Bang Bang Galore!
A Filmmaker’s BLOGELLA
Written by Steve Rosenberg
Blog 40 (Balu)
In the absence of Born Free Students, I am spending the last few days filming child beggars. “Uncle, Uncle, please give me some money?” they say in perfect English as they pat their bellies. Uncle is a respectful term used by kids to address older folk like me. I will miss all my Indian nephews and nieces, the young girls who sell flowers on MG Road, the little drummer boys who beat away on their drums until I break down and buy them popcorn.
Today, I was strolling along the most cosmopolitan shopping district of Bangalore on MG Road in search of an internet cafe. As I walk up along the sidewalk, a kid trails me and puffs out an ear- murdering tune on his trumpet. I’ve met this child a few times; his name is Balu and he claims to be an orphan in need. Today, when I invited him to join the Born Free School, he explained that his parents would beat him if he doesn’t work. “But I thought you were an orphan!” Not a gifted liar yet.
A few hours later after a long internet session, I saw him scampering down the streets, chasing after a cluster of foreigners. A German woman is mildly amused with his trumpet shtick and she smiles at him briefly before heading up the steps to the McDonald’s restaurant. The child senses a weakness in this woman and waits outside the restaurant for her return. Within minutes, a uniformed security guard swats away the child from the premises.
Balu sees me standing with my camera and chases after me, requesting popcorn several times. We chatted for a while about Born Free Arts School and he assured me that he didn’t want to attend. But today, this kid really got to me as I watched wince slightly while he shifted back and forth on his bare feet to avoid the burning feel of the sidewalk. He places a rag under his feet momentarily. I am not sure if this is an act, but this kid is so adorable, I decide to treat him for lunch. “Where do you want to go?” I ask. He points to the ice cream kiosk. I suggest that we
eat at McDonalds. He thinks I am teasing him, but I assure him I am serious.
When we walk up the stairs, he has stage fright and refuses to enter. All he can do is stare at the ground. “Come on, it’s okay” I assure him. He is careful not to make eye contact with the security guard. The restaurant is crowded and there are more than a few staring eyes watching this spectacle. “Come on Balu? You are a customer now! He can’t say anything to you. This normally rambunctious kid has suddenly gone silent.
I point to pictures on the florescent menu board: Big Macs, Chicken McNuggets and Paneer Roti Wraps. Balu is overwhelmed and cannot make an informed decision, so I order him the full deal; a cheeseburger, medium fries and a Coke. I try to engage him in conversation, but he is preoccupied with dipping his French fries in his tiny paper ketchup cup. The McDonald’s supervisor arrives with a paper hat and places it on Balu’s head.
It is a Ronald McDonald crown and Balu is happy seems to have gone into a trance. Before, we leave Balu tells me that he is a vegetarian and packs away his burger in his canvas handbag.
We leave McDonald’s together and are immediately surrounded by more young street performers. Balu introduces me to his taller more aggressive nine- year old cousin. They retreat into a shady walkway and Balu hands his cousin the burger. It’s heartwarming to see these generous overtures by children so young.
The episode with Balu doesn’t quite fit with my current story. I photographed him for B-roll purposes so that I will have imagery of harsh life on the streets while Born Free students reflect on their past. I wish I could stay longer so that I could try to influence Balu to attend Born Free Arts School. I will leave shortly, but will never forget my lunch with the adorably crafty Balu.
