Sunday, March 1, 2009

I want more than £20,000 says Slumdog star's father

The father of a Slumdog Millionaire child star has demanded more cash for his son, amid claims he will get less than £20,000 for the Oscar-winning hit which has grossed £123million.

Azharuddin Ismail, ten, was plucked from Mumbai's slums to play Salim, the brother of the film's main character.

Slumdog Millionaire child actor Azharuddin Ismail

Slum boy: Azharuddin Ismail back at his school yesterday

He was reportedly paid £700 during filming, while another £17,500 has been put into a trust fund which he will get, plus interest, when he is 18. The boy also receives a £20-a-month allowance and his family will get a new house worth £20,000.

But Azharuddin's father Mohammed, who lives in a shack, has tuberculosis and earns less than £40 a month gathering wood, said it was 'not enough' and that film director Danny Boyle should hand all the money over immediately.

Azharuddin Ismail

Azharuddin Ismail clutches his ear after being hit by his father last week

Neighbours restrain Mohammed Ismail, below, as his son Azharuddin cries

Neighbours restrain Mohammed Ismail, below, as his son cries

Mr Ismail, 45, was seen beating Azharuddin last week when the jet-lagged boy said he wanted a rest.

He said: 'My son has taken on the world and won. I am so proud of him but I want more money.

'They promised me a new house but it hasn't happened. I'm still in the slum.

'I want the money now, it is of no use later. Mr Boyle should take care of my son.'

Azharuddin Ismail is lifted up by his father Mohammed as he arrives at Mumbai airport after the Oscars

Glory: Azharuddin is lifted up by his father Mohammed as he arrives at Mumbai airport after the Oscars

Azharuddin Ismail as Salim in Slumdog Millionaire

Screen role: Azharuddin as Salim in Slumdog Millionaire

Azharuddin returned to school yesterday for its annual prize day.

The father of co-star Rubina Qureshi, who played Latika, revealed details of how much she and Azharuddin would net from the film. But Slumdog producer Christian Colson insisted: 'We haven't told anybody how much money is put aside for them.'

He said the film-makers wanted to stop gangsters preying on the families and were monitoring their progress.


Source: Daily Mail Uk.

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