Despite India’s efforts to eliminate poverty, a considerable fraction of the population, roughly 10.2%, continues to live below the poverty line. This backdrop sets the stage for the inspiring narrative of Maleesha Kharwa, a motivated adolescent from a slum in Mumbai, whose life took a miraculous turn which helped her and her family to exit from the slums.
Maleesha Kharwa – “The Slum Princess”
maleesha kharwa age
Maleesha Kharwa, a 15-year-old teenager, has lived her entire life in a flimsy tent home in Bandra, India’s financial district.
maleesha kharwa biography
Maleesha was born in Mumbai to Gujarati parents. To provide for and feed the family, her father spent his entire life working as a clown at children’s events. Her life, however, dramatically changed after a fortunate encounter.
maleesha kharwa house
Her residence, a tent supported by bamboo sticks and textile pieces, was depicted in one of her early blogs. For Maleesha, residing in a slum was challenging. They occasionally lacked access to safe drinking water and sufficient food. Additionally, because they lived close to the water, the municipal corporation occasionally destroyed their homes.
“We have to sleep on the rocks near the water in Mumbai when it’s very hot. But none of these circumstances could stop me from pursuing my passions. Even though these obstacles made their living conditions more challenging, they persevered in overcoming them.
Maleesha thought it was odd when people enquired about her happiness despite her financial hardship. They think it’s odd that she would be happy with her circumstances. She appreciates her life, nevertheless.
Maleesha believes that having a large home or a luxurious car won’t make you happy. Her family and friends’ love and support are what mean most to her. She holds the view that anything is possible with effort.
maleesha kharwa now
The day that changed her life forever.
Maleesha Kharwa had always wanted to work in modelling. For as long as she could recall, it was a dream that she clung to tenaciously. Then, three years ago, something extraordinary occurred.
She managed to get the notice of none other than Robert Hoffman, an American actor who had starred in the film Step Up 2: The Streets when she was living in the slum. “When I first saw her, she was lounging on a mattress within an improvised tent, and I was captivated. She was gorgeous.
The actor referred to his initial encounter with Kharwa as “something out of a movie”. She was standing amid a group of slum dwellers, just like any other in the city, when they first met, he said. However, her face was so extraordinary that I’m not sure how she went unnoticed in the past.
maleesha kharwa model
Everyone around her questioned her, even after Robert acknowledged her.
Due to her subpar living situation and family history, the majority of people had their doubts about her. They even believed she had no chance.
She also addressed this, declaring, “I think I break the rules. Because of my unusually dark skin, many people said I couldn’t be a model. However, I have disproven all of those doubters. Because I know it is untrue, I don’t care if someone tells me I can’t do something. My life is currently leading me on excursions I can’t believe.
Maleesha has since received offers for parts in two Hollywood productions. She now serves as the spokesperson for the exclusive Forest Essentials line of products.
Maleesha couldn’t believe her eyes when she first recognised herself as a storefront face. Instagram users can view a video of this interaction there. When she finally beheld the fulfilment of her desires, her face lit up with sheer joy. The tale of Maleesha serves as a lovely reminder that dreams can come true.
Mumbai, often known as Bombay, serves as the state capital of Maharashtra in India. With a population of almost 22 million, it is the most populated city in India. Mumbai is a city of contrasts, where there is both extreme poverty and great prosperity.
Images Credit: Maleesha_Kharwa/Instagram
