Little Charlie Chaplin Brings Joy To Crowds Of New Delhi

Going by the name Monu, the 52-year-old has been impersonating the Hollywood movie legend since 2014.

When he is not donning the iconic waistcoat and comical moustache, 2ft 5inch Monu works as a water vendor on the streets of New Delhi.

He said: “At evening I dress up in a Charlie Chaplin costume and roam around the India Gate to earn money.”

After leaving his hometown of Nagpur in the centre of India with virtually no money, the street performer had no means of supporting himself.

Destitute and unable to find work as a result of no one willing to hire him due to his height, Monu was forced to beg for money.

He explained: “I left my home 25 years ago and moved to New Delhi. I used to beg near the India Gate.

“I always wanted to earn. Some people suggested that begging was the only way out. They wanted me to beg."

Luckily while he was living rough on the streets of New Delhi, Monu was taken in by a kind-hearted woman who invited him to live with her family and help her sell bottled water on the street.

Since 2002 the water stall has been in the control of the woman’s daughter-in-law, Lipi, 30, who helps to apply Monu’s make-up and dresses him in his Charlie Chaplin outfit everyday.

Earning up to £2 a day, Monu’s money as a street performer helps to provide much needed income to Lipi and her family.

Despite the fact he brings happiness to people in the form of pranks and jokes not all members of the public are receptive.

Lipi said: “He was working when some people came and flipped him in the air. His back was hurt. I don’t understand why people are like this. He is just earning money and also makes people laugh.”

Monu is determined not to be deterred by bullies and continues to impersonate Charlie Chaplin.

“I won’t leave my work,” said Monu.

"I have to support my family and I love to make people happy."