This Bollywood Dream Factory In Dharavi Gave Netflix And Danny Boyle Its Actors

Baburao Ladsaheb with the student of his academy. (Image courtesy: AFP)

In a windowless attic in Dharavi in Mumbai, one of Asia's biggest slums, some are looking to become a Bollywood star - or at least get a bit part. It is in this studio, accessible via a narrow ladder and rope, that larger-than-life Baburao Ladsaheb offers what a hand-painted sign calls "Five Star Acting Dancing Fighting Classes". "I've been running these classes for 35 years and have trained over 15,000 students," says Ladsaheb, taking a break from classes where he blows a whistle as his pupils learn the steps to famous Bollywood dances.

The school is yet to produce the next Aamir Khan - number four on the Forbes list of the world's best-paid actors - but he believes he has some potential stars in the making.

Baburao Ladsaheb at his academy in Dharavi. (Image courtesy: AFP)

In any case Ladsaheb, who once made his own movie which he wrote, directed and played all 12 roles, generally has more modest aims for his pupils.

These include small acting or dancing roles, and film set jobs - as well as stunt work and extras for dance sequences, a Bollywood staple.

Ages Five To 55

He says his turning point came when some 30 of his pupils featured in Danny Boyle's hugely successful, 2008 Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire.

"After Slumdog, I became a casting guy and everyone would come to me and ask for trained actors," Ladsaheb said. "That's where my life changed. Now over 120 casting directors approach me seeking actors. They ask me for men, women and children and we supply them. From five years old to 55 years old."

Ladsaheb says extremely poor youngsters can attend classes free of charge, but for those that can afford it, lessons range from Rs 100 (about $1.40) to 600 per month, depending on age.

Ladsaheb, a skinny man with an overgrown moustache, not only teaches, but also helps with networking and getting auditions.

Baburao Ladsaheb with his student at his academy in Dharavi. (Image courtesy: AFP)

One student is Raziq Sheikh, 35, a driver on his second attempt to make it to the silver screen.

"It was my childhood dream to become an actor, but financial stress and lack of education delayed my goals," the father of two told AFP.

Leila

Besides small roles in Bollywood - which this week hosts its glitzy annual awards show - the explosion of streaming services in 1.3-billion-strong India is also providing work for some of Ladsaheb's clients.

The likes of Netflix have been pushing to team up with Indian production companies to make films and series for domestic and international viewers.

Baburao Ladsaheb's students practise fighting scenes at the academy. (Image courtesy: AFP)

Netflix this month announced a long-term partnership for Karan Johar, a director and producer of Bollywood feel-good blockbusters.

One Netflix India original series, Leila starring Huma Qureshi, featured 10-year-old Manisha Maitree - a product of the Ladsaheb's academy.

"I've been training here for the last two years and honing my dancing and acting skills," said Maitree, calling the experience "amazing". "My friends taunt me, saying 'Hope you don't forget us once you become a star'."