When you work on films, there are many interesting encounters one has.

For the One Green Mile, I met a little boy. Let’s call him Jaggu — he gave me several names and you will learn why. I remember our day of recce — a process in documentation, of visiting the site to gauge a project — Jaggu was one of the many kids hopping around the ‘Under-The-Flyover Park’ like it was his home. I politely smiled at him and he stared at me with suspicion as Mumbai kids are bred to do and he moved on.

The next day, when we arrived with a myriad of camera equipment, Jaggu was mesmerised. He scurried towards us and started asking all sorts of questions and that is how Jaggu and I got to be acquaintances for the next two days. I quickly learned things about him — I say quickly because when Jaggu decides to be your acquaintance, that kid who stares at strangers with suspicion is nowhere to be found, he turns into a chatterbox. I learned that Jaggu is homeless, and he hangs out at the newly designed park with many of his friends, who are also homeless.

I have had the opportunity to study Urban Planning and under it, I have explored the term Placemaking quite often. Usually, homeless folks, especially homeless kids, are often never a part of the discussion. As if their temporal nature of residence removes them from the equation of building a relationship with places and spaces. This project presents an interesting case study for what happens when you make spaces that are truly designed to not discriminate: even homeless kids are able to strongly identify with places.

Jaggu is friends with many college-going lads who come to the park to study. He is also friends with the many uncles and aunties who come to the park in the evening for their walks. Jaggu is organically being placed into a setting where he is able to explore, interact and play safely and creatively — a luxury that is often taken away from kids like him due to homelessness and poverty.

Jaggu’s story is not a sad one — it is an inspirational one. As a 7-year-old, he is witty, social and energetic. He will never give you a consistent name to go by, because he knows identity means safety. He knows how to cash out for his work. I had asked Jaggu to play around the park like he usually does so that we could capture some interesting cinematic shots of him. After his shot, Jaggu comes to me and rightfully asks for something in exchange for his services — and we obliged: a couple of chocolates of his choice.

Jaggu’s creativity and wittiness cannot be left to be diminished simply because he is poor and homeless. One Green Mile in magical ways is providing him with a space where he gets to learn, nurture, play, and most importantly, feel safe. It was amazing to document this project and if you are in Mumbai, I urge you to catch a train to Parel. This place is at a 10-minute walking distance from the station, and if you find a Jaggu there, say hi.

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One Green Mile is a project by StudioPOD that revisualises and rejuvenises a stretch of street in the heart of a bustling area in Mumbai city, making it safe, walkable, and indiscriminately equal for all its users. Visit Buildofy to watch the complete documentary.