For those familiar with Pa. Ranjith’s film Kaala, starring Rajinikanth, there’s a compelling real-life parallel in the persona of Arunlal. While Rajinikanth’s iconic character is known for his all-black attire, Arunlal almost always dresses in white, his favourite colour. This striking visual contrast underscores their differing aesthetics, yet both exude a similar spirit and charisma.

Though I have met Arunlal only briefly, on three occasions, each meeting left a lasting impression. His radiant smile and distinctive Tamil-accented Hindi have a way of lighting up any room. Complementing his presence is a gold ring engraved with his name, “Arun,” along with several other gold ornaments that complete his effortlessly striking appearance.

Arunlal or Arunachalam is a 64-year-old contractor and respected community leader from Dharavi. His family’s roots in Mumbai and Dharavi date back over a century, with five to six generations having either lived in or been closely connected to the area. Born in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu, Arunlal moved to Mumbai as an infant with his mother, who grew up in Mumbai and felt a deeper connection to the city.

His great-grandfather moved to Mumbai and worked at the Chamda Bazaar (Leather Market) in Dharavi. This shift anchored their deep generational ties to the locality. His father, Swaminathan, who spent his early years in the village, relocated to Mumbai at age 10, initially working at Kamala Mills before joining the Bombay Port Trust (BPT), where he remained until his death. Arunlal inherited his job at the BPT. 

Like many Dharavi residents, Arunlal’s early years were marked by hardships. After his father’s untimely death, he began working odd jobs at the age of 10 to support his family, all while attending a municipal school. At 18, he officially joined the BPT, where he found not only stability but lifelong friendships. He worked there until 1998.

Arunlal’s journey into contracting was unexpected. After his house collapsed due to a neighbour’s negligent renovation activities, he had no choice but to rebuild it himself. This experience marked the beginning of his construction career. Known for his practical and cost-effective approach, he sourced materials directly from wholesalers to maintain quality while keeping expenses low. What started as a necessity gradually evolved into a full-time profession, initially handling small contracts for family and friends before fully transitioning by 1998.

Beyond his contracting career, Arunlal is a prominent political figure. He serves as the secretary of the Mumbai Congress. He plays a key role in the Dharavi Bachao Andolan, a people-led movement addressing the community’s concerns about the Dharavi redevelopment plan. During one meeting, Arunlal shared a YouTube video of one of his speeches. It revealed a different side of him; his bold voice and compelling rhetoric demonstrated his influence in shaping public opinion.

Arunlal is rarely seen alone; he is almost always accompanied by his dear friend Anbu Nadar, his trusted confidant and right-hand man. Aptly named, “Anbu” means love, affection, or care in Tamil. Anbu lives up to his name through his loyalty and warmth.

He describes himself as a family man with two sons and a beloved daughter. His tone softens when he talks about his daughter, revealing a tender side. While he juggled odd jobs, contracting, and political ventures, his wife ensured their children had better lives, access to education, and most importantly, freedom and independence. Although Arunlal could not pursue formal education himself, he made certain all his children earned master’s degrees in fields of their choice.

The imagery of a stern Tamil father who is empathetic and soft-hearted is a familiar and commonly used trope in South Indian cinema. Through Arunlal’s story, we get to witness that character come to life, a living testament to resilience, love, and community.