'Slumdog' kids get a British holiday

London, June 2 (IANS) "Slumdog Millionaire" child actors Rubina Ali and Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, whose Mumbai shanties were torn down in a controversial slum clearance last month, are to get a holiday in Britain.

The children, who starred in the multi-Oscar award winning movie, have accepted an invitation by Indian-origin MP Keith Vaz to visit Britain, the lawmaker said Monday.

Vaz said he was "delighted to hear from the families" of the two children, who last month were reported to have been offered new homes by the Indian government just days after the director of "Slumdog Millionaire" bought apartments for them.

The demolition of their homes by local authorities in Mumbai made headlines around the world.

Vaz said he issued the invitation in April because he felt it was important that the children had the opportunity to visit Britain to meet with their fans.

They will attend a tea party to be held in their honour in the House of Commons - Britain's lower house of parliament - where they will meet with their fans and other distinguished guests, Vaz said.

"Rubina and Azhar performed brilliantly in the film and their lives have been followed with great interest by the public in the UK," Vaz said.

"I hope this party in the House of Commons will go some way to thanking them for the joy they brought to millions of viewers," he added. Click the Movie button below for more info:
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