1/9/2020 A slum called Hollywood - Times of India

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A slum called Hollywood

TNN | Mar 8, 2009, 05.16 AM IST

AHMEDABAD: Ubiquitous filth and narrow labyrinths haven't prevented children of Gulbai Tekra slum to have stars in their
eyes. At a time when euphoria over Slumdog Millionaire' is at a peak, Amdavadi Jamaals, Salims and Latikas have their own
dreams of a better life. And for some reason, this slum which survives on casting Ganesha idols, is known as Hollywood'!
"I work as a tailor and haven't seen the movie as there's no time, but I want to be a social activist," says Mahesh Parmar, 12, who
leapt off the cot in excitement on hearing the story of the rags-to-riches genre film.

The slum has two anganwadis and a municipal school nearby. But, only a few children study in it as they have to work to help
their families eke out a living. Most drop out and help their parents in their work. Chances of them getting to know about the
Three Musketeers' are extremely remote!

Yet, they do want to study and get out of the web of poverty. "I want to study but have been denied admission in school on the
ground that I'm too old," says Dinesh Kesha, 10. When told that the Slumdog' child hero was living in a basti like his, he says
with gusto: "I want to see the film and imitate Jamaal."

Eight-year-old Savita Dhanabhai has a dream of her own. "I want to work hard and be a nurse," she says with a shy smile. She is
studying in class IV in the municipal school.

Gulbai Tekra aka Hollywood Slum which houses nearly 7,000 people is the Dharavi of Ahmedabad. Most residents are Bavris
(Rajasthani Marwadis) who make idols before festival time, work as domestic help and as labourers.

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1/9/2020 A slum called Hollywood - Times of India

Says Paresh Marwadi, activist working in the slum, "If what's on reel can get somewhat real for these children, it would be the
best reward I could get." Slumdog Millionaire' has had its share of bouquets and brickbats. Its characters have been loved and
lambasted at the same time. But, it can't be denied that the film has made it okay for every child to have a dream.

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