Grand slum

Since daybreak,half-clad children at the congested slum in Behrampada had been glued to the TV. They erupted in a thunderous applause each time Slumdog Millionaire bagged a statuette.

In the Bandra slum near the railway tracks,neighbours had swarmed to Rubina Ali’s tiny house since 4 am,all crowding before a brand new plasma TV.

“Each time Slumdog Millionaire was heard,we’d all be alert and wait for a known face to come on stage,which would be followed by a loud cheer when an award was bagged,” says Rafiq Qureshi,Rubina’s father.

Friends and relatives of Rubina,who plays little Latika in the movie,had not slept because they wanted to catch a glimpse of the nine-year-old on TV at LA. “Finally,I saw my Rubina on screen; she was looking very pretty in the silver dress,” her mother,Munni Qureshi says amidst squeals from Rubina’s friends.

“I’m proud to be an Indian and proud of my daughter,” says her father,a carpenter.

But now,the slum may lose Rubina. Qureshi plans to hunt for a home in plush Bandra (West) once Rubina returns. “The production house had promised a home,but we will know about that later. By the grace of God we will find a decent home,” he says.

Across the street,10-year-old Azharuddin Mohammad Ismail’s father sat with a faint smile on his face,in his hut. “I’m happy the film won so many awards and I am proud of Azhar because of whom I’m seeing this wonderful day,” says the lean Ismail,now out of job. He used to sell scrap until recently.

Ismail,who did not watch the awards ceremony,says,“Now I’ll be known as the hero’s father in the area. It’s a wonderful feeling; I’ve no words to express it.” Ismail,suffering from tuberculosis,wants Azhar to get proper education.

But now,the shanty town where Azhar and Rubina live is concentrating only on celebrating the moment of glory.

Its residents are planning to hire a “Nashik band” to celebrate the homecoming of Azhar and Rubina on Thursday. “We will all go to the airport to welcome them with sweets and music and of course sing Jai Ho for them,” says Munni.

Tax free
Starting Tuesday,Slumdog Millionaire will be tax free in Maharashtra,chief minister Ashok Chavan said.