Nats - the traditional street entertainers of India - are Jack’s of all performing trades. Follow their children down the chaotic streets and bylanes of an impoverished city. Watch their talented acrobatics, singing and dancing – desperate entertainment for their parents’ debts. Filmed over a six year period, this poignant documentary explores a poor family’s futile efforts to support themselves in the midst of a rapidly changing India.

‘We have been doing this for generations’ Ratan says defensively, explaining that the Nats have existed for over 2000 years. On the colourful streets of Kolkata, his children negotiate chaotic traffic, perform with painted faces on street corners and rattle their trays for rupees. ‘I dream of going to the white man’s land and making easy money’ the children say, smiling. Ratan and his wife, say they would like their children to be educated, but without any government support, they’ve become dependent on them for survival. ‘What do we get if we put them in school? We will die of starvation!’ Radha cries, helpless.

The word ‘entertaining’ was instilled in the Singh children from birth. On a ritual family trip to the cinema, Radha explains the importance of Bollywood to her children. ‘They are all named after Bollywood films’ she declares proudly. Her children can name all of the Bollywood stars of the age. Yet traditional education is almost non-existent. ‘I don’t know my age’ the oldest Julie admits sadly. This is a world where childhood has no place.

‘We have lots of debts’ Ratan complains. Even though his family lives in a tent in squalid conditions, he depends on the rupees that his offspring bring home to survive. But this income is transient, his children are growing up -‘Jyotsna will get married after two-three years. After two-four years it will be Reshma. And then Raja…’ Ratan says sadly. His daughter Julie is already preparing to leave home for a husband. Without the children, his future is uncertain. ‘The government has all kinds of schemes for the poor. But we get nothing’ Ratan sighs ‘our village official says that we earn good money, we don’t need any help.’

When Radha leaves Ratan, taking two of their daughters with her, his world is thrown into turmoil. ‘Even ones own enemies should not get such a woman!’ he cries, his emotional loss rivalled by the rupees his daughters will no longer bring home from the street. But it’s clear that his children have had enough.

‘It is good work but we are not enjoying it anymore. How long can this body keep performing?’ they say. Not knowing whether to turn to their father or mother, the children are at least used to depending on themselves. ‘I feel angry when I see her. Why should I care for her if she doesn’t bother about me?’ Reshma declares.

Gradually each girl grows into a young woman and finds a husband. Leaving Ratan with only regret to keep him company. ‘If our debts were paid I’d have put them in school’ he sighs. This is a world where many are forced to depend upon their children for an income. ‘If I put them in school then who will repay the loans?’ Ratan questions. An unforgettable, lyrical glimpse of the true victims of globalisation.

Director: Arvind Sinha