Salaam Bombay! tells the story of ten-year-old Krishna (Shafiq Syed), who is abandoned at a circus by his mother and told he can only return home once he earns 500 rupees. When the circus leaves him behind, Krishna is thrust into a relentless cycle of survival among the Bombay’s most marginalised residents.
As he struggles to save every rupee, he faces constant threats from the predatory Baba (Nana Patekar) and a system designed to keep the poor in the shadows.
The debut feature from Mira Nair, Salaam Bombay! is an unflinching, documentary-style masterpiece that captures the chaotic pulse of the streets. Using a cast of real street children, Nair delivers a gorgeously gritty portrait of resilience.