In the heart of Mumbai's sprawling slum, Dharavi, in its narrow but resilient alleys, one man is stitching dreams into leather. The story of Jameel Shah is nothing short of extraordinary.
A humble shoemaker with the soul of a dancer, Jameel has quietly defined the world of dance footwear in India. Crafting shoes in a 10x10 workshop in Dharavi, he has become the trusted 'shoe artisan' for Bollywood's biggest stars. His journey is a testament to grit, grace, and the untapped potential of Dharavi.
A Dreamer from Darbhanga, Bihar
Jameel's story begins in Doghra, a small village in Darbhanga, Bihar. The son of a farmer, he was a bright student with a hunger for education. But poverty had other plans. At just 13, Jameel left home and moved to Delhi, working in a factory that made belts and wallets. It was a hard life, but one day, a glimpse of celebrity hoardings sparked a dream - to somehow be a part of Bollywood.
That dream led him to Mumbai, where he found work in Dharavi's leather workshops. Living here, amidst the scent of tanned hides and the clatter of tools, Jameel's destiny began to take shape.
The 'Dancer' Meets a Mentor
While working in Dharavi, Jameel stumbled upon a newspaper ad for dance classes. He approached renowned choreographer Sandip Soparrkar with a simple plea: "I don't have money, but I truly want to learn to dance." Moved by his sincerity, Sandip welcomed him into his academy as a guest student, charging no fees.
Jameel trained diligently, but soon faced another hurdle - the cost of proper dance shoes. Imported shoes cost upwards of Rs 8,000, far beyond his reach. That's when Sandip handed him a pair worth Rs 15,000 and said, "Try to replicate this." Jameel dissected the shoe like a scientist, studying every stitch and layer, finally creating his first pair of dance shoes.
'Jameel Shoes' - Made in Dharavi
What began as an experiment soon became a movement. Jameel's shoes were not just affordable - they were of exceptional quality as well. He understood a dancer's body, the pressure points, the need for flexibility and durability. His shoes became an extension of the dancer's artistic and physical needs.
Terence Lewis, one of India's most celebrated choreographers, swears by Jameel's craftsmanship. "He's not just a shoemaker," Terence says. "He's connected to the arts. He understands what dancers feel." From character heels to flamenco, tap, and jazz shoes - Jameel was the first to offer such variety in India.
Dharavi, often seen through the lens of poverty, is also a cradle of creativity.
Despite his growing fame, Jameel never left Dharavi. His tiny workshop, tucked into one of Asia's largest slums, is where the magic happens. "I want to stay here until my last breath," he says. "My only wish is to be allotted a space in Dharavi itself after it is redeveloped. I wouldn't want to work anywhere else."
This sentiment is powerful. Dharavi, often seen through the lens of poverty, is also a cradle of creativity. Jameel's success is proof that talent thrives here - it just needs nurturing.
Bollywood's Best Trust Jameel
Today, Jameel's clientele is a who's who of Bollywood. He told NDTV that Priyanka Chopra once hugged him and said, "Jameel, how do you manage to make such comfortable shoes? I've been searching for this kind of comfort for years." He's crafted shoes for Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, Ameesha Patel, Manisha Koirala, Farah Khan, and many more.
His phone holds the numbers of stars like Madhuri Dixit and Priyanka Chopra - not as a fan, but as a trusted craftsman. "Celebrities trust me to take care of their feet," he says with quiet pride. "And I take pride in knowing they love dancing in the shoes I create."
The Dharavi Dream
Jameel's story is not just about his personal achievement. It's a call to action. Dharavi, with its vibrant leather industry and skilled artisans, holds immense potential. If given better infrastructure, education, and opportunities, it could become a bigger hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Imagine a Dharavi where more youngsters like Jameel can chase their dreams - not just survive, but thrive. Where talent isn't lost to circumstance, but lifted by community and vision.
Jameel Shah's shoes carry not just dancers, but dreams. As Bollywood's finest continue to dance in his creations, Jameel remains grounded, grateful, and deeply connected to Dharavi, the place that made him. "Money comes and goes," he says. "But reputation, trust, and love - that's what lasts."
(Divya Talwar is a video creator and writer with over 20 years of experience in creative storytelling. She has produced content across TV and digital platforms that inspires, and resonates.)
Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author
