DOC – Why Poverty | 21st Filmi: Toronto's South Asian Film Festival 2021

“Why Poverty”
Director: Wilbur Sargunaraj
SHORT

Our simple superstar Wilbur Sargunaraj, India’s first YouTube star, takes us on an enlightening and irreverent journey through what poverty means in India.

Along the way, Wilbur asks his fellow countrymen what they think poverty is, what makes people poor, and how do the really poor rate their own situation?

Wilbur Sargunaraj is an Indian performing artist and celebrity. He was described by several press reports as “India’s first YouTube sensation,” with nearly 3.1 million views for his music and instructional videos posted on the video sharing website.

Sargunaraj performs a blend of Indian music and electronica. He has been influenced by such artists as Boney M. and Michael Jackson. He claims that his songs are his way to promote cultural intelligence with various languages being heard in his track listing. Sargunaraj has travelled to various places, including India, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong kong, Japan, Cuba, Bangladesh, South Africa, France, Germany, Italy, Holland, Africa, Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, Sri Lanka, New zealand, Nepal, Oman, Uniter Arab Emirates, Cambodia and Australia, where he has made live performances of his music videos and has given motivational speeches.

Sargunaraj has produced the film Simple Superstar, which is slated for release in 2013. It was screened at Filmi Toronto’s South Asian Film Festival in 2013.