An apparent stroke of serendipity saved 13-year-old Shankar Mandal from having a brush with the law. Caught stealing food on the sets of 'Chaarfutiya Chhokare' in Film City, the slum boy from Goregaon was rewarded with a lead role in that film after director Manish Harishankar was moved by his background.
<img title="Soha Ali Khan with Shankar Mandal on the sets of the film, 'Chaarfutiya Chhokare'" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2014/mar/05-Soha-Ali-Khan.jpg" alt="Soha Ali Khan with Shankar Mandal on the sets of the film, 'Chaarfutiya Chhokare'" /> Soha Ali Khan with Shankar Mandal on the sets of the film, 'Chaarfutiya Chhokare'
&ldquo;Shankar belongs to a family that earns its livelihood by collecting honey from trees and buildings in and around Film City. One of my assistants caught him red-handed. He also confessed to have committed petty thefts earlier. But when I saw him, I thought of him as a character for my film,&rdquo; said Manish.
Producer Vibha Dutta Khosla&rsquo;s 'Chaarfutiya Chhokare' is centered on child criminals, who are exploited by local slumlords.
The director said though Shankar was excited about the role, convincing his father was the toughest part. &ldquo;He thought we were laying a trap to get his son arrested for theft. It took me time to convince him about my intentions,&rdquo; said Manish.
Though not schooled, Shankar now dreams of becoming a star. &ldquo;He is a sharp and promising kid. Before starting the shoot, we conducted a two-month workshop with three boys, including Shankar, as they were shy in front of the camera,&rdquo; the director added.
Shankar seems to have shed all inhibitions as he came forth to talk about the opportunity. &ldquo;I was used to getting pushed around and abused. Now I have shunned the wrong things and want to grow up and become like Shah Rukh Khan. He is my favourite,&rdquo; said the boy.

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Caught stealing on the sets of 'Chaarfutiya Chhokare', teenager from a Goregaon slum gets rewarded with the lead role in Soha's film after the director gets moved by his background

13-year-old thief lands a role in Soha Ali Khan's film!

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Home / Entertainment / Bollywood News / Article / 13-year-old thief lands a role in Soha Ali Khan's film!

13-year-old thief lands a role in Soha Ali Khan's film!

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