Maleesha Kharwa on rising from the slums and reaching new heights as a model

I have dreamt of being a model for as long as I can remember. And two years ago, my dream turned into reality, when I was discovered in my slum by Robert Hoffman, an American actor [seen in Step Up 2: The Streets]. Robert was visiting India at the time, and he got stuck as the pandemic hit. And as luck would have it, a chance meeting with him changed my life. Ever since he has been helping me with my modelling career.

Living in a slum is not easy. Sometimes, we do not have clean water or food to eat. Then there are times when the municipal corporation breaks our house because we live by the sea. When it is very hot in Mumbai, we have to sleep on the rocks by the water. But none of these things could deter me from going after what brings me joy.

I find it strange when people ask me how I am such a happy person; they don’t think it is normal to be happy because I am poor...but I love my life. You can be happy even if you do not have a big house or a nice car because, to me, having a family that loves and supports me, and good friends that care about me, is more important. As for realising your goals, if you work hard, there is nothing you can’t achieve.

I certainly think I am a rulebreaker. Many people thought I can’t be a model because I have very dark skin, but I have proven all of those naysayers wrong. I no longer care if someone tells me that I cannot do something because I know that is not true. Right now, my life is taking me on adventures that I cannot believe. I am thrilled that so many people are reaching out to me and telling me that my journey has inspired them to be unafraid and chase their dreams, no matter how big or small. The only advice I would like to give people is that, in life, everything is possible...but only if you try! My journey is proof that nothing is impossible...you just need to keep trying.

In words of Maleesha Kharwa