In the winter of 2007, my neighbour, Jahangirbhai asked me if I wanted to work in films. On to a location shoot in Rajasthan for a Mallika Sherawat film. He offered Rs 10,000 for one month’s work. I would have worked for free! My dream had come true. Before that I worked small jobs, mostly as a mason, but I was film-crazy. Since then, I’ve worked on over twenty feature films and countless ad films, but nothing beats that first experience. A spotboy’s duty is to be always present on the set, serve tea, water, tissue boxes, meals, or anything else that is needed. We also help all other departments in running errands, cleaning and maintaining the set, and doing small jobs. I love my job, and whatever anyone says, I get whatever respect I deserve. I even went to Mauritius on a shoot in 2013. And I’ve met so many stars, including Shah Rukh Khan. He spoke to me with a lot of respect. Things can get difficult and payments get delayed often but working on a set is my calling. During the lockdown, many people I worked with helped me and my family. My identity as Kabir Munaf Sheikh, is that of a spotboy. I wouldn’t want anything else.
(This appeared in the print edition as "Feeding The Stars")
As told to Gautam Pemmaraju
