Saroo Brierley's Incredible Life: Love, Family & "Lion" Movie!

Miss Katharina Gutmann DVM 27 May 2025

Ever wondered how a childhood separation could lead to an extraordinary tale of resilience and reunion? Saroo Brierley's story is a testament to the enduring power of memory and the unwavering human spirit.

Saroo Brierley’s life story is nothing short of remarkable. Born Sheru Munshi Khan on May 22, 1981, in the Ganesh Talai suburb of Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India, his early years were marked by poverty and the struggles of a large family. At the tender age of five, a fateful train journey led to his accidental separation from his brother and, ultimately, his family. Lost and alone in the bustling city of Kolkata, Saroo faced immense challenges before finding refuge in an orphanage. His journey took an incredible turn when he was adopted by an Australian couple, Sue and John Brierley, who provided him with a loving home in Tasmania. He went to school, learned English, and made friends. Saroo was given a new last name, but the questions about his past still simmered.

Category	Information
Full Name	Sheru Munshi Khan (Saroo Brierley)
Date of Birth	May 22, 1981
Place of Birth	Ganesh Talai, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India
Occupation	Author, Businessman, Motivational Speaker
Known For	Memoir "A Long Way Home," Film Adaptation "Lion"
Adoptive Parents	Sue and John Brierley
Biological Mother	Fatima Munshi
Siblings	Kallu (brother), Shakila (sister)
Partner	Lisa Williams
Met	2011
Website	saroo-brierley.com

Growing up in Australia, Saroo thrived, yet the memories of his past remained vivid. A map of India hanging on his bedroom wall, a certain song, or something learned in school could ignite a blaze of images from his old life so vivid it felt like he was still there. After going through various uncomfortable life circumstances, he returned after 25 years. Fueled by a deep longing to reconnect with his roots, Saroo embarked on an extraordinary quest to find his biological family. Using Google Earth, he meticulously searched for familiar landmarks, spending countless hours poring over satellite images of India. His determination paid off when he recognized his hometown, leading him to an emotional reunion with his mother and sister after 25 years of separation. This incredible journey of rediscovery became the subject of his memoir, "A Long Way Home," which captivated readers worldwide.

The story of Saroo Brierley isn't just his own; it's a testament to the enduring power of family bonds. His adoptive parents, Sue and John Brierley, provided him with a loving and supportive home, enabling him to flourish despite the trauma of his early childhood. Saroo as a child with Australian adoptive parents sue and john, they recalled, when stigmas about adoption were more widespread than they are today. Their unwavering love and encouragement played a crucial role in his personal growth and his eventual quest to find his biological family. Saroo’s relationship with his adoptive parents is one of profound gratitude and respect. He acknowledges the immense sacrifices they made to provide him with a life filled with opportunities.

Saroo's story took on a new dimension when it was adapted into the acclaimed film "Lion." Starring Dev Patel as Saroo, the film garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, bringing his incredible journey to a global audience. The film is based off of the book Saroo wrote (“a long way home”) about reconnecting with his birth mother. In the movie based on his life, Rooney Mara plays a character whose name was changed to Lucy. “Lion” not only highlighted Saroo's personal triumph but also shed light on the issue of child separation and the importance of adoption. The film's success further amplified Saroo's voice, allowing him to advocate for organizations that support vulnerable children and families.

Beyond his personal story, Saroo Brierley has become a vocal advocate for adoption and the rights of children. He uses his platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children who are separated from their families and to promote the importance of providing them with safe and loving homes. Saroo's work with various organizations has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless children, offering them hope and a chance at a brighter future.

While Saroo Brierley's reunion with his biological family is a central theme of his story, his romantic life has also garnered public attention. Saroo Brierley’s wife is Lisa Williams. Lisa Brierley, the wife of Saroo Brierley, is a remarkable woman whose life and contributions have captured public interest. They met in college and have been together ever since. Saroo Brierley is dating Lisa Williams. Lisa and Saroo met in 2011, and they were married in 2015. They met in 2007 and got married in 2016. It is based on multiple interviews with Saroo Brierley, his girlfriend Lisa Williams, mother Fatima Munshi, sister Shakila Khan, a representative of the Indian Society for Sponsorship and Adoption.

Lisa Williams has been a constant source of support and inspiration for Saroo. Their relationship is built on a foundation of love, understanding, and shared values. Lisa's unwavering belief in Saroo's mission to find his family provided him with the strength and encouragement he needed to persevere through the challenges he faced. Her presence in his life has been a stabilizing force, allowing him to navigate the complexities of fame and public attention while remaining grounded in his values.

In April 2019, Saroo announced that he was conducting a search for his biological father, who left his family when Saroo was a young child. He was three when his father left the family for his second wife. This decision reflects his deep desire to understand his past fully and to find closure regarding his early childhood experiences. While the search for his father presents new challenges, Saroo approaches it with the same determination and hope that characterized his quest to find his mother. His willingness to confront the complexities of his past is a testament to his courage and his commitment to personal growth.

Saroo Brierley's journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of never giving up hope. His story resonates with people from all walks of life, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and to overcome obstacles with courage and resilience. He gained international fame through his memoir “a long way home,” which was later adapted into the film “lion." He wrote a book and a movie based on his journey of finding his biological family after 25 years. He reunited with his biological family 25 years later using Google Earth and wrote a book and a film about his journey. Saroo Brierley is a famous author who swept the limelight by recounting his life’s ordeal in his autobiographical book titled a long way from home. He was born Sheru Munshi Khan in India but was accidentally separated from his Indian family at the age of five. Saroo Brierley was adopted by an Australian couple after being separated from his family in India as a child. The film is based off of the book Saroo wrote (“a long way home”) about reconnecting with his birth mother.

His story highlights the transformative power of love, the enduring strength of family bonds, and the unwavering human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. Saroo's legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding them that even in the darkest of times, hope can always prevail.