Ismail was bedridden with tuberculosis when the producers of Lord Owen’s Lady first approached the family. His illness had taken an emotional toll on the family.
Mohammed Ismail, 46, dreamt big for his son Azharuddin, the youngest Salim of Slumdog Millionaire. And Ismail ensured that his poor health didn’t rob Azhar, 10, of the opportunity to star in his second Hollywood film, alongside legendary actor Anthony Hopkins.
Ismail was bedridden with tuberculosis when the producers of Lord Owen’s Lady first approached the family. His illness had taken an emotional toll on the family, Azhar’s mother Shamimbi said, adding that they were also worried about the boy missing school.
But Ismail pushed Shamimbi and Azhar to accept the film. “Azhar’s papa kept telling me, ‘Don’t bother about my illness. He should be part of the film, no matter what happens to me’. Par mera dil nahin maan raha tha,” Shamimbi says.
After Ismail succumbed to the illness last Friday, the family accepted the film to fulfil his last wish. “I am very excited. Mujhe mubarakbaad do (congratulate me)... Papa wanted me to be a big man. I miss him,” Azhar told DNA.
Shamimbi says the money and dates are yet to be finalised. “We have been told that Azhar will not have to travel as the kids’ portions will be shot in India. So that’s a relief. I think it’s Azhar’s father’s blessings that have come in the form of this offer.”
Rubina, who played the youngest Latika in Slumdog Millionaire, has also landed a role in Lord Owen’s Lady, a tale of a Welsh nobleman who falls in love with an Indian girl and comes looking for her. It is expected to be shot in Wales and India in November.
Azhar’s family lived in a Bandra slum till his house was demolished earlier this year. In June, the family moved to a flat in Vile Parle, provided by the Jai Ho Trust set up by Boyle’s production company.
Actor Anil Kapoor, who was also part of Slumdog Millionaire, says the offer couldn’t have come at a better time for Azhar. “This offer is well deserved. Both the kids (Azhar and Rubina) are natural performers.”
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