Award-Winning Screenwriter Sooni Taraporevala Set to Pen Inspiring Biopic "Street Dreams" on Photographer Vicky Roy
Renowned Indian screenwriter Sooni Taraporevala, celebrated for her exceptional storytelling, has been chosen to write the biopic "Street Dreams." This film will explore the incredible true story of Vicky Roy, a former street child who transformed his life through the power of photography. Taraporevala, known for her acclaimed works including Mira Nair’s "Salaam Bombay," the Venice Film Festival best screenplay winner "Mississippi Masala," and Netflix’s "Yeh Ballet," will craft the screenplay for Nirvana Films, led by producer Mauktik Kulkarni. Indian-American filmmaker Ben Rekhi, known for "The Reunited States," is onboard as a consulting producer.
Vicky Roy’s journey begins in the impoverished rural regions of East India, where dire circumstances pushed him into a life of theft and ultimately led him to escape his home village. He eventually found himself among the street children of Delhi, surviving by scavenging rags on train platforms. His life took a positive turn when the Salaam Baalak Trust, a rehabilitation organization inspired by the success of "Salaam Bombay," intervened and changed his path forever. This pivotal moment set Vicky on a trajectory that would see him photographing the construction of the 9/11 Memorial and earning a fellowship at MIT Media Labs. Currently, he leads photojournalism initiatives for India’s nationwide Everyone Is Good at Something program, which aims to empower individuals with disabilities.
“This is a profound full-circle moment for me,” says Taraporevala. “’Salaam Bombay’ was released in 1987, the same year Vicky Roy was born. I served as both the writer and still photographer on that film, which launched my careers in those fields. At that time, I had no idea of the film’s future success or the impact it would have in establishing the Salaam Baalak Trust, which has helped countless street children like Vicky find purpose and meaning in their lives. As a fellow photographer, I have closely followed Vicky’s remarkable journey since 2009. Now, to have the chance to write a film about his life, after the film I wrote may have changed his life, feels surreal and wonderful.”
Producer Mauktik Kulkarni, who transitioned from neuroscience to filmmaking, is eager to bring Vicky’s inspiring story to life. He previously worked on the travel documentary "Riding on a Sunbeam" and continues to develop projects in Los Angeles. “India is a land rich in myths and dreams. When I first learned about Vicky’s extraordinary journey, I was initially skeptical, thinking it might be a blend of both. However, getting to know him has been incredibly inspiring, and I am thrilled to share his story on screen. Sooni’s expertise in crafting narratives centered around Indian experiences for a global audience, paired with her talent as a photographer, makes her the perfect choice to bring this script to life,” Kulkarni said.
Supporting the film’s development is Sanjoy Roy, founder of the Salaam Baalak Trust. He views "Street Dreams" as an extension of the organization’s three-decade mission to secure basic rights for street children in India. Following the success of last year’s Oscar-nominated short "Anuja," which featured one of their alumni in a leading role, the Trust is excited about the potential impact of this new film. “Since our inception in 1988, our goal has been to ensure that street children in India have access to their fundamental rights. With the support of our patrons, we have gone beyond that mission and created thousands of success stories. Vicky is a shining example of this,” Roy stated. “With ‘Street Dreams’ coming on the heels of ‘Anuja,’ I hope this film inspires audiences to realize that it’s not about where you start, but what you choose to do with your life that truly counts.”
Stay tuned for updates on "Street Dreams," a heartfelt and inspiring film that promises to resonate with audiences worldwide.
