Aftermath of the Oscars

‘Slumdog Millionaire’ won eight Oscars out of the ten nominations at the Academy awards presented on 22nd February. But seldom, the ceremony had an aftermath effect which is now prevalent all over India. Things kicked off when Fox Pictures volunteered to sponsor the kids who were part of the cast, for their trip to Los Angeles to grace the Academy award function. The elated children’s joy knew no bounds as they flew from Mumbai straight to Hollywood. A special treat awaited them on the other side when they were also escorted to the Disney land for a pleasure trip followed by their elegant attendance during the Oscars. Child actors Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, 10, and Rubina Ali, 9, who are slum dwellers will be sponsored for their education till they turn 18 by the production house. Similar to the rags-to-riches story, these kids are now going to live on the brighter side of life with proper education and maybe in a posh apartment as the government of Maharashtra has announced two flat allotments for their family. A tax exemption has also been proclaimed for the Oscar winners for the cash awards received. ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ has revoked the life of slums in Mumbai as foreign tourists are keen to take a tour into the locales, especially Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi. Tour operators worked round-the-clock and designed special packages to guide tourists around the area. News reports says that even Mumbai residents are showing interest to walk through the slums which they used to pass through without a second glance in the past. Latest updates reveal that Fox Pictures are raising funds to facilitate Dharavi and develop it into a residential area for the people to live in a healthy atmosphere. Till now, it is being said about 6 crores have been collected and it is expected to increase with the time to come. ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ is not just the story of an ordinary guy who becomes a millionaire but also the messiah for the slums and its residents in Mumbai who are looking forward for a change in future. All said done, now will our production companies volunteer to undertake such efforts for people’s well being? Or at least a step forward to help the cast for a better living? When they are all busy thriving to rake in moolah with the star value, we really wonder if this is possible for reality.