain, janta gumraah, Ache din aaenge, saari afwaah.” “Waah re hukumat tune kya na karaaya? Corona bhaagane ko thaali bajaaya."

Rubina Ali

Rubina Ali earned fame after being featured as the child version of Latika in the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, for which she won a Screen Actors Guild Award. She went on to do films like Kal Kisne Dekha. Rubina is currently pursuing her BA degree as well as studying fashion design. Ali lived in Garib Nagar, a slum in Bandra. Director Danny Boyle and film producer Christian Colson set up a trust called Jai Ho charitable trust to provide a better life for the kids and also provide them with flats to stay in under the trust

Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail

Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail played Salim in Slumdog Millionaire. But according to a report, Azhar had lost his way, stopped studying, and started a business that didn’t last long, after his father's death. He also sold the flat provided by the trust due to the financial crisis.

V-Unbeatable 

V-Unbeatable was formed in 2012, The V in the name stands for Vikas after a crew member Vikas Gupta died performing stunts during a performance. The group consists of 29 dancers from Mumbai between 12 to 27 years and most of whom reside in the city’s slums. The group went on to win season 2 of America’s Got Talent. They also featured in Dance India Dance and India Banega Manch.

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