Slumdog Child Stars Get Flats

British Film-Makers Fly To Mumbai to help the Homeless Kids

MAY 28, 2009 - It is really heartening to learn that British director Danny Boyle and producer Christian Colson will be buying a flat each for the two child stars of Slumdog Millionaire.

Reuters reported yesterday that the film-makers flew into Mumbai after pictures of Azharuddin Ismail (pictured) and Rubina Ali picking through the debris of their torn down shanty homes were splashed in the media.

Reuters quoted Boyle as saying that a flat had been bought for Azharuddin, 9, who played the character of Salim as a child. Boyle said they would soon buy one for Rubina as well, who plays the young Latika.

A “Jai Ho” trust, named after the film’s award-winning soundtrack, had also been set up to pay for the education and basic living costs of Azharuddin and Rubina until they turn 18.

If you are wondering, the flat costs 2 million rupees (about RM147,000). It is yet another happy ending to the real-life problem of a young star.