Slumdog kids arrive home to a rousing welcome

Mumbai, Feb 26 (PTI) The child actors of Oscar-winning
film "Slumdog Millionaire" arrived here from their dream US
trip to a rousing welcome from family and friends Thursday.

The actors, including Azharuddin Mohammed and Rubina
Ali, who play the childhood roles of the lead characters of
the film, reached Chhatrapati International Airport here by a
British Airways flight from Los Angeles via London at 11.45
am IST.

The kids, who received a red carpet reception at Los
Angeles, came out amid heavy security and were whisked away by
the representatives of FoxStar (which had arranged their
travel to the US) in four cars.

A large media contingent was waiting at the arriving
lounge.

Seven-year-old Azharuddin, resident of Behrampada, a
slum along the suburban Bandra railway track, was the first to
reach home, where his neighbours erupted in joy on seeing him.

They burst fire crackers and lifted him and danced to
the tune of 'Jai ho', the popular song from the Danny
Boyle-directed film that won eight Oscars.

Azhar's mother, Shamim, who also went to Los Angeles
with her son, said both were overjoyed by their experience in
the US.

"We saw many places and visited several places in Los
Angeles and did shopping," Shamim said.

"Azhar studies in first standard and he is interested
in studying further and is also open to film offers."

Shamim said Azhar got Rs 1.20 lakh for working in the
film and the money will be given to him when he turns 22.

She said Azhar's elder sister also stays in
Behrampada, while her another daughter and older son live in
their home town Jalna in Central Maharashtra. PTI MR
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