Faster, didi.
It's so much fun.
Faster!
Yay!
Faster, didi.
Faster!
Please have a look.
What can you offer for this?
Fifty rupees.
That's too low.
This quality doesn't sell here.
At least have a look at the goods.
Can’t offer you more.
Please leave.
You're still missing school?
Well, sir…
She was busy at home. I'll send her tomorrow.
-Sure? -Yes, sir.
Okay, see you tomorrow.
Didi?
What are you doing?
I can go to school tomorrow,
but I've outgrown my uniform.
Didi, take this.
What's this?
I got you a uniform.
Where did you get this from?
And it's white!
At least you have a uniform now.
Sit down.
All right, kids,
today we’ll study chapter three
and learn about water resources.
I'll be talking about the key water problems.
Listen carefully.
Where's your book?
First is the scarcity of water.
Exploitation of groundwater.
Inability to use surface water.
Overuse of agricultural land.
You there!
Stand up.
Where's your textbook?
I forgot.
You've finally come to school,
and you forgot your textbook?
And what's up with your uniform?
Go.
Clean the corridors.
Move!
Sir, I need a token for the computer room.
Go.
What did you do?
I forgot my textbook.
Going to Khempur.
Come on, everyone. Khempur!
All aboard. Going to Khempur.
Khempur!
All aboard. Going to Khempur.
Going to Khempur.
KHEMPUR 6 KM
Time to get off.
Get down.
Here?
What?
No…
I need to go here.
To Vikram Ji’s… It’s a hotel.
Vikram?
Please come.
This is your room.
Ever since I've listed online,
I’ve got an incredible response.
I get bookings from around the world.
Just like you've come from London.
How many nights is your booking for?
You will have no complaints.
But give us a good review when you leave.
Ma’am, the view here is our speciality.
People come from all over just for this view.
It’s a beautiful sight.
Get some rest.
This month's repayments are due.
Okay. Give me lentils.
I was thinking…
I mean…
Rupa was saying that
she's filled the local form to start stitching.
If you don't have any objection,
-I-- -Do you think I'm incapable?
Working in the brick kiln isn't that bad.
You working in the fields is enough.
But it's not enough
to run the house.
We’ll be in further debt.
Maybe I could help as well.
Oh, really?
So will you both run the house?
You can barely sell peanuts, and you want to help?
-And that's why I want to-- -I, what?
Do you know what people will say
if you work outside in a factory?
That I'm incapable to run my house, and I'm making my wife work.
No, but I mean…
times are changing.
What an expert!
More rice?
20 RUPEES
One bottled water, please.
-How much? -Twenty rupees.
Want the textbook too?
No, I'll buy it later.
Okay.
Is there anything to see around?
Yes. The village.
Ankush!
What are you doing? Ankush, come here!
Ankush!
Leave him, Ankush!
Ankush!
What are you doing, Ankush?
Let him go!
No, Ankush!
What’s this nonsense, Ankush?
Are you out of your mind?
He started it by calling me a toilet cleaner.
That's true.
He got toilet-duty in school today, but he ran away.
You're no elite.
You are a toilet cleaner too.
Everyone knows you failed twice in school.
-Should I tell her what you did? -Let’s go, didi.
Should I tell her?
Didi, he's known for cooking up stories.
Look at that toilet cleaner running away.
See that filthy rat run.
Look at that toilet cleaner.
-Run, Tipu! -Didi!
Ankush!
Wait, Ankush!
-Didi! -Tipu, run.
Didi, sorry.
Sorry, didi.
Didi.
Didi, no.
This one isn't for us. Come with me.
That's for the upper caste.
We can use this one.
Sorry, didi.
What's your name?
Jessica.
And yours?
Prerna.
Where are you from?
London.
London?
Yes.
But my dad was from India.
What are you doing here?
Are you married?
Nope.
How old are you?
And you're still not married?
My friend has a one-year-old daughter already.
How old are you?
Okay, what grade are you in?
Tell me.
I don't go to school anymore.
Why not?
I don't have a school uniform.
That’s it?
Because of a school uniform?
So what do you do then?
Housework, work in the fields and in the market.
But it's important to go to school.
If you don't go to school, what will you do in the future?
Look at my hair and my shirt.
-You can speak in Hindi? -Yes.
What's this?
His bearing car.
Come, take a look.
This is my bearing car.
-Did you make it? -Yes.
You don't know what’s a skateboard?
Okay, give me a minute.
Try it, come on.
Oh, no.
Come on.
Try it, it will be fun.
Come.
Now, you do it.
See, it was fun, right?
Slow down.
Listen, where does one get new uniforms?
I thought she'd yell or even hit me.
But she didn't.
She was very polite.
And then,
I don't know why,
she spoke about herself.
Asked me what I do.
She’s very sweet.
She's a foreigner, but speaks Hindi really well.
She also sprays perfume on her hands.
But what is she doing here?
I don't know.
She doesn't know either.
-Where is she from? -London.
London?
Where's this village?
It's brand new.
And she didn't want anything in return?
There's got to be a reason.
You're so silly…
taking things from strangers.
Don't let your father see this.
Go now.
Prerna.
The textbook.
What are you studying?
The map.
Ankush.
Where did you get him from?
He is…
Gillu.
You goat thief!
Did you steal a goat?
Look, Ma, she stole a goat.
Ma, he was trapped over there.
I just saved his life.
That's good.
Now leave him here. It belongs to someone else.
He's a stray.
Can’t we take him home?
No way!
Do you know what I prayed for in the temple?
What?
See this.
Cool shoes, right?
Keep dreaming.
What did you pray for?
Never mind, God can't hear you from outside the temple.
Why didn't you come inside?
Stomach cramps.
Again?
Shut up, Ankush.
My bearing car looks awesome, isn't it?
Yes!
How do I get it out?
-You want it? -Yes.
Okay, give it to me.
I'll draw it for you.
Didi, draw my tractor too.
-I have a DJ car! -My rolling cart!
I have a water tanker.
It's lovely, isn’t it?
He won’t come.
Why?
He's from the upper caste.
What are you doing here?
How many times have I told you to not play with these kids?
Let's go home.
Here you go, I got it out.
Bearing car!
My bearing car!
Ma'am, he was asking about you in the entire village,
so I brought him here directly. Who is he?
Didi, his bearing car is so nice.
This is a skateboard.
Hello, brother, wash-your-name?
Hey, first wash your face!
And your names?
-Bhaiya, I am Tipu. -I am Rahul.
Hey, Tipya, leave him alone.
Don’t disturb bhaiya.
Bhaiya! Please skate for us…
Please, bhaiya. Show us. Just once!
-That's awesome! -He's fast!
Look, he was in mid-air.
They are so good.
Do you want to try it?
No.
I won't be able to do it.
Just try and step on the board once.
No, didi, I'll fall.
Didi, you won't.
Try it, it will be fun.
Didi, try it, you’ll enjoy.
I told you, I won't be able to do it.
That's what your name means, right?
I told you my didi could do it.
Now show them how to do it.
-I'll also try it. -And me too!
Bhaiya, will I get to skate again?
Bhaiya, will you come tomorrow?
-Please, bhaiya… -Please.
Hey! What? Quiet!
-Bhaiya, please. -Bhaiya, please.
Bhaiya, I want to skate again.
Bhaiya, please stay back.
Get me my book.
What do you want?
Prerna.
Do you want to use the computer?
Do you know how to go online?
Yes, wait I'll show you.
I want to see skating videos.
Can I keep it for now?
Where did this come from?
Someone gave it to Ankush for a day.
Will return it tomorrow.
Why are you playing with things meant for boys?
Go, cook some lentils.
What's going on?
Get back to class.
Go.
Sorry, Papa.
Don't lower your standards.
Got it?
Yes, Papa.
Go on.
Ankush…
Look.
I’m flying!
Didi, careful!
The board's gone.
Didi!
Who asked you to dive in?
You’ve ruined Erick Bhaiya's board.
How will we explain this at home?
Had fun skating?
Come, Gillu.
What did I tell you earlier?
You took something from a stranger again?
Go, hide it now.
And listen,
you better return it first thing tomorrow.
Go quickly.
Kamlesh has put me on double shifts starting tomorrow.
-Water? -No.
Get down.
What happened?
What?
How much does a skateboard cost?
She's ruined Erick Bhaiya's skateboard.
It's destroyed.
Sorry, bhaiya.
Bhaiya.
Please bhaiya.
Come on, now go to school.
Stealing in your own house?
Is this what we’ve taught you?
No, Papa. I was putting it back.
So, you did steal before?
I’m asking you something.
I made a mistake, Papa.
Didi.
Why did you put the money back?
We could’ve bought chocolates with it.
We could’ve had so much fun.
-Hi, didi. -Hi, didi.
Yes!
This is a real bearing car, right?
Subodh.
No.
-For me? -Yes.
Didi.
Do you think she will get us new shoes too?
-Hey! -What are you doing?
Hey, get out!
Wow, didi, you're doing it so well.
Where is everyone else?
They've disrupted everything!
Sir, we need your support to get rid of this problem.
-Very true. -He's right.
-Please take action. -Or I'll be out of business.
It was fun skipping school today.
FINE FOR SKATEBOARDING - RS. 500
Five hundred rupees fine.
BEWARE OF DOGS AND DON'T SKATE HERE.
Stop!
What are you doing?
Read that board.
SKATEBOARDING NOT ALLOWED.
Today we'll study about the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi…
who led India’s struggle for independence with non-violence.
Gandhi’s Dandi March,
Quit India Movement,
and Salt Tax Revolution caused an outbreak in the nation.
Skating is not a crime.
Not a crime, not a crime.
We kids want to shine.
Want to shine, want to shine.
Fulfill our wishes now!
Fulfill them now, fulfill them now.
Skating is not a crime.
Not a crime, not a crime.
We kids want to shine.
Want to shine, want to shine.
Fulfill our wishes now!
Fulfill them now, fulfill them now.
Skating is not a crime.
Look! It’s the teacher, run!
Now it’s an everyday nuisance.
Excuse me, you can’t confiscate their boards like this.
Madam, there’s a complaint against you.
What is their crime?
There were only two students in my class today, thanks to you!
The regular ones are skipping school, too,
because of this nuisance.
And these brats are influencing my son as well!
Do you have a permit?
This is India!
Things work differently here.
Show me your Aadhaar card.
It’s mandatory to have one.
Then show me your passport.
This is the root cause of the problem.
Just hear me out, please--
Listen to me, madam.
You’re still an Indian, aren’t you?
Yes, do you doubt it?
Then why are you bringing these Western things here?
They start skating anywhere, from shops and alleys
to places where they aren't even allowed to enter.
They've created chaos in the whole village.
Look, madam, we have a system here.
There are rules.
They’re ruining public property.
It's not a garden or a park.
Vikram, she’s your guest and a lady, so I’m letting her go.
Yes.
If I get one more complaint…
Sir, I'll make sure it doesn't happen again.
You can go now.
Singh Sahab, take it in writing, or they’ll do it again.
Listen…
if any of you miss school tomorrow then--
Didi.
What are you doing here?
This is the upper caste locality.
Do people still follow the caste system?
Nobody talks about it,
but it's an unsaid norm.
I am sorry that you can’t skate anymore.
Skating is the best thing that happened to me.
How long are you here for?
I leave tomorrow.
But…
there’s still so much to see here.
-Here? In this village? -Yes.
Hey, bhai!
-Tipya, no school. -No!
Ankush, no.
This means if you don’t go to school,
you won’t be allowed to skate.
What?
Yes. It’s a rule.
They come up with new rules every day.
Sit down.
No one has ever thought of something like this before.
Alone?
How can I sanction that kind of money?
Our charity funds have already been allotted for this year.
Besides, you’re not from an official NGO.
Try next year, after registration.
And if you need any other help, let me know.
We can’t justify these funds.
This game…
I mean sport.
It has no rules.
How can I propose a sport with no rules to the committee?
The Sports Association won't be able to help you.
Why don’t you try for private or personal funding?
Namaste.
Why do you want to build this skatepark in that village?
I was raised in London.
I knew what I wanted to be while I was still in school.
"What do you want to do when you grow up?"
She had no answer.
Because no one had ever asked her that before.
I was thinking about what you said.
People resist change here,
especially if that change is led by a woman.
There are unsaid rules for women here,
some of which you’ve already broken.
If…
I deny you today,
life will go on as is.
But if I say yes,
maybe we’ll see a better tomorrow?
And it could give several girls
the courage to follow their dreams.
Someday I’ll tell you my story.
But for now, start your work.
No one can stop us now.
Ma’am, I'll sort everything out.
Tea, please.
Whose call are you avoiding?
Bhawani Ji's.
He wants to get involved now because the elections are nearing.
Ankush.
What's up?
Let’s go.
Let's go, everyone. Hurry up.
-Jessica Ma'am is calling us. -Come on, fast.
You all have three months to practice.
Skaters from all over India will participate in the contest.
You will each get a 45-second run,
and you've to showcase as many tricks as you can.
What do you mean by tricks?
Just like an ollie,
do as many tricks as you know.
What if we fall? Are we done?
No, you get back on the board.
A whistle will blow after 45 seconds are over,
which means your time is up.
But remember, you also get points to skate till the very end.
Hey, move, move aside!
No, you go ahead.
I’ve touched the pinnacle
I’ve realized my worth
Now that my feet have opened up as wings
Yes.
Why shouldn’t I weave
The dreams my eyes have seen?
My complicated life
I have to resolve
The trust I have in me
Has to manifest
I’ll touch the sky, immersed in joy
Like the wind
Are you having fun, Kusum?
I’ve taken flight
Following my heart
In spite of the fear
Riding on these wheels
Didi!
The sky twirls when
They see I’ve leaped across these walls
I’ve taken flight
Ankush.
Get up.
How did you manage to drop-in at the first attempt?
Weren't you scared of falling?
I was…
but I did it anyway.
We're working so hard for this contest. Aren’t we?
And now, presenting the number one skater of this village,
Prerna Bhil.
Today she's going to show us the biggest drop-in!
Didi, just do it.
Didi!
Didi.
Are you okay?
Ankush. Come on.
I’ll be back soon.
Tipya, wait for me.
What did you break?
What are you doing?
Let me see it.
How did this happen?
It's just a bruise.
But how did this happen?
I fell while skating.
You’ve created a nuisance in the village.
Keep my daughter out of it.
What happened?
What have you been teaching Prerna?
To lie and steal?
To behave like a boy?
She can't even do her housework anymore.
She's at home with a swollen foot.
She must have hurt herself while skating.
I don't know.
But is she okay?
Okay?
She should be married by now, but she's skating.
What if something goes wrong?
Who will marry her if she breaks her bones?
I can't have her follow in your footsteps.
Living-in with a man before marriage--
News travels fast in the village.
This is not your city, it's a village.
Stay away from my children!
Come.
Let's go.
Sorry about what Papa said the other day.
How’s Prerna?
She's better…
but she's grounded.
She's not allowed to skate.
Why do you like skating so much?
I don’t know…
but it feels good.
I feel like I belong…
like it's something I can do.
There’s no one to control me, no rules to follow.
It feels like I'm gliding in the sky.
Prerna Didi is here.
Come.
Why didn't you come for so many days? What happened?
Come.
As if destiny was upset with me
As if my hopes were broken
But now the whole sky is mine
I can’t do it.
And…
what if I fall again?
Let the tight fists open
I’ll knock them all out
Now that the whole sky is mine
A few desires that I have
Should get fulfilled
I’ve broken the shackles Of envy, bondage and...
I've taken the leap
Let's have a little fun
Now that I'm on my way
To turn the wheels of my life
I've taken the leap
You are my best friend.
Do you know who else are my best friends?
Jessica Didi and Subodh.
I am faster than the wind
I'm surprised myself
At the story of my life
The bird has broken the cage And taken flight
From every worry and fear She's turned away
Flown away...
I've taken the leap
Let's have a little fun
Now that I'm on my way
To turn the wheels of my life
I've taken the leap
"Today is the last day of the carnival.
If you come with me,
I'll know you like me too."
The entire village knows who you were with.
They are upper caste Brahmins.
We can't mingle with them.
So this is what you've been hiding.
You have got some nerve.
Injuring your foot wasn't enough?
Papa, my contest is next week.
Shut up!
-Please don't do this. -Step back!
If you can't make us proud,
at least don't bring us shame.
It's time to find her a groom.
I can't handle her responsibility anymore.
Where's Gillu?
What did you do to him?
Ankush will bring her back.
Pretty, isn't it?
-I'll take this one. -Okay.
Okay.
It'll be ready in two days.
Okay.
Be happy.
Let's go.
Didi, if you don't like him, don't marry him. Who cares?
At least you’ve got a new dress.
Ankush.
After you.
Will everything be ready in one week?
Yes, we'll manage.
Tea?
So what all are you good at?
Skating.
-What? -Setting!
-She sets the house very well. -Okay.
-She cleans really well. -Okay.
She even cooks very well.
She can handle all the housework.
She won't give you a reason to complain.
Okay.
Girl looks good.
Yes, let's talk.
We like the girl,
you take care of the rest.
Will you really be ready in seven days?
Everything will be ready, don't worry.
I have spoken to my boss, he'll help me out too.
Why didn't you tell me before?
I’ll speak to your father.
No.
Things will get complicated, didi.
He sold everything to organize this.
I only came to say goodbye.
I'll move to another village after the wedding.
Prerna.
What's all this?
Can't you see?
There's nothing more important to you than skating, right?
It doesn't matter anymore.
There’s still time for the championship.
You can participate.
I'm getting married that same day.
Please leave, Subodh.
If someone spots you here, all hell will break loose.
Here, take this.
Hey! Narayan,
what are you doing here?
It's not for you to sit.
Go, give this to Dal Ji.
He's still at it.
Bhaiya, please hurry.
We've to send it there too.
Chanda, take this.
I'll bring another stack.
Ladies and gentlemen,
people of Khempur,
we welcome you to our
All India Skateboarding Championship!
So with a huge round of applause, let's welcome Bhawani Ji,
along with our two judges,
Mr. Darius and Mr. Emmanuel.
Yes!
Without further ado let's kickstart this championship.
Our first participant is the pride of Khempur,
our very own,
Lila!
Four boxes are right there.
Give me your hand.
Ma…
Ankush said he chews tobacco.
You will soon get used to it.
Do you think he's good for me?
I hadn't even seen your father before our wedding.
I was about your age when I got married.
I was very weak…
but you’re not.
What do you mean?
I bled a lot when you were born.
The doctor said I had a weak uterus and had to be careful.
That's why you were premature by a month,
but girls born in the eighth month have a fighting spirit,
that’s why you’re here today.
Weren’t you weak when Ankush was born?
I was…
but a girl child isn't enough to complete a family.
Everyone wants a son.
Besides, my choice never mattered.
Everyone has their own destiny.
No one can change that.
What if skating is my destiny?
You look beautiful.
And Tipu is showcasing his unique trick.
What a great job, Tipu. Well done!
He is fearlessly moving ahead,
but uh-oh!
And that’s the end of Tipu’s 45 seconds.
And now in the Juniors' category,
from Bhil Basti, we have,
Ankush!
Let's hear it for him.
Looks like he is going to start with a trick on the ledge.
Good job!
There’s something about his style.
Give him a round of applause. Well done, Ankush!
What a fine job, Ankush. Fabulous!
And the next skater is from Delhi…
Rahul, take this quickly.
Tipu, hurry up. Let's run.
We're getting late for the wedding.
Ankush, why are you still wandering?
Go. Get dressed. Come on.
And is this the time to skate?
Everyone is ready outside.
The wedding procession is on its way.
I don't want to be weak, Ankush.
I want to skate one last time.
Tipu, leave that.
What?
Go, quickly. I'll tell didi the plan.
What happened?
With Shivam, we end our Junior Boys category.
Now moving to the Senior Girls category.
-In the Senior Girls category, we have-- -Vikram.
We love surprising people in this village!
So far we've given girls a preference,
but for now, we’ll let our boys go first.
Put your hands together for the Senior Boys category.
Rahul!
He's carving his line with great speed and focus.
Well done, Rahul.
And a wonderful foot-twisting trick!
Our skate village is rocking it!
Papa, that fabric fell off.
Okay, go keep this plate inside.
You're still here?
You can't do one thing right.
-Ankush, I’ve been looking for you. -Here, take the plate.
Prerna, hurry! The wedding procession is here.
Didi, how did you get out?
-Girl’s round is still left, right? -Yeah, run away.
But how will you skate in this?
Call Prerna.
Prerna?
Our next senior contestant is
Deepa from Janwar!
Give her a round of applause.
Where are you going?
Wow. Mini is landing trick after trick.
And that's an impressive trick.
I don't even know what it's called.
Our little shredders are getting a lot of inspiration today. Right?
Let’s hear a big round of applause for her.
Well done, Mini. Well done!
Now what can be better than
the queen herself gracing us with her presence?
With a huge round of applause, let's welcome our queen.
She graciously donated her land for this skate park.
Khempur village is privileged to have her here at this skating competition.
We welcome you wholeheartedly, Your Highness.
Let's hear a big round of applause.
And our next participant is…
the last contestant from the Senior Girls category,
and the only participant in this category from our village,
our very own,
Prerna!
Let's give it up for Prerna.
And with such ease, she’s done the Bert slide trick.
She needs to stay on her board for just 15 more seconds.
But one minute,
looks like Prerna is heading towards the monster bowl!
Before announcing the winners,
I'd like to say that
for the first time, I'm seeing such joy in this village.
If we just give our kids that one opportunity,
maybe someday we'll find a world champion from this village.
But a champion isn’t someone who just wins.
A true champion is someone who shows courage,
passion and determination when faced with adversity.
You did an amazing drop-in.
Come.
And today I witnessed that courage and determination in someone.
I would like to give that person a special award.
Sorry, Papa.
Prerna Bhil.
Come on stage.
Don’t be nervous, come.
Go.
Shoes!
Red color shoes!