In Mumbai, a multitude of masala films are produced each year mixing crime, romance, action, suspense and comedy into a three hour long film. These Bollywood blockbusters are beacons of hope within Indian society. The lower classes deflect their own economic struggles for the instant pleasure of watching bold and beguiling characters take on the fantastical world around them on a screen bigger than their shanty homes. Once we landed in Mumbai and descended the plane, we were greeted by an intense humidity. Almost suffocating. Beyond the wired fences surrounding the landing strip stood slum dwellings, undisturbed by the giant international planes flying out each hour. Our accommodation was located in Goregaon east, about 17km north of Mumbai. Prior to leaving Australia, I immersed myself into Indian culture. With homemade chicken curry and roti I watched the 1957 epic, Mother India with its realistic exposure to the raw elements of Indian life. You could say this is the Gone with the Wind of Bollywood cinema. Mother India disturbingly showcased the hardships of a mother supporting her family on a farm and her strive for survival amongst enormous odds. As an amateur filmmaker this two week study trip to Mumbai was an adventure that would privy me to interact with established Bollywood filmmakers, visit unique film sets and even create a short documentary with a few friends. During the week we had the privilege of visiting high end production boutiques run by esteemed producers. Other days we were welcomed onto the lavish sets of Indian soap operas where we laughed alongside the crew. After locals shared their recent stories of severe droughts that were effecting their farms in the Maharashtra region we felt compelled to explore this further. With camera gear in tow, a Marathi translator at our side, and buckets of sunscreen slapped on our ghostly faces, we made our way to the suburb of Ghatkopar. Suddenly we were thrusted into the hub of a migration camp full of hundreds of farmers and families in search of water, food and work. Innocent children banged on pots and ran around giggling carelessly, unaware of the wild pigs roaming the area in search of food or a fight. Beside a river swarming with sewage and litter, we spotted a cricket pitch. A pleasant social distraction away from the improvised homes, made from discarded poles, tarps and fallen tree branches. Smoke from yesterday’s fire rose and with the endless heat wafting in the air, it created a hazy mirage. Was this real? We interviewed fathers, mothers, children and local reporters about their plight. To think these people travel here every year knowing that a drought will soon come and take away their livestock and destroy their crops. Men and women forced to work as labourers in a foreign city. An annual occurrence. The Bollywood experience had evaporated and the harsh reality of the Indian poor was gripping. I recalled the film, Mother India, and now saw first hand the destitution faced by so many families living in the most strenuous conditions. However, juxtaposing this sight was the vibrant colours of saris curtaining women from their faded dreams. I encountered women who despite having little, found luxury through simple pleasures. They took pride in their appearance, taking time to dress in striking traditional clothes for what could only be an arduous day of labour under the sweltering sun. A mother picked up a shard of glass to use as a mirror, the images reflecting crushed dreams and life saving hope in a world of disarray. Despite such dismal circumstances they welcomed me into their 1x1 metre homes with warmth and hospitality. My Mumbai experience was a whirlwind of emotions and new encounters. I now saw life through an entirely different lens. For so many Indians watching a Bollywood film is like winning a million dollar lottery. These films offer a chance to escape from the poverty of daily existence. Inside cinemas, people applaud the hero and boo the villain, fall in love with stunning leads, and sing and dance to the rhythm of vivacious musical numbers. A movie ticket is an escape that is well worth the price.