14 DAY TRIAL // Without a single doubt, “Slumdog Millionaire,” under the direction of Danny Boyle, was the best movie of 2008, and the recent Academy Awards ceremony more than proved it. However, what with the movie grossing many millions in theaters worldwide, the children starring in it continued to live in the utmost poverty in Mumbai once shooting was completed, which is why film bosses are now offering to buy new houses for them.
Just recently, a couple of photos showing Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail and Rubina Ali, two of the children making an appearance in the critically-acclaimed film, living in the slums among mountains of garbage, have managed to scandalize the entire international media. Following this, director Danny Boyle and producer Christian Colson have decided to offer the two, together with their families, new apartments estimated at somewhere around $30,000 each. They will get to move in the coming months, it has also been said.
“These are bricks and mortar flats. They will have electricity, running water and good sanitation. They will still be close to their friends and extended family. Their community is very important to them, and they don’t want to move too far away from them. They have looked at a number of places but like anyone choosing a home, it is taking some time for them to agree on a final one.” Boyle reveals for the Daily Mail. At the same time, the movie studio has agreed to pay for a car and a driver to take the children to school over a period of 8 years, just to make sure they don’t skip a single class.
Going to show that a good example always sets a precedent for others, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority, a Mumbai housing association, is also offering the children new places to live in. “These children have made the country proud and have an equal hand in the film winning the Oscar. These children are special and have won laurels for the country and we want to felicitate them.” Amarjeet Singh Manhas, a spokesperson for the organization, adds for the aforementioned publication.
In all fairness, the move of film bosses taking care of the children who star in “Slumdog Millionaire” also comes in a context in which both director and producer have often been accused of exploiting them to make a profit. Nevertheless, that does not mean that there is no kindness to their gesture, it has also been pointed out.