From the slums of Mumbai to Oscars in Hollywood
An Overwhelming success and response to “Slumdog Millionaire” has made many run to the theatre to check the buzz about this ‘rags to riches’ story of a teenager from Mumbai. The critics have and will find the negatives about the movie, but at its core, the movie is about hope, resilience and human triumph. What truly amazes me about the movie is that Jamal Malik, Rubiana Ali, Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail and all other children are not child artists, but real teens from the slums of Mumbai.
The Oscars truly belonged to them because they represent an enormous community of children just like them who in the present day live in those slums. These slums shown in the movie in Mumbai are real, actual people live there and spend their entire life. Today slum dwellers make about 40-50% of Mumbai’s population, which is approximately 7 million people. Health care is often nonexistent, child labor is rampant and inescapable poverty forms the backdrop of everyday life. They may not get equal opportunities of education, employment, trade and life because of their origin. But, at the same time Mumbai is fearlessly embracing modernity, minting millionaires and erecting skyscrapers. It is truly astonishing to the western mind.
The film was a tough sell in Indian movie theaters because it was largely in English, featured few giant stars, and skimped on the dance numbers. Many people also objected to its gritty portrayal of India, as well as its title, which some took as derogatory. And I totally understand that feelings.
I am from India and am very proud to be an Indian.
Honestly, I too feel the discomfort that we still have people living in slums in my country in this modern day but at the same time it is an eye opener and a challenge for me. I want to confront this situation in a constructive way. I am sure that the movie has inspired some one (Indian or Non-Indian) to do something for these kids. May be there will be some special schools for them, some volunteer teachers might come forward, may be some healthcare plan or some genuine families might start adopting them….India might make the adoption rules simpler……the possibilities are limitless……..But for now at least they walked on the red carpet with the Hollywood stars, went to the Disney land, and has an education trust fund set up for future. They have a new world of opportunities waiting for them. This even might trigger the youth of India to step up and lead and inspire. India, a nation of diverse population where culture echoes….. Beauty enthralls….. And talents excel.
Glory Christian.
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