Boyle Now Directing “Slumdog” Stars' Lives

Oscar winner in Mumbai to see what he can do to help

Horror stories about the fate of his child stars his driven "Slumdog Millionaire" director Danny Boyle to fly to India to see firsthand what he can do for them.

"We've been trying for a long time to move them into legal accommodation," Boyle told reporters at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences on the outskirts of Mumbai, where he and producer Christian Colson met the children and their families.

Rubina Ali, 9, and Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, 10, both lost their homes this month as city authorities cleared out parts of the slum where they live. During a meeting with Boyle about the kids' welfare, Ali's father, Rafiq Qureshi. stormed out in a huff.

"It has been five to six months," said Qureshi. "Everything is available in Mumbai if you have the money. If you really want to get us a house you can get us a house in two days ... After the Oscars they forgot about us."

By "forgot" Qureshi means they offered $50,000 for housing, a $130-a-month stipend and another $3,000 for each child as long as they're in school. Oh, and they donated $747,500 to a charity to help slum children in Mumbai.

Back in February, Qureshi had very different feelings about Boyle and his colleagues.

"Whatever a parent could have done, they have done much more than that," Qureshi said during the run-up to the Oscars, where the film won nine awards.

In April Qureshi was investigated by police after undercover reporters from News of the World offered to buy his daughter.

"I have to consider what's best for me, my family and Rubina's future," Qureshi reportedly said at the time.

Contact Us