'Slumdog Millionaire' child artists leave for Los Angeles

Mumbai, Feb 20 (ANI): Indian child artists of Oscar nominated film, 'Slumdog Millionaire' took their flight to Los Angeles to attend award ceremony.

Ayush Khedekar, one of the actors, said he was hopeful about the movie winning an Oscar.

"I was not aware of the Golden Globe award then my father told me that it is mini Oscars. I realised that we have already received such a big award. Now, I am hopeful of wining the Oscars," Khedekar said.

Ayush's father who is accompanying him was equally excited.

"I am very excited at this moment. I was not thinking that I would be there in dream also," said Mahesh Khedekar, Ayush's father.

The actors said though they are a bit nervous, but are equally excited.

"I am very excited and also nervous because I going to attend a big function like Oscars. I can't imagine that," said Tanvi, another 'Slumdog' child actress.

The slum portrayed in the award-winning film is at the center of a land controversy in Mumbai that has highlighted the challenges acing a booming India as it tries to modernize its cities.

Dharavi, where part of the film was shot, is the focus of an ambitious, but contentious, 150-billion rupee redevelopment plan to turn shanties into upscale apartments and office towers.

Dharavi's residents, who would be relocated to tiny apartments under the redevelopment plan, are hoping that the popularity of the film will put the government under pressure to uphold their rights. (ANI)