Star of "Slumdog Millionaire" home demolished

Mumbai city workers have demolished the home of one of the stars of "Slumdog Millionaire". The city claims Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail's family had their home on the land illegally. Despite being a "red carpet" star, Azaruddin still lives in the slums of Mumbai.

From Contact Music, we read more details on the demolition.

The Mumbai slum was the home of Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, who played the youngest Salim in the blockbuster film, appearing on the red carpet in LA in February.

Officials say the boy's family were living on the land illegally, creating a makeshift shelter in a slum near Mumbai. The authorities have said they will provide alternative accommodation for the family, who say they had no warning there home would be demolished.

Slumdog Millionaire has made more than £140 million in box office takings worldwide, yet the two youngest members of the cast are still living in poverty in slums. However, the film's director and producers have said the children's education has been paid for, as well as a trust fund set up that they will receive when they are older.

Speaking to the BBC, Azharuddin's mother, Shamim Ismail said: "Our house has been broken down by officials. We have not been given any alternate accommodation. Earlier the authorities had said they would give us a house. But I don't think that will happen any more."