'Slumdog' child star gets new home in Mumbai

[June 10, 2009]  MUMBAI, India (AP) -- The makers of the hit movie "Slumdog Millionaire" have bought a new home for one of the two child stars discovered in Mumbai's slums.

The purchase of a 250-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment for the family of Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, 10, was completed Monday, said Nirja Mattoo, who helps oversee a trust set up by the filmmakers to help Azharuddin and his 9-year-old co-star Rubina Ali.

"They can move in," Mattoo told The Associated Press Wednesday, adding that the trust plans to deliver the keys Thursday.

Both children lost their homes last month when authorities demolished parts of their slum.

Mattoo said the trust is actively looking for a new home for Rubina.

Ownership of the first apartment, which cost about 2.5 million rupees ($50,000) will be transferred from the trust to Azharuddin when he turns 18, provided he completes school, Mattoo said.

"He has to complete an education. We are very clear about that," she said. She declined to say what would happen to the property if he does not finish school.

The apartment is located in Santa Cruz West, a suburb of Mumbai just north of the slum where the two children now live.

The government has promised to give both of them new apartments, but the families have resisted, saying the government flats are too far away from their neighbors and school.

[Associated Press; By ERIKA KINETZ]

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