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Meet India Gate’s ‘Charlie Mama’
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India Gate is a magnet for tourists from all parts of India and abroad. Among the throng of these gawky-eyed tourists, instant photographers and souvenir sellers, one particular figure stands out. If only, by less than three feet. We find out more about the man behind the painted face, who earns his living here. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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Fifty-two year old Monu (originally Nemei) is a dwarf. He ran away from his hometown in Nagpur 25 years ago. A year and a half back, Monu, a Hindu by birth, now stays with Monir - along with his mother Harinder (now no more), wife Lipy and their five children. The family took him in as a father figure and he has been living with them in Sarai Kale Khan, in a small rented accommodation of one room, ever since. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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Monu's 'Charlie Chaplin' dress dries on a washing line in the dingy lanes of his rented accommodation. By evening, these clothes transform Monu completely, turning him into an avatar of Charlie Chaplin. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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Being ‘little’ comes with its own problems. Locals often pass remarks on Monu, calling him ‘bouna’ (or dwarf). But that doesn't deter him as he carries on with his journey towards his workplace, New Delhi's iconic India Gate. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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Every morning, Monu boards a DTC bus early on in the day, from the Nizzamuddin bus stand. Public transport, just like some people, can be unfriendly to Monu. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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In the morning, the lawns at India Gate attract more unruly students than tourists. Monu occupies himself by selling bottled water, after a quick bath at the fountain area here. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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But come 4 pm, just before the sun sets, Monu’s begins his transformation into ‘Charlie Mama’. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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Monu’s daughter-in-law Lipy helps in the makeover, painting his face white and black. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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A final check to see if the look is almost complete. Along with clothes and make up, Monu also dons the borrowed personality of the all-time favourite comic actor. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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Bowler hat and cane in hand, 'Charlie Mama' now starts work, circling around the India Gate to work his charm on tourists. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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Work is seemingly simple: posing for photographs with enthusiastic tourists thronging India Gate. He charges Rs.10-20 for every selfie shot with him. Most are more than glad to pay for this unique opportunity, but there are some who don't honour their commitment, refusing to pay after getting photos clicked. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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Monu has found support from the local municipality authorities and even the police. No one bothers him in his friendly avatar. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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Till some time ago, he had a turf war with another dwarf, Raju (on right), who was also posing in the same garb for photos with tourists. Raju eventually left and now, Monu is the sole Charlie Chaplin of India Gate. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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Rain can play spoilsport even on a good day, as it can wash away his carefully done makeup. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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As twilight arrives, Charlie Mama calls it a day. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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He washed off his make up at the fountain, going back to being Monu. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)
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