'Slumdog' Kids Reprimanded for Truancy
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WENN.com
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Thursday, October 29, 2009
The young stars of movie sensation Slumdog Millionaire are in danger of losing their allowance from a trust set up in their names, because they've been skipping school.
Producers created a fund for Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, 11, and Rubina Ali, 10, after their starring roles helped the film set box office records worldwide and scoop eight Academy Awards.
But they've repeatedly been truant since returning to their native Mumbai, India, and failed to attend half of their classes, reports The Associated Press.
Trustees have told their parents that they must attend school at least 70 percent of the time or lose the monthly stipends they currently receive. They've also been warned that the kids will miss out on a promised lump sum of money if they fail to graduate.
Their absence has been blamed on family deaths -- but the movie's director Danny Boyle and producer Christian Colson have released a joint statement, encouraging their parents to ensure that Ismail and Ali meet the expectations set for them.
It reads, "We are disappointed that Azhar and Rubina's school attendance remains patchy. We have urged both families to honor their commitment to ensure regular school attendance."
Besides the allowances they receive, both children have been provided with new homes by the trust, after it was revealed that Ali's shanty home had been destroyed.
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