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Slumdog Star's 'Illegal' Home Demolished

Family had lived there 15 years

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted May 14, 2009 12:23 PM CDT

(Newser) – Mumbai officials tore down the home of Slumdog Millionaire child star Azharuddin Ismail, calling the slum dwelling illegal construction. Ismail’s mother says the family lived there 15 years before police arrived unannounced. “We didn’t even get a chance to remove our belongings,” she tells the Telegraph. The government had promised them a new home after Ismail returned from the Oscars a hero.

The family was left in the hot sun, clinging to plastic bags with their meager belongings. Ismail hugged a Slumdog movie poster signed by director Danny Boyle, who had handpicked him for the film. “I wish Danny-uncle would come,” he said, describing his fear when cops threatened him with bamboo sticks. “I wish I could go back to America.”

Slumdog Millionaire child star Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail holds his pet hen as he stands in front of a poster from the film in Mumbai.
"Slumdog Millionaire" child star Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail holds his pet hen as he stands in front of a poster from the film in Mumbai.   (AP Photo)
Slumdog Millionaire child star Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail's neighbor, Zubeida Aamin Saab Quereshi, 98, sleeps in what remains of their demolished shanty homes.
"Slumdog Millionaire" child star Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail's neighbor, Zubeida Aamin Saab Quereshi, 98, sleeps in what remains of their demolished shanty homes.   (AP Photo)
A woman feeds her child as she sits among the debris of her shanty, part of the neighborhood of Slumdog Millionaire child star Azharuddin Ismail.
A woman feeds her child as she sits among the debris of her shanty, part of the neighborhood of "Slumdog Millionaire" child star Azharuddin Ismail.   (AP Photo)
Slumdog Millionaire child star Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, center, stands amid the remains of his demolished home in Mumbai.
"Slumdog Millionaire" child star Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, center, stands amid the remains of his demolished home in Mumbai.   (AP Photo)
A doll lies among the debris of a shanty, part of the neighborhood of Slumdog Millionaire child star Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail.
A doll lies among the debris of a shanty, part of the neighborhood of "Slumdog Millionaire" child star Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
kokuaguy
May 15, 2009 8:16 AM CDT
This story blows my mind. I may finally decide to see the film.

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