Behind every street, workshop and home is a personal story.
Dharavi is home to people from many different parts of India and beyond. Some were born here, while others arrived in Mumbai in search of work, opportunity and a better future for their families.
These stories offer a glimpse into the lives, challenges, ambitions and experiences of some of the people who make up this remarkable community.
Shankar – Working for His Family
Shankar came to Mumbai from Uttar Pradesh when he was just 15 years old in search of work. He has now lived and worked in Dharavi for many years.
Over that time, he has worked in several different industries, including textile dyeing and as a driver for an ice cream company. Today, he works in a small-scale business making broomsticks.
Like many migrant workers in Mumbai, Shankar’s motivation is his family. He is married with three children, and much of what he earns is sent home to support them.
Reflecting on his life in Mumbai, Shankar says:
“Mumbai is the place where I have always wanted to come. I have a job and I really like to live here because distance increases the love between me and my family.”
His story reflects the experience of many people who travel great distances to Mumbai in search of employment while maintaining strong connections with families elsewhere in India.
Sagar Paswan – Building a Life Away From Home
Sagar Paswan came to Mumbai from Nepal after difficult financial circumstances encouraged him to look for opportunities away from home.
With his parents and seven siblings remaining in Nepal, Sagar travelled to Mumbai with friends and found work at an aluminium recycling workshop in Dharavi.
He began as a helper, carrying out general tasks and cooking for his colleagues. Living away from his family for the first time was difficult.
Sagar recalls:
“For the first time I was living far from my family and I used to cry when I missed them.”
Over time, he gained experience and increased his earnings. Although he acknowledges that the work can be physically demanding and carries occupational risks, the income enables him to support himself and send money home to his family.
He explains:
“I save my salary, keep some money for myself and send some home. The owner is good and looks after us. I am really happy to work here.”
Sagar’s story highlights both the opportunities and difficult choices faced by migrant workers seeking financial security for themselves and their families.
Akash Dhangar – Hip Hop, Community and a Bigger Dream
For Akash Dhangar, Dharavi is not somewhere he migrated to. It is home.
His family has deep roots in the community, and despite having to leave formal education early because of personal circumstances, Akash found another way to express himself and create opportunities for others: Hip Hop.
Known as Bboy Akku, Akash developed a passion for breaking and became the founder of the Slum Gods Hip Hop Crew.
But his ambition goes beyond performing.
Akash teaches breaking to children in his community and wants young people to have access to Hip Hop regardless of whether their families can afford formal lessons.
He says:
“I want to spread Hip Hop culture in the slums and across India and teach bboying for free to children who cannot afford to learn. I am working really hard to spread it, and I know I will succeed.”
His story represents another side of Dharavi – a community filled with creativity, ambition and young people creating their own opportunities.
More Than a Place
These are only a few of the thousands of individual stories found across Dharavi.
Stories of people leaving home in search of work. Stories of families supporting one another across great distances. Stories of entrepreneurship, creativity, sacrifice and ambition.
At Slum Gods Tours and Travel, we believe that understanding a place begins with listening to the people who live there.
Our tours provide an opportunity to learn more about Dharavi through its communities, industries, culture and stories — while treating the people and places we visit with respect.
Discover Dharavi. Meet the community. Hear the stories behind the streets.