A slum awaits Oscar stardom
Among the gaggle of 20 children who played bit parts in the film, the celebrities are the two lead child actors, Mohammed Azharuddin and Rubina.
By Bella Jaisinghani, TNN |
MUMBAI: A gust of excitement blows through the plastic sheets covering the homes of those who are arguably Mumbai���s most talked about film stars of the day. The daily wage labourers of Garib Nagar, a grimy railway slum in Bandra, whose children form part of the cast of the Oscar hopeful ���Slumdog Millionaire��� , are waiting to see what Sunday night will bring when the Academy Awards are announced in faraway Los Angeles.
Among the gaggle of 20 children who played bit parts in the feisty award-winning film, the celebrities are the two lead child actors, Mohammed Azharuddin and Rubina. Both children have already boarded the plane for the US, their departure recorded by popping flashbulbs and television cameras.
Young Azhar���s father Mohammed Ismail may not have accompanied him but he is ready with a grand acceptance speech. ������ Let my son do for Hindustan what the others have failed to do,������ says the father of five with a flourish. ������ So many stars, Aamir, Shah Rukh, Salman, keep trying to make it to the Oscars but come back disappointed. I tell you, it is my son, this keechad ka kamal (lotus in a swamp) who will bring fame to our country. Then I will distribute sweets.������
Shah Rukh and Salman stand silently nearby, their brows knit in concentration. The two played the role of maimed trainee beggars ��� Salman was lame, Shah Rukh one-eyed or onearmed. A third boy, ���Bhoora��� , who now uses his screen name for all things official , had his hand broken by the begging mafia to make his earnings more lucrative. The mood of these children and their families is a far cry from Ismail���s exuberance.
Among the gaggle of 20 children who played bit parts in the feisty award-winning film, the celebrities are the two lead child actors, Mohammed Azharuddin and Rubina. Both children have already boarded the plane for the US, their departure recorded by popping flashbulbs and television cameras.
Young Azhar���s father Mohammed Ismail may not have accompanied him but he is ready with a grand acceptance speech. ������ Let my son do for Hindustan what the others have failed to do,������ says the father of five with a flourish. ������ So many stars, Aamir, Shah Rukh, Salman, keep trying to make it to the Oscars but come back disappointed. I tell you, it is my son, this keechad ka kamal (lotus in a swamp) who will bring fame to our country. Then I will distribute sweets.������
Shah Rukh and Salman stand silently nearby, their brows knit in concentration. The two played the role of maimed trainee beggars ��� Salman was lame, Shah Rukh one-eyed or onearmed. A third boy, ���Bhoora��� , who now uses his screen name for all things official , had his hand broken by the begging mafia to make his earnings more lucrative. The mood of these children and their families is a far cry from Ismail���s exuberance.
Start a SIP with as low as ₹500 with ET Money App!
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
