The father of one of Slumdog Millionaire's young Indian actors has apologized 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."
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