Three of the Slumdog kids – Rubina Ali, Ayush Khedeker and Azharuddin Ismail reunited in Hong Kong this weekend to perform a version of ‘Jai Ho’ on Hong Kong television. They were performing in aid of the Charity Chest foundation. Rubina wore a red dress and the two boys were in traditional kurtas. Foundation organiser Louie Tong said that of course the foundation was paying their expenses but other than this the children only received a token honorarium for their performance.
Rubina recently signed a book deal with Transworld Publications in London for her biography. The book, “Slumdog Dreaming: My Journey To The Stars” will describe her life growing up in the shantytowns of Mumbai. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be divided between Rubina and French charity Medecins du Monde. “Ali tells her own incredible story, from playing marbles with her friends beside the sewers of Garib Nagar in Mumbai, to dancing along to the Bollywood films she and her family watch on their old television set,” say the publishers.
Azharuddin fulfilled a wish recently when he got to meet Salman Khan, his hero. Azharuddin will soon be appearing in a special edition of Salman’s game show along with Darsheel Safary of TZP and Tanay Chheda, also from Slumdog Millionaire.
Ayush, who comes from a more privileged background, has just returned from Cannes where he was on a promotional jaunt for his upcoming movie – Shyam’s Secret – a Swiss-financed international movie that begins shooting in Goa next month. He was suitably clad at the event in a tuxedo and black tie.
