I’ve heard of Shah Rukh Khan, my son is a fan: Gaurabai, construction worker

When did you and your family move to Delhi and why?
I moved to Delhi 15 years ago with my family to look for work and better pay. We used to work in a field back home but it was not enough to meet our family’s needs.

Who all are in your family? What do they do?
I have three children, one daughter aged 25, and two sons who are 16 and 19 years old. My husband is a construction worker too. My daughter works as a maid while my elder son works in a garage and my younger son is studying. My elder son has moved out and now lives with his friends at the garage.

Is this your first job?
I have been a labourer all this time. We thought my husband would find something else to do but he couldn’t get any other job because he wasn’t educated enough.

How much do you make?
I earn Rs 170 per day by working from 9am to 5pm on construction sites.

Do you watch movies? Which movie star would you like to meet if you get a chance?
I do not have the time or money to watch movies so I do not know any movie star but I’ve heard of Shah Rukh Khan, my younger son is a big fan of the actor. He watches his movies whenever he goes to his friend’s house.

Have you gone sightseeing in Delhi?
No, I have no time for that. My family and I work everyday to earn just enough to have food. We are saving money for our daughter’s marriage and for my son’s studies.

Do you regret moving to Delhi?
No, because we were doing the same kind of job back home. Here, we at least earn more than what we were earning there. My elder son and my daughter both have found jobs here and I am happy for them. I just want my younger son to study well and become something in life. We did not have a place to live when we first came to Delhi, we used to live on the streets but now we have a small room in a slum.

City Seekers: A series on migrants in urban India