MUMBAI, India — The government will give the two impoverished child stars of the hit movie “Slumdog Millionaire” new homes, the state’s top official said Friday.
Rubina Ali, 9, and Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, 10, both lost their homes this month when authorities demolished parts of their slum in Mumbai.
Ashok Chavan, the chief minister of the state of Maharashtra, said he approved the transfer of two government apartments to the children on Friday.
“‘Slumdog Millionaire’ has won Oscar recognition,” Chavan said. “We thought this would be a proper thing to honor these children acting in the film. It would be a good gesture on the part of the government.”
Rubina has been staying with relatives. Azhar has been living in a makeshift shanty of tarps and blankets with his parents since their eviction.
Amarjeet Singh Manhas, chairman of the Mumbai Housing and Area Development Board, said the local chapter of the ruling Congress party has paid $17,600 to buy each child a 180-square foot government apartment in Malvani, on the northern outskirts of Mumbai.
“The flats will be given to them within a day or two,” he said.
People cannot get government housing if they currently own an apartment, Manhas said. But there is nothing to stop them from getting another apartment after they move in, he added.
“Slumdog” filmmakers have pledged to spend up to $106,000 to secure new housing for the children through a trust they set up to help them.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
