Saroo Brierley, who inspired Garth Davis' 'Lion', talks about his life that's now the subject of six Academy Award nominations
Dev Patel in a still from 'Lion' at a film event. Pic/Getty Images
Dev Patel-starrer 'Lion' may have lost out on the Golden Globes earlier this month, but six Oscar nominations have brought the film back into the spotlight. And India born, Tasmania-based Saroo Brierley couldn't be happier. After all, he is the man whose true story, with all trappings of a perfect potboiler, inspired the film. Saroo was five when he was separated from his family in a Madhya Pradesh village as he fell asleep on a train that took him to Kolkata and other places before he was adopted by an Aussie couple. It was 25 years later that he reunited with his biological mother, thanks to technology. In a chat with hitlist, Saroo shares his excitement over the Oscar nominations. Edited excerpts:
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You must be thrilled that your story and memoir (A Long Way Home) have found a cinematic avatar, with Dev getting an Oscar nomination. How does it feel?
I am super excited that there has been great recognition from industry critics. Receiving a nomination is fantastic as it will propel Lion even longer in the cinemas for people to watch and for those who have just got wind of the fantastic story.
Saroo Brierley with Dev Patel
Did you work closely with Garth Davis (director) and Dev during the making? Did you advise them on locations and the narrative?
My mother and I helped realign and shape the Lion script, and act as consultants. I showed Garth and Luke (Davies, screenwriter) the route I walked as a lost child in India and the clothes I wore. I think Luke and Garth had extra information, which wasn't in the book, to look over and maybe, use. I have taken a massive gap year to be part of the film's marketing campaign, which has taken a lot of my time and was extremely fun, if I might add.
Does the film stay faithful to your novel? If not, what changes were incorporated?
The film stays pretty true to the real story — about 90 per cent. Of course, for a motion picture, there has to be creative license. My family and I are happy with the final cut.
What has the reaction of your families — in India and Australia — been to the film?
My adoptive family has been amazed at how accurately the actors have portrayed them. They found the film endearing as well as sad since it touches every single emotion.
Can you share some anecdotes/ instances of your life before and immediately after the ordeal of getting lost on the train? It must have been a nightmarish time. Can you recall the many challenges you had to face before being adopted?
There were many instances during my time in Kolkata when I thought I was going to die — from being abducted to almost drowning twice in the Hooghly river to being thrown into prison. I didn't think of it much after the events had happened since I was living on raw nerve and off my wits. I wouldn't wish for any five-year-old to go through what I did.
You were able to locate your Indian family using Google Earth. Was it a tough search?
Google Earth was the catalyst to finding my family. If I used images from my memory, I would still be looking [for my family]. Without Google Earth, it wouldn't have ever been possible.
Can you recount what it was like to meet your mother, Fatima Munshi, after 25 years?
It was the most pivotal time in my life. I couldn't believe I defied what people once thought impossible. There were tears, hugs and a massive feeling of being reunited. I was extremely emotional.
Hope played a major part...
It was one of the ingredients of success. Chance, determination, love and an unorthodox mind are the recipe to absolute success.
What are your thoughts on adoption and the laws surrounding it, both in India and abroad? Do you think children, who have experienced similar circumstances, are in dire need of a better future?
I believe adoption should be available for [people of] every country and not blocked by the government. Having the option of adoption allows one freedom to have a child if one is not in favour of IVF or having biological kids. Many children need homes, and I hope this movie makes people consider adoption way more than they do now.
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