This is a quintessential ‘boy from a remote village makes it big in Maximum City’ story. In 1996, Jameel Shah set foot in Mumbai with just Rs 100 in his pocket, a desire to meet Hindi movie actors and a hope to end his family’s financial problems.
One slippery journey, Latin dance classes and an accidental shoemaking opportunity later, Jameel became a sought after shoemaker in the glam industry. His 120-square-foot factory in the cramped bylanes of Dharavi is perpetually flooded with actors, assistant directors to professional dancers and choreographers.
From Katrina Kaif’s thigh-high leather boots in Dhoom 3 (2013) to Kylie Minogue’s shoes in Blue (2009), Jameel has designed comfortable, flexible and chic footwear for several celebrities.
The Better India spoke to the self-made entrepreneur who has worked as a doorkeeper, a factory worker and a security guard before turning his skills into an opportunity of a lifetime.