In the 1930s Versova was a deserted creek. She opened a puri bhaji and chai stall but soon had to close shop and move to a chawl next to Mohan Studios in Andheri. Maniben always use to visit the studios to see movie shootings. One day Ruby Myers (Sulochana) and E.Billmoria were shooting for Chamakti Bijli. There were hundreds of extras and director Homi Master told his assistant to make Maniben stand with the crowd. She was delighted. She was paid rupees 5. After that she kept returning to the studios for work.
