'Slumdog' children return to India

Mumbai -- The child stars of "Slumdog Millionaire" have returned to India after attending the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles this week.

The film earned eight Academy Awards at Sunday's prize presentation. Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, 10, and Rubina Ali, 9, attended the awards show, as well as parties that took place after it, then went to Disneyland the following day.

The Press Trust of India said they were given heroes' welcomes from family, friends, reporters and fans Thursday when they returned to India.

The youngsters were escorted by security through Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and driven to their homes where neighbors waited to congratulate them on their success, setting off firecrackers and dancing to the Oscar-winning song "Jai Ho" in celebration, PTI said.

Indian housing officials said they plan to soon move the two children and their families out of the slums of Mumbai into new, government-funded homes.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.