From Nowhere to Everywhere 'Inspiring

from Antarman By MHC_ 2nd Anniversary Edition_ August 2023

CORPORATE GYAN - CONTD..

Story Series'

Notwithstanding her fame and discovery at the age of 12, she is a true role model for the aspiring youth who want to achieve big in life She hails from Mumbai's Dharavi slum, considered to be the world's largest slum, spread over an area of 535 acres (2 16 sq km) with a population of one million The density of population per sq km can well be imagined

It is here Maleesha Kharwa was born to very poor parents on 13th January 2008 Her father had no regular source of income, all he could do was to pose as a cartoon mascot in public functions, events and malls and get a paltry sum on hourly basis. Living was literally a challenge for Maleesha in Dharavi, rather it was a question of survival for the whole family, particularly during the rainy season in a makeshift hutment. Mukesh Kharwa her father was a diehard man though. He would keep on visiting movie sets and film studios with the hope of getting a chance to be picked as a background actor. Little Maleesha too would tag herself with him, for a lookout opportunity as a child artist. She strongly believed she had the potential to perform before the camera. From age 5 till 12 she went on exploring opportunities at the movie sites. She was good in her studies as well.

In 2020, Hollywood actor Robert Hoffman of 'StepUP -2 : The Streets' fame came to India to shoot a documentary film. He was looking for some unknown child artist to work with him. As usual Maleesha was there with her cousin sister. Hoffman chose her cousin instead. Maleesha simply remained unperturbed and kept smiling in front of him. She never knew who Robert Hoffman was then. Robert saw a spark in her eyes and asked her - What you want to become! Maleesha said I want to become a model and dancer. It was then Hoffman decided to give her wings. Fortunately for Maleesha Robert got stranded and could not travel back due to lockdown. With the consent of Maleesha's family, he started an Instagram page on her behalf and shared her dream. He called her for a photo shoot at his set. Maleesha did remarkably well like a professional. That page gained instant popularity during the lockdown itself.

Peacock Magazine spotted Maleesha and decided to feature her on the cover page.That was the dream come true moment for her. She was featured as the 'Princess of the slums'. The caption said - 'It is not everyday we meet a 12 year old who braves her conditions with seamless ease and dares to dream big beating all the odds.' She became the face of the luxury beauty brand 'Forest Essentials' new ad campaign for 'Yuvati Selection' a collection of cosmetic products. By the end of 2021 Maleesha became renowned for her rags-to-riches narrative. With a knack for producing dynamic shoots, she showed how passion can do wonders in ones life. She has done a short film titled - 'Live Your Fairy Tale', which depicts five slum children dining in a restaurant for the first time in life with ecstatic enthusiasm. She has by now been featured in Vogue and Cosmopolitan.

Maleesha's dream of becoming a model is not just for her sake but for the betterment of her family and even her peer group, who simply give up, too early. On becoming an adult she aims to earn a livelihood out of her modeling career and provide her family with resources for a better living. Out of her own sources she shifted from Dharavi to one room pucca apartment in Mumbai. She is studying in 10th standard at a local government-run school.

Maleesha is the face of a dream world with a fan following of more than 2.5 million. Her net worth in 2023 is estimated to be 75 lacs and has bagged two Hollywood films as well.