Uproar Over 'Slumdog' Kid's Slap
PopEater


(Feb. 27) - Days after his whirlwind Oscars-and-Disney tour of Los Angeles, ten-year-old 'Slumdog Millionaire' actor Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail was physically disciplined in the presence of onlookers in the Dharavi slum in Bandra, Mumbai today. The Sun reports that the child actor was slapped and kicked by his father for refusing to speak to the press a day after his lengthy return flight from the United States.

"Azharruddin's father was upset that he was asking to be left alone because he was tired," said an onlooker, according to The Sun. "He didn't attend school today so that he could recover from his long flight from LA and simply wanted all the attention to stop... Ismail just flipped. It was like a scene out of 'Slumdog Millionaire.'"



The young actors of 'Slumdog' have received a chaotic welcome since their return to Mumbai Thursday. When the children arrived at Mumbai airport, it took dozens of armed police officers to get them past fans and into cars.

In one of his many press interviews this week, Azharruddin described his Academy Awards experience, saying, "An Oscar award is such an award that big stars dream of getting these awards. Eight awards! Even one award makes one feel so high, we have got eight awards. So, our movie has become such a super hit. I am saying so much — if I say more, I will start crying with tears of happiness."

http://www.popeater.com/movies/article/uproar-over-slumdog-kids-slap/361685

Father Apologises For Beating Slumdog Star
1 March 2009 6:00 AM, PST


The father of one of Slumdog Millionaire's young Indian actors has apologised for beating his son in front of reporters a day after the youngster returned from the Oscars.

Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, 10, was flown out to Los Angeles by movie bosses to walk the red carpet at last Sunday's Academy Awards.

And after seeing the movie pick up a staggering eight trophies, the youngster returned to his native Mumbai, India on Thursday to a hero's welcome.

But just a day after his triumphant return, pictures have surfaced showing Azharuddin receiving a brutal beating at the hands of his father, Ismail.

The shocking images show the child cowered in the corner of his home, holding his face after allegedly being slapped and kicked by his dad.

The incident came on Friday afternoon after Azharuddin reportedly refused to speak to the press gathered outside the family home.

And now Azharuddin's father Ismail has apologised for his actions, saying, "I was very sorry that I did what I did. I was so confused and stressed by my son's homecoming that I did not know myself for a minute. I love my boy and I am very happy to have him home."

-IMDB News

I wonder if he would have apologised if it hadn't been for all the reporters?

Ugh. :(