The Girl Who Won

 Amrita is elated to receive the best director trophy today. Her short film has won the critic's award.

While receiving the trophy, Amrita's emotions have travelled the entire journey of last two months. In her speech after receiving the trophy, Amrita says "I thank all those who believed in my potential. Had it not been for them, I would not have worked so hard and achieved this in my life. I also thank my near and dear ones, who stood by me like rocks and tried their best to support me in every possible way."

After a short pause, Amrita continues, "I want to speak to all those who dream. Dream bigger and have faith. Never give up on your dreams. It may be a little longer road for some, but it sure has an end…the end that you will feel proud of. Thankyou."

With this deep message, Amrita climbs down the stage to take her seat in the front row. Her face is glowing with pride, as if telling the world that she has responded well to everyone who did not want her to even be a part of this industry. She has proved her mettle…without speaking anything to them, or about them.

It has not been an easy journey for Amrita. Sitting in the front row, she is staring dreamily at the stage and clapping for all the winners. The mind...it is replaying the journey that she has covered in two months.

Amrita's father was a ragpicker; her mother a domestic help. It was hard for them to even send Amrita and her sibling, Amar to a school. The family of four lived on a pavement in a make-shift arrangement. During chilling winters of Delhi, if they were lucky, they would find some place in the nearby night shelters.

Amrita had learnt to read and write with the help of a volunteer, Naina, who often came to the pavement at midnight and taught kids. Amrita had started reading books that Naina Didi often brought. Naina sometimes brought magazines for the kids. Just as any other kid in their teens, Amrita was fascinated by lives of bollywood celebrities... She dreamt of being a part of the film industry someday. She had shared this dream with Naina Didi, who was a little surprised initially.

It was December 25, 1996, the Christmas night. The temperature during the late hours was around 5 or 6 degrees Celsius. The city was busy partying. There was a film shoot in the vicinity and Amrita had gone to see how the shoots take place. She was amazed and happy too!

A few days later, Amrita was playing on the pavement with her brother Amar when she heard Naina calling her name.

"Amrita! Amrita! Come fast…Look, what I've got for you!" Naina was excited. Amrita ran like swift rabbit, with happiness twinkling in her eyes. She did not know what Naina Didi had, but she could feel the excitement. "Amrita, here, take a look at this." It was a film magazine with some contest for budding artists. Amrita had learnt to read even English by now. She soon figured out why Naina Didi had given her the magazine.

There was a form that Naina wanted Amrita to fill. Amrita looked at Naina and then at the form. She was sort of lost…She did not know what she will fill in that form. It was meant for aspiring artists in the film industry. She did not know anything about it. Naina read the expressions on Amrita's face and held Amrita's face in her palms. Looking into her eyes, Naina said, "Amrita, this is your dream…your passion. Fill this form. You always wanted to direct people and make some movies. This is your chance!"

Amrita responded with some confusion, "But Didi, I am just 16 years old. I don't know anyone who will act in my movie. I don't even have a story or any experience to direct the movie. I know this is my dream but I feel, I am not yet ready. I need to learn the craft before I take the plunge."

Naina held Amrita's hand and said lovingly, "Ammo, fill this form. I have thought of something. And remember, there is never a right or wrong time to live a dream. Many people don't even have dreams because they fear dreaming. You have a dream and you want to live it. This is an opportunity to realise it. Remember, I always tell you that when you know "why" of the dream, "how" will take care of itself."

Amrita started feeling confident. She looked into Naina's eyes and said "Naina Didi, I will fill this form and will also put in my best to win this. I want to make a mark and yes, you are right. This is my opportunity to live my dream."

Naina wished Amrita good luck and left.

Amrita looked at the magazine with dreamy eyes and smiled. She rushed to the night shelter to share the news with her father, Ramesh. The father failed to understand a word of what Amrita said but knew that she was very happy and excited about something. When Amrita finished, he said, "Ammo, I don't understand what you are talking about. But beta, this world is a very cruel place. I may not be there to support you or protect you when you need help. I hope you know what you are getting into. Naina is a good girl and I trust her. But I want you to be very cautious in whatever you are doing. We don't have anything to lose; and if you feel this is your chance to realise your dream, my blessings are with you. Stay safe."

Sitting under a street light, Amrita filled the form in the night. Next day, she visited Naina in her office. Naina's office was just at the corner of the pavement where Amrita stayed. Naina helped Amrita complete some details and sent the form to the organizer of the contest. Naina bid goodbye to Amrita and instructed her to meet in the evening.

Amrita left Naina's office with a lot of excitement. She had taken the first step towards the big leap…if it works, she will get a chance to live her dream.

She waited eagerly for Naina in the evening. When Naina arrived, Amrita greeted her and bombarded her with questions, "What is the next step, Didi? You told me that you have thought of something…What is that? How can I direct a movie when I don't know even the basics of this industry?"

Naina smiles, "Easy Amrita, easy. Wait. Let me answer your questions one by one. I have a friend, who will teach you all that you need to. But before that, think of a story that you want to convert into a short film. The contest is for short films. That is the first step in the process."

Amrita listened intently, "Naina Didi, I have a few stories and your friend will teach me how to go about directing the movie. But where will I get the money to make the short film? Who will act in my film without money? And even before that, who will even believe that I am going to direct a film in the first place?"

Naina also started thinking. Amrita had valid questions. Looking at her age and her attire, no one would even take her seriously. She may become a target of jokes. After some thought, Naina spoke, "Ammo, I want to meet your father. Can we go and meet him now?"

Amrita nodded and they walked towards a corner on the pavement, where Amrita's father was sitting. Naina greeted him and said hesitantly, "Ramesh, I want to take your permission to take Amrita along to stay with me for a few days."

Ramesh was not expecting this statement. Neither was Amrita. Both were shocked to hear this. With a little apprehension, Ramesh said, "Naina, I know you like my daughter and that you really want to help her live her dream. But why is it that you want to take her along? I mean, why can't she stay here and do whatever you teach her to do? Not that I am doubting you or your intentions, but I hope you understand my concern. She is still a kid and I don't want her to be hurt and shattered if nothing comes out of the exercise that you are trying. She is my only daughter."

Naina, expecting this response from Ramesh and listening the unspoken, said, "Ramesh, I understand your concern. I am a girl too. I know what you are trying to say. But let me assure you…she will be safe with me. And I want to take her with me so that I can work on her grooming. In the show-business that she wants to be a part of does not pay attention if the looks are not appealing. Look at her clothes…I mean I don't want to demean you or her, I just want to take that step where people start noticing her. That will help her take the first step."

Naina now started pleading, "Ramesh, trust me. She will be in safe hands. Becoming a film director is not her dream only. It is my dream too." Naina stopped talking; and waited with a baited breath for Ramesh to respond. Amrita was also looking at her father, secretly keeping her fingers crossed. She had a strong desire to participate in the contest.

Ramesh looked at the two girls. After some thought and a deep breath, he responded, "Naina, I trust you. And let me admit that I am afraid too. But I will not let my fear interfere in dream of my daughter, and of course you. You have been a guiding force for her and if I say no now, I will always feel guilty. So, I will allow you to take her along." He continues sternly, "But it is only for a month. Also, I will come and meet her daily."

Amrita and Naina were elated to get this permission. 

Next morning, Amrita accompanied Naina to her one-room apartment. It was a very strange feeling for Amrita…moving from a pavement to a house. She, however, did not have time to absorb the feeling. As soon as they entered the house, Naina handed over a salwar kameez to Amrita and showed her the way to washroom. With a new look, Amrita was ready within a few minutes. Both girls now headed to Naina's friend, Sagar's office. Sagar was a producer and knew some people who could help Naina and Amrita.

Naina introduced Amrita to Sagar. He was surprised to look at a teenager. Naina read the expression on his face, "Sagar, Ammo is very passionate about her dreams and will work hard to achieve whatever she wants. I have known her for some time now and so, I can assure you that she will make all of us proud one day."

Sagar nods, "Naina, I understand that you want to help this little girl. But are you sure that she can pull it off? I mean, how can she direct a short film within a month when she doesn't even know the basics of the industry?" He was not convinced, but agreed to help Naina.

Sagar called up a few friends and was able to convince Agreya, a close friend to help Amrita make a short film. Sagar invited Agreya for lunch in his office.

The group had three hours before Agreya joined them. Sagar utilized this time to tell Amrita about the work, the culture, and the people in the industry. Amrita listened attentively to each word that Sagar spoke, as if recording everything. Somewhere during the discussion, Naina suggested, "Ammo, I feel we must pick the actors for your short film from your pavement and the nearby night shelters. Also, the story must be about the life of people on pavement." There was a deep message in the thought. Sagar agreed instantly but Amrita was confused and reluctant. It took some convincing from Naina and Sagar before Amrita agreed to the idea.

Sagar was still talking when Agreya joined them, "…I will produce this short film and Agreya can help you with casting and other stuff."

Agreya joined the conversation with a laughter, "Wow! I already have a job. Let me tell you, I have not yet accepted the job offer." Sagar looked at Agreya and they all broke into laughter.

Agreya was soon told about Amrita's story, her background and the dream. He looked at Amrita, then at Naina and Sagar and took a few minutes before speaking, "Well, it is an uphill task but I will take it as a challenge, specially since it is only a month. If Amrita wins, we all win." The group of four now had a task at hand. Each of them must put on the thinking hat.

After lunch, the four decided to meet the next day. Each one must think of different ways to accomplish the task within stipulated time. Naina and Amrita had an additional task of identifying the people who would act in the short film. It was already evening when Naina and Amrita left Sagar's office.

Amrita's excitement was now a challenge for her and three more people. She must make a winning film and not let anyone down. This was her only chance to start a long journey that could change the course of her life. Both Naina and Amrita walked silently to the apartment. They freshened up, had some tea and got onto the task. They were making the list of people who will act when Ramesh walked in.

"Ammo, how was your day?" Amrita looked up, smiled and offered him a seat. Naina got some water and snacks for Ramesh while Amrita updated him about the developments during the day. Ramesh offered to help. He told them that he would talk to everyone in the vicinity and gather them at a common placein the night. Amrita and Naina could come and talk to them. He also cautioned that people may make fun of them and they must be prepared to convince people if they really want their support. Naina and Amrita thanked Ramesh and agreed to this meeting.

After initial confusion and mockery, Naina and Amrita were able to convince everyone on the pavement about the project that they all must participate in.

Next day, there was a new excitement in the air and everyone was willing to provide the best possible support to their girl, Ammo. Sagar and Agreya became regulars at the pavement every night and the film making made progress quickly. It was the third week when they wound up the shooting and started the editing process. Agreya helped Amrita with the direction, encouraging her to take the lead. The short film was submitted as per the plan.

Today, Amrita has become the youngest winner. She has made everyone proud and realised the dream of her life.