Cycling from real to reel life: Jyoti Kumari to be protagonist in film

More than a month ago, a 15-year-old girl cycled all way from Gurugram to a n-descript vill in Darbhanga with her debilitated far as a pillion rider. w, Jyoti Kumari is all set to be protagonist in a film about her journey.

"Bahut achha lag raha hai (I feel very good)," Jyoti, who also emerged as a symbol of grit amidst nationwide lockdown that ravd lives of many a migrant labourer families, told PTI on being signed up for film.

Four friends, who are united by passion for films and documentaries, have bagged rights for life story of Jyoti and project is to set go on floors from August, according to Shine Krishna, who will be directing film.

To be titled 'Atmanirbhar' (Self Reliant), film will seek to explore t only Jyoti's tale but also weave in systemic issues that had led her to take arduous journey on cycle in May.

Miraj and Fairoz, working in Middle East, along with Krishna and Sajith Nambiar have acquired rights for film. 'Wemakefilmz', a nearly two-decade old venture set up by Krishna, will be producing it.

film will be shot in locations that were part of Jyoti's journey from Gurugram to Darbhanga and will t be a documentary. It will be more fictionalised by including various or incidents, Krishna told PTI.

actor for role of Jyoti's far is being finalised.

film will be made in Hindi, English and Maithili langus as well as dubbed into or langus. For international audience, title will be 'A Journey of a Migrant' and film will subtitled in 20 langus, Krishna said.

struggle for Jyoti's family began in January when her far Mohan Paswan, an e-rickshaw driver in Gurugram, was injured. She came down to Gurugram in Haryana. With means to earn a livelihood, things turned difficult and Paswan's landlord gave him an ultimatum to eir pay rent that was due for a few months, or leave amid lockdown.

At that time, it was Jyoti's idea to cycle all way -- almost 1,200 kilometres -- to ir vill in Darbhanga, Bihar. As she persisted, y began ir journey and at some places, truckers gave m lifts.

While it was penury that forced far-daughter duo to make cycle journey that was spread over nearly eight days, same journey has also brought her into spotlight with wide media cover and help coming in from different quarters.

"Bahut change ho gaya (a lot has changed)," Jyoti said over phone when asked what had changed for her and her family after getting attention in public. re has also been good support from villrs, she added but did t elaborate on changes in ir lives.

On wher her far will be going back to Gurugram for work, Jyoti said, "nahi ()". PTI RAM ANS ANS