The Oscar-winning 2008 movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ opened several doors for the cast and crew including the two lead roles, actor Dev Patel and actress Freida Pinto. Opportunity have also opened for two of the child actors of Slumdog, including child actor Ayush Mahesh Khadekar, and fourteen-year-old actress, Rubina Qureshi.

They will be staring in the upcoming international film with Anthony Hopkins called, ‘Lord Owen’s Lady.’ After the hit movie, Rubina and her family became a true rags to riches story. Rafiq, Rubina’s father, allegedly once tried to sell her for money, now claims he will always support her.

Rubina’s family has moved from the slums to a nice flat in Bandra. With the help of Slumdog director Danny Boyle, these children and their families are receiving more than any dollar amount could give them: the opportunity to get out of the slums, receive adequate healthcare, a safer and sanitary place to live and a good education.

The inspiring story of Jamal Malik, an eighteen year old boy living in poverty in the slums of Mumbai, who ends up on India’s version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, “Kaun Banega Crorepati?” and winning one million dollars, was the trigger of the real-life Slumdog story. The movie grabbed the hearts of millions by revealing life lessons and truths that many felt they could reflect themselves in for hope and compassion.

With a budget of approximately $15,000 no one would have anticipated what a smash hit the movie would be. ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ grossed a surprising $141 million dollars in the box office. With little attention from the press, the movie took off as an international sensation, winning over 100 awards across the globe and opening the eyes of millions to the hard realities that are lived daily in parts of third world countries, including Mumbai, India.

Similar to Slumdog, “Lord Owen’s Lady” is expected to reveal the harsh realities of poverty as it unravels a love story between a wealthy young nobleman and an Indian woman. The movie is currently in the pre-production stage but plans are up and running to begin shooting in the next two to four months.

With the help of Rubina and Ayush, this film will further open the eyes, ears and hearts of millions to a child’s life of hopelessness, poverty and turmoil. This opportunity is a fairytale come true for these children, and betting on the force and publicity of the upcoming film, one can only hope that it will open up doors for more children to gain a better life.

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