FameCrawler : slumdog millionaire

Slumdog Kids Finally Get A Home!

Josh loposer — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Since the incredible success of Slumdog Millionaire at the Academy Awards, most news about the production has been pretty un-inspirational.

On the one hand, you've got people piling on director Danny Boyle and the producers for not making these kids rich, and on the other, you've got Mumbai officials bulldozing the shanty towns where the child stars live. Well, get ready for some good news.

Danny and co. have made good on their promise to get these kids off the street. According to reports, Azharuddin Ismail (the kid who played young Salim) and his family are in the process of moving to their new home, purchased by the Slumdog trust fund. Here's how a director of the fund described the place:

"comfortable, in a good neighborhood (and) near his school" and cost "upwards of 2 million rupees" ($42,000).

As for Rubina Ali, the actress who played young Latika, Boyle says they are currently shopping for a home for her family as well. Awesome!

Both families were displaced when Mumbai housing officials bulldozed their shanty town with no prior notice.

Source | Photo

Child Star of Slumdog Millionaire is Homeless

Karl Erikson — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:03:00 GMT

10-year-old child star of "Slumdog Millionaire" - Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail - had his home bulldozed today in a Mumbai slum. Azharruddin was sleeping when a policeman woke him up and told him to get out. The boy lives with his family in a shanty town.

"A police officer took a bamboo stick to hit me, and I was frightened," Azhar said.

The authorities said that the family will be given a new home somewhere else.

Oddly, despite $326 million in earnings and 8 Oscars for "Slumdog Millionaire," the two child stars of the film are still living in poverty.

Slum demolitions are rather common in Indian cities, motivated by officials who wish to keep crowds in control.

Azhar's mother says, "They didn't give prior notice. We didn't even get a chance to take out our belongings." Even though she and the family have lived in the shanty town for longer than 15 years, she has no legal claim to the land. "I don't know what I am going to do," she said, glancing at a plastic bag next to her, stuffed with her family's things.

Families living in demolished shanties are often promised relocation into government housing, but more often than not those are empty promises.

The filmmakers of "Slumdog" claim they've done what they can to help the young stars. A trust was set up for the kids' housing, their education, and a little nestegg for when they finish high school.

None of that seems to be helping Azhar, though, who is now homeless.

Source | Photos | Photos

Mother Abandoned Slumdog Star Rubina Ali But Wants Her Back!

Sassy Smith — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:08:00 GMT

Slumdog Millionaire child star Rubina Ali has been raised by her father Rafiq Qureshi and stepmom, after her mother, Khursheed Ali abandoned her (so says Rafiq and his wife), but now, Khursheed wants her daughter back and will fight to win custody of her.

Last week, it was believed Rafiq tried to sell his 9-year-old daughter (he's since been cleared of those charges) and his wife and ex-wife had a physical fight in the streets over the situation.

Afterwards, Rubina's father said, "As far as Khushi is concerned, she left Rubina when she was two years old. Why should we give her custody now? The children are happy with us."

But Ali said she will do "whatever it takes" to win custody of her child. She added, "I left Rafiq five years ago... but I took the children with me. It was poverty that forced me to let them go back to him a year later. But we stayed in touch."

[Source]

Slumdog Millionaire Star Rubina Ali Sold By Her Dad For $250,000?

Rubina Ali's Childhood is Still Intact

trix — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 20:05:00 GMT

After a British magazine made the claim that Rubina Ali's dad tried to sell her, the world went crazy.

How dare he try to sell his daughter. He should be thankful for the opportunity that his daughter received and the fat that she has money set up to go to college.

Come to find out, there was no wrong doing and sure, he complained about the money, but he didn't try to sell her.

Rubina Ali's daddy has been cleared of all accusations.

Good thing, that would e a horrible thing to grow up with, knowing that your dad tried to sell you.

Source \ Photo

Slumdog Millionaire Update: Rubina's Dad Arrested, Her Mom & Stepmom Resort To Blows

Sassy Smith — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:05:00 GMT

Slumdog Millionaire's Rubina Ali, the little girl who starred in the film as a young Latika, is experiencing real-life drama. Her father, Rafiq Qureshi, allegedly tried to sell her in an illegal adoption deal for nearly $300,000. He's now been arrested and her mother and stepmom resorted to blows in the streets of Mumbai's Garib Nagar slums.

More photos after the jump

Rubina, 9, who was abandoned by her birth mother and raised by her father and stepmom, watched as the two women slapped each other and pulled hair, arguing about Rafiq's decision to sell his child for thousands of dollars.

The child's stepmom said of Rubina's mother, "Khushi has been after Rubina since the time she went to the Oscars. For seven years before that, she didn't care. Why would we sell Rubina? She is her father's favourite. I love Khushi's children more than she would have loved them."

After the fight, Rafiq Qureshi said, "As far as Khushi is concerned, she left Rubina when she was two years old. Why should we give her custody now? The children are happy with us."

Rafiq denies claims he tried to sell Rubina and says he's being framed. "These reports are not true. I went to the hotel to shoot an ad film. I would never sell my daughter," said Rafiq.

A source said, "Rafiq was told to bring Rubina to the hotel, where a rich man wanted to discuss a job with him. He happily agreed because Rubina can earn good money since her Slumdog success.

"She has had many movie offers. Rafiq didn't understand everything that was being said to him but he was happy to discuss money for a well-paying job for his daughter. He loves her like any father loves his daughter."

This is not the first Slumdog controversy since the film's huge success. Ten-year-old Azharuddin Mohammed Slumdog star was beaten by his dad, after returning home from the US.

Both families claim the filmmakers have forgotten them and they've not received any financial help. Producer Christian Colson said, "We have friends and colleagues in Bombay who are trying to speak with Mr Qureshi to get to the bottom of what happened. Her family is under a lot of pressure."

Colson, along with director Danny Boyle are expected to pay the young stars a visit in May. He said, "Danny and I are committed to Rubina and Azharuddin for the long term. We are trying to keep a roof over their heads, and keep them in school until they are 18. The problem is there are a lot of parties who are telling the parents different things.

"We agreed to buy apartments a couple of months ago but that process stalled because they decided they wanted the money up front instead. In the past few days we have got things back on track, and are now back looking at apartments."

Each child will receive money that's been set up in trust, once they turn 18. As well, properties will be placed in trust, with ownership released to the parents when the children turn 18 and have completed their education.

Colson added, "We can't buy the properties outright and give them to them, because in all honesty they will sell them."

[Source]

Sassy Smith — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:05:00 GMT

Slumdog Millionaire child-star Rubina Ali, who played a young Latika in the movie, was allegedly attempted to be sold for $295,000 by her father, Rafiq Qureshi.

From News of the World via Radaronline:

News of the World reports that Ali's father Rafiq Qureshi has been offering the girls guardianship for cash for quite sometime, claiming to have exposed him in an undercover investigation where the newspaper posed as wealthy sheiks looking to take the child to live in the United Arab Emirates.

"I have to consider what's best for me, my family and Rubina's future," Quershi allegedly told the undercover team, "...since all this film thing I haven't even worked. We have got nothing out of this film, they have given us nothing."

The paper claims they were tipped off by a tourguide in the family's home city of Mumbai, who says they've been shopping an adoption for some time.

Quershi's initial demand was reported in the neighborhood of $37,000 USD, but when it came to bargaining time, supposedly claimed "The child is special now. This is NOT an ordinary child. This is an Oscar child!"

Quershi is said to insists that he has Rubina's best interest at heart.

First 10-year-old Azharuddin Mohammed Slumdog star was beaten by his dad, and now this? What kind of world do we live in that some parents don't cherish, respect and love their children?

[Source]

Sassy Smith — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 19:03:00 GMT

Slumdog Millionaire actor, 10-year-old Azharuddin Mohammed reportedly received a beating from his own father just days after the child walked the red carpet at the Academy Awards.

According to sources, Azharuddin, was slapped and kicked by his father, Ismail, after he refused to be put on display like a trophy.

An onlooker said, "It was like a scene out of Slumdog Millionaire."

Ismail has since apologized, saying, "I was very sorry that I did what I did. I was so confused and stressed by my son's homecoming that I did not know myself for a minute. I love my boy and I am very happy to have him home."

Azharuddin had been given the day off school because he was tired from traveling from the US to Bandra, Mumbai. The boy refused to be put on display outside his home - and his father became angry, by kicking and slapping him "round the face." Azharuddin's mom begged Ismail to stop, but he continued the beating, which lasted for about 30 seconds.

The little boy stood up to his father, and said, "I do not want to speak today to any reporters," which only angered Ismail more. Azharuddin cried out and tried to avoid his father's flailing hands and feet, before running into the tent that the family calls home. His father followed him and Azharuddin cowered in the corner, crying, holding his face in pain.

A shocked onlooker said, "Azharruddin's father was upset that he was asking to be left alone because he was tired. He didn't attend school today so that he could recover from his long flight from LA and simply wanted all the attention to stop.

"However, when Azharuddin put his foot down and said that was it and there was to be no more talking, Ismail just flipped. It was like a scene out of Slumdog Millionaire."

Despicable! His father was stressed about his son's homecoming, so to address that, he smacks his kid around? Ugh.

Shouldn't his father be proud of his child and perhaps hug him on his arrival home, instead of slapping and kicking him?

[Source]

Heidi Klum and Seal at Oscars

Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger Wins 2009 Oscar Gold!

My Movie Won an Oscar, I'm Going to Disneyland

trix — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:11:00 GMT

This picture is really cute, I bet these kids had so much fun.

After the craziness of filming Slumdog Millionaire, their first plane ride and the Oscar, the crowds of the happiest place on earth don't sound so bad.

Pictured above are Ayush Mahesh Khedekar (Young Jamal), Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail Sheikh (Young Salim), Rubina Ali Rafiq Qureshi (Young Latika), Tanvi Ganesh Lonkar (Middle Latika), Ashutosh Lobo Gajiwala (Middle Salim), Tanay Hemant Chheda (Middle Jamal) and Madhur Mittal (older Salim) he is 20.

Soon they will have to go home, but I read somewhere that they are getting their very own luxury flats in somewhere in India, perhaps their hometown. Hopefully this is a great start, or start over, for them and they can help their parents and others get out of the "slums". I also read that a kid from India said that the slums were not portrayed as the cages they are. I don't want to sound naive, but I don't think my heart can take picturing it any worse.

Source

Oscar Winners 2009 - The List (and Hugh Jackman's Musical Tribute)

Whit Honea — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:18:00 GMT

Last night was the 81st Academy Awards show (hosted by Hugh Jackman who did quite the number - video below) in which lots of famous people said nice things about other famous people and some people that aren't famous did a really nice dance number. Oscars were handed out freely.

As is our station we are providing a list of the winners below. Some of them are parents and all of them are celebrities (or probably know one).

Congratulations, Hollywood!

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire

Actor in a Leading Role: Sean Penn, Milk

Actress in a Leading Role: Kate Winslet, The Reader

Actor in a Supporting Role: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight

Actress in a Supporting Role: Penélope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Director: Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire

Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black, Milk

Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire

Animated Feature Film: WALL-E

Foreign Language Film: Departures (Japan)

Original Score: A.R. Rahman, Slumdog Millionaire

Original Song: "Jai Ho," A.R. Rahman and Gulzar; Slumdog Millionaire

Art Direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire

Costume Design: The Duchess

Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Film Editing: Slumdog Millionaire

Documentary Feature: Man on Wire

Documentary Short Subject: Smile Pinki

Animated Short Film: La Maison en Petits Cubes

Live Action Short Film: Spielzeugland (Toyland)

Sound Editing: The Dark Knight

Sound Mixing: Slumdog Millionaire

Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Jerry Lewis

Here is Hugh Jackman's opening tribute to the best picture nominees (featuring the Craigstlist Dancers which are so much better than the eBay dancers).

Source

Mick Jagger and the Von Pitt Family Singers

Whit Honea — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:03:00 GMT

While America was glued to the Grammys (I'm sure somebody watched it) there was another award show going on over in Britain. The BAFTAs (British Academy Film Awards) packed a theater, too.

Mick Jagger announced the winner for best film (Slumdog Millionaire, which is what I was actually watching instead of the Grammys) and took the opportunity to practice a bit of his new stand-up routine.

From People magazine:

"Sir Anthony Hopkins is in the recording studio with Amy Winehouse," joked Jagger, "and we are hoping that next week Sir Brad and all the Pitt family will be performing The Sound of Music at the Brit awards."

Sitting in the audience with fellow nominee (for Changeling) Angelina Jolie, Pitt cracked up and applauded along with the rest of the crowd inside London's Royal Opera House.

I can see it. Angeline Jolie as Maria and Pitt as Captain von Trapp. Jennifer Aniston can play the annoying suitress and Zac Efron can have a cameo as that Hitler youth kid on the bicycle.

Mick Jagger is a freaking genius.

Start practicing your do-re-mi-fa-so-la-tis, von Pitt children.

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Golden Globe 2009 - List of Winners

Whit Honea — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:58:00 GMT

Hollywood gave itself a big pat on the back (and front) last night and many of the celebrities among the masses were our own favorites from FameCrawler. Seeing as how we wouldn't have a job without them we figured it was only right to join in the congratulatory spirit and honor the winners of the 2009 Golden Globes.

By honor we mean run a list. Here are your Golden Globe winners:

Cecil B. DeMille Award: Steven Spielberg

Best Motion Picture - Drama: Slumdog Millionaire

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama: Kate Winslet for Revolutionary Road

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama: Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler

Best Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: Sally Hawkins for Happy-Go-Lucky

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy: Colin Farrell for In Bruges

Best Performance by an Actress In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: Kate Winslet for The Reader

Best Performance by an Actor In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight

Best Animated Feature Film: WALL-E

Best Foreign Language Film: Waltz With Bashir (Israel)

Best Director - Motion Picture: Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture: Slumdog Millionaire by Simon Beaufoy

Best Original Score - Motion Picture: Slumdog Millionaire by A. R. Rahman

Best Original Song - Motion Picture: "The Wrestler" – The Wrestler by Bruce Springsteen

Best Television Series - Drama; Mad Men (AMC)

Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Drama: Anna Paquin for True Blood (HBO)

Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Drama: Gabriel Byrne for In Treatment (HBO)

Best Television Series - Musical Or Comedy: 30 Rock (NBC)

Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Musical Or Comedy: Tina Fey for 30 Rock (NBC)

Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Musical Or Comedy: Alec Baldwin for 30 Rock (NBC)

Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made for Television: John Adams (HBO)

Best Performance by an Actress In A Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Laura Linney for John Adams (HBO)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Paul Giamatti for John Adams (HBO)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Laura Dern for Recount (HBO)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Tom Wilkinson for John Adams (HBO)

Entire list with nominees available at GoldenGlobes.org.

M.I.A. To Give Birth On Grammy Awards Day!?

Sassy Smith — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 21:05:00 GMT

Performer M.I.A. who is pregnant with her first child with fiancé Benjamin Brewer, could be a winner either way on February 8, 2009. She's due that day and it's also Grammy Awards day, which she's nominated for Record of the Year for "Paper Planes." Wouldn't it be awesome if her baby came that day and she won the award?

M.I.A. wrote on her MySpace:

"[They're] due the same day! So either way I figured I'll win!"

The singer, who believes she's having a boy said, she and Benjamin don't have names picked out yet.

"I need to see the baby and see who it is, what of personality it'll have. I need to give a name that is the character of the child. We're quite relaxed about the whole thing."

[Source]

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M.I.A. Talks Mommyhood & Music

Sassy Smith — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:08:00 GMT

Singer/rapper M.I.A. is pregnant with her first child - she and her fiancé Benjamin Brewer will welcome their baby in February. The 31-year-old jokes if she gets much bigger, she's going to have to wear caftans but says she won't let impending birth slow her down.

M.I.A. (real name Mathangi Arulpragasam) is busy despite getting close to her due date. She's got three songs on the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack and has launched a record label - N.E.E.T - to bring politically charged music to the forefront.

She recently spoke with USA Today via phone:

Q: Have you picked out baby names?
A: Not really. I need to see the baby and see who it is, what kind of personality it'll have. I need to give a name that is the character of the child. We're quite relaxed about the whole thing.

Q: And naturally, the kid will be a musician, right?
A: I think my baby is going to start off making club music. That's all I've been listening to. Of course, you never know. When you want someone to do something, it ends up doing the opposite. It might end up being an accountant. We actually don't want our kid to do music, so we're going to buy it loads of instruments … so that it will completely rebel and go the other way.

Q: How will motherhood change your music?
A: In one way I feel like you do feel more connected with the whole planet. You feel really across the board. When I sing, I have to be aware that someone can hear me inside. It's really strange. I definitely feel less angry.

Q: Has the film bug hit you, now that Slumdog Millionaire is getting Oscar attention?
A: I'd love to make a movie. I told Danny (Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire's director) that. I went to film school. I went to art school, but I studied film. That's always been one of my things. Still … music is so much easier because it's like an individual expression.

I think her baby bump is adorable!

[Source]

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FameCrawler : slumdog millionaire

Slumdog Kids Finally Get A Home!

Child Star of Slumdog Millionaire is Homeless

Mother Abandoned Slumdog Star Rubina Ali But Wants Her Back!

Rubina Ali's Childhood is Still Intact

Slumdog Millionaire Update: Rubina's Dad Arrested, Her Mom & Stepmom Resort To Blows

Slumdog Millionaire Star Rubina Ali Sold By Her Dad For $250,000?

"Slumdog Millionaire" Child Actor Beaten By Father

My Movie Won an Oscar, I'm Going to Disneyland

Oscar Winners 2009 - The List (and Hugh Jackman's Musical Tribute)

Mick Jagger and the Von Pitt Family Singers

Golden Globe 2009 - List of Winners

M.I.A. To Give Birth On Grammy Awards Day!?

M.I.A. Talks Mommyhood & Music