From a Calcutta brothel to a New York university
Born in a brothel in the Indian city of Calcutta, Avijit Halder life
has undergone a dramatic transformation.
The 20-year-old is currently pursuing a degree in one of the top film
schools in the U.S..
It all started with the film adaptation of the Oscar-winning
documentary, in brothels, which deals with the lives of children born
to prostitutes in India.
Avijit Halder was one of eight children of prostitutes, which appear in
the 1999 film co-financed by the U.S. Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman
says.
As part of the documentation was for children to learn to take pictures
to document their lives and environment in Sonagachi – Calcutta red
light district.
The aim was to show how art can change lives.
When the film was born in the brothels not know what happened … We
had no idea of what a documentary. We knew that only Bollywood films,
said Avijit.
The film depicted Avijit house. Life here was bad, because his father
was a drug addict, while his mother was constantly ill. He died when he
was only Avijit in his youth.
The filmmakers put a charitable organization called Kids with Cameras,
and has eight children for help in the documentation submitted to
obtain training.
Along with the school, had encouraged children to develop a passion for
photography. Your photos will receive much attention and exhibitions
held in Calcutta and New York. Also held auctions at Sotheby come to
make money.
Avijit was the star of these programs, and soon was invited to
participate in a photo of talent in Amsterdam, Netherlands. She was
always taste of things to come.
I am proud Avijit. He has done very well, bearing in mind he came from.
It’s like any other child. They are always helping others and help us
raise money to help other children, said Kauffman.
Travel Calcutta Avijit red borough of New York is a fascinating
history.
Born into Brothels has changed my life. In 2005, I saw the movie for
the first time since winning the Oscar.
It was the happiest day of my life. It was the first time I realized I
had a voice, and people want to learn about the history of my life.