Crush of Fans Welcome 'Slumdogs' Home
PopEater / Wire Services
(Feb. 26) - The child stars of the Oscar-winning 'Slumdog Millionaire' returned to India on Thursday to a chaotic but rousing heroes' welcome. Hundreds of well-wishers waited for them at the Mumbai airport, where dozens of police, some heavily armed, were needed to escort the children through the cheering crowds.
Skip over this content'Slumdog' Actor Slapped by Dad
The Sun reports that 'Slumdog Millionaire' actor Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail was slapped by his dad in the presence of onlookers in the Dharavi slum in Bandra, Mumbai
Barcroft Media
The children came out with arms around each others shoulders. The only girl, Rubina Ali, 9, clutched a small fluffy brown toy bunny. They waved and blew kisses to the crowd, showing off their newly acquired red carpet skills.
The film, a rags-to-riches tale set in Mumbai's slums, was the darling of the Academy Awards, winning eight Oscars, including the award for best picture. With the film's success, the children have become instant celebrities in movie-crazy India, particularly Ali and Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, 10, who were plucked from slums to play parts in the film.
Ali and Ismail were brought back to their current homes in the slums near Mumbai. Ismail had to step over a passed-out man during the spectacle. But the youngsters won't have to live in the slums for long. It was announced following the Oscars that Indian authorities will be giving them and their families new homes.
Back at the airport, Ayush Mahesh Khedekar, 8, who plays the youngest version of Jamal, the main character in the film, was hoisted onto someone's shoulders before the children where whisked away in waiting cars without talking to waiting reporters.
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2009-02-26 11:11:52
