Saroo Brierley is an Indian-born Australian businessman and author. He was accidentally separated from his biological family at the age of five and was adopted out of India by an Australian couple. After 25 years of searching, he was reunited with his original family after finding his hometown via Google Earth. His story generated worldwide attention and was adapted into the critically acclaimed film, “Lion.”
Saroo’s journey began in 1986 when he boarded a train in his hometown of Khandwa, India. He fell asleep on the train and woke up 1,500 kilometers away in Calcutta, where he was forced to survive on the streets as a homeless child. Eventually, he was taken to an orphanage and later adopted by an Australian couple, Sue and John Brierley. Despite his happy upbringing in Australia, Saroo always felt a deep longing to find his birth family and his hometown.
Saroo’s memoir, “A Long Way Home,” details his incredible journey to find his family. The book was adapted into the film “Lion,” which was released in 2016 and received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Saroo’s story has inspired people around the world and serves as a testament to the power of determination and hope.
Saroo Brierley Biography
Saroo Brierley is an Indian-born Australian businessman, author, and public speaker. He was born in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India, in 1981, and grew up in a poor family. Saroo’s father abandoned his family when he was a child, leaving his mother to raise him and his siblings alone.
Early Life in India
Saroo’s childhood was filled with struggles, and he often had to work odd jobs to help his family make ends meet. At the age of five, he got lost on a train and ended up in Calcutta, over a thousand miles away from his home. He survived on the streets for several weeks before being taken to an orphanage and eventually adopted by an Australian couple.
Adoption and Life in Australia
Saroo was adopted by Sue and John Brierley and moved to Tasmania, Australia, where he grew up in a loving and supportive family environment. He attended school and went on to study business and hospitality management at the Australian International Hotel School in Canberra.
Search for Family
As an adult, Saroo became increasingly curious about his roots and began searching for his biological family. He used Google Earth to locate his hometown, and after several years of searching, he was able to reunite with his mother and siblings in India.
Reunion with Biological Family
Saroo’s reunion with his biological family was an emotional and life-changing experience. He learned that his mother had never given up hope of finding him and was overjoyed to be reunited with her long-lost son. Today, Saroo continues to share his incredible story with audiences around the world, inspiring others to never give up hope and to always follow their dreams.
The Book “A Long Way Home”
Synopsis
“A Long Way Home” is a non-fiction book written by Saroo Brierley in collaboration with Larry Buttrose. The book tells the story of Saroo’s life, beginning with his childhood in India and his accidental separation from his family at the age of five. The story follows Saroo’s journey as a lost child on the streets of Calcutta, where he eventually ends up in an orphanage, and his eventual adoption by an Australian couple.
The book also chronicles Saroo’s later life as he grows up in Australia and begins to feel a strong desire to reconnect with his Indian roots. Using Google Earth, Saroo is eventually able to locate his hometown and reunite with his birth mother and siblings.
Publication and Reception
“A Long Way Home” was initially published in Australia in 2013 by Viking, and was later re-released internationally in 2014. The book received critical acclaim and was a bestseller in Australia. It has been translated into more than 30 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
The book’s success led to the production of a major motion picture adaptation, “Lion”, which was released in 2016. The film was directed by Garth Davis and starred Dev Patel as Saroo. The film was also a critical and commercial success, receiving six Academy Award nominations and grossing over $140 million at the box office.
The Movie ‘Lion’
Plot Overview
‘Lion’ is a 2016 biographical drama film directed by Garth Davis and written by Luke Davies. The movie is based on the true story of Saroo Brierley, who was separated from his family in India at the age of five and was adopted by an Australian couple. The film follows Saroo’s journey as an adult to find his biological family and reunite with them.
Cast and Crew
The movie stars Dev Patel as Saroo Brierley, with Sunny Pawar playing the younger version of Saroo. Nicole Kidman and David Wenham play Saroo’s adoptive parents, Sue and John Brierley. The film was directed by Garth Davis and produced by Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, and Angie Fielder. The music for the film was composed by Dustin O’Halloran and Hauschka.
Awards and Nominations
The movie ‘Lion’ received critical acclaim and was nominated for multiple awards. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score. The movie won two of those nominations, Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay. It also won two BAFTA Awards, including Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Critical Reception
The movie ‘Lion’ received positive reviews from critics. It has a 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 7.7/10. Critics praised the performances of the cast, especially Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman. They also praised the direction, cinematography, and music of the film. The movie was praised for its emotional impact and for telling a heartwarming and inspiring true story.
Impact on Adoption and Search for Identity
Influence on Adoption Practices
Saroo’s story has had a significant impact on adoption practices worldwide. His journey highlights the importance of adoption and the impact it can have on a child’s life. Saroo’s adoption by an Australian couple provided him with a better life than he could have had in India. His story has inspired many to adopt children from different countries and cultures, providing them with a better future. Saroo’s story also emphasizes the need for proper documentation and record-keeping in adoption cases to avoid the loss of identity and cultural heritage.
Advocacy and Awareness
Saroo’s search for his birth family and identity has brought attention to the issue of identity loss in adoption. His story has inspired many adoptees to search for their birth families and reclaim their cultural heritage. Saroo’s advocacy for adoptees has led to increased awareness of the issues faced by adoptees, including the loss of identity, culture, and family ties. His story has also shed light on the importance of mental health support for adoptees, as they navigate the complexities of adoption and search for their identity.
Overall, Saroo’s story has had a profound impact on adoption practices and the search for identity. His journey highlights the importance of providing children with a loving and stable home, while also emphasizing the need for proper documentation and record-keeping in adoption cases. Saroo’s advocacy and awareness-raising have helped many adoptees reclaim their cultural heritage and identity, while also highlighting the need for mental health support for adoptees.
Public Speaking and Media Appearances
Saroo Brierley is a renowned public speaker and has spoken at various events and conferences. He has appeared on numerous media platforms, including television and radio shows, to share his remarkable story of finding his birth mother after 25 years of separation.
Saroo’s speaking engagements have focused on his journey of self-discovery, resilience, and determination. He has shared his insights on the importance of family, cultural identity, and the power of hope. His speeches are inspiring and thought-provoking, leaving his audience with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.
In addition to his public speaking engagements, Saroo has also made media appearances to discuss his story and share his message. He has been featured on popular talk shows such as The Ellen Show and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He has also been interviewed by major news outlets such as CNN, BBC, and ABC News.
Saroo’s media appearances have helped raise awareness about his story and the issues of adoption, identity, and cultural displacement. He has used these platforms to advocate for the importance of cultural preservation and the need for greater support for adoptees and their families.
Overall, Saroo’s public speaking and media appearances have made a significant impact on audiences around the world. His story of hope and perseverance continues to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life.