An idea of channelizing energies of slum kids into a game of football gave birth to Slum Soccer in 2001. Teams were made and a match was held. It created a buzz and soon teams from other districts and states joined to make it a national level tournament.
“Today, it is an international event and is played under the name of Homeless World Cup with teams from across the globe taking part,” says Vijay Barse whose story will now be turned into a feature film titled ‘Jhund’. It is being directed by Nagraj Manjule, director of superhit film Sairat.
Playing Barse on screen will be Amitabh Bachchan. And what comes as a bonus for the city is that the film’s 45-day shooting schedule will be in Nagpur.
Excerpts from an
interview with Barse...
Q. Your biopic has a dream line-up in terms of actor and director. It doesn’t get bigger than this.
A. Yes. The film is being produced by Bhushan Kumar of T-Series. But all this has taken some time to materialize. The project has been in the pipeline since 2011 when actress Shammi’s son Iqbal visited Nagpur to write the story of Slum Soccer. He had read a book written by Jonathan McAllistar titled ‘Oranges and Tigers’. I told Iqbal that he will have to take permission from Mel Young, chairman of Homeless World Cup to do so.
Q. Was the story written by Iqbal intended for a film?
A. He registered the story with the producer’s guild but it took him some time to look for a producer. In 2015, Minu Arora bought the rights of the film but the project didn’t take off the ground. Then in 2016 Shoojit Sircar called me to Mumbai at Amitabh Bachchan’s office and heard the story of slum soccer from me. But nothing came off it too. Meanwhile, ‘Sairat’ became a hit and Minu Arora asked its director Nagraj Manjule to direct the film. Both approached Bachchan who agreed and the film’s shooting was to begin at a huge set erected at Savitribai Phule University in Pune. Arora also roped in Savita Raj Hiremath as the producer. But, unfortunately, the students at the university opposed the film set and the set had to be dismantled. Differences also arose between Arora and Hiremath, and Bachchan backed off from the project.
Q. So how did this project get revived?
A. It was Aamir Khan who suggested that T-Series should get involved. Aamir knew about Slum Soccer as it had featured in his TV serial ‘Satyamev Jayate’. He had interviewed me even before the Phogat sisters and would have made the film too. But due to some factors he abandoned the idea and got involved with ‘Dangal’. His unit asked Nagraj to approach Bhushan Kumar who brought Amitabh back into the project.
Q. Have you read the script and are you satisfied with the way it will project you?
A. They are calling it a biopic but I have still not read the story or the script. I told Nagraj not to spice it up too much that the story gets lost. My aim was to develop poor children through football. This fact should not go out of focus in the film. But what strikes me is that Bachchan, who has taken the name Vijay for so many characters, will this time be playing a character named Vijay. Otherwise, I am not very awestruck by the fact that Bachchan will essay my character. After all just like him I too am a star in my field.
Q. It will be thrilling to watch him enact your life right here in Nagpur.
A. The film will be shot at St John’s School in Mohan Nagar as it is surrounded by slums of Gaddigodam area. It will begin from November 15. I don’t think I will be able to reach him cutting through the thousands who will be present there.
Q. How much does the movie benefit you in cash and otherwise?
A. I have an agreement with the producers that I will be paid an amount at various stages of which some three (stages) have already passed. So far, I have not received anything. That does not matter as the film will have an extensive reach considering that it is a Bachchan film who has fans of all age, caste and creed. The film will convey my message of developing poor children through soccer and making them useful members of society.
