Slum dwellers of Dharavi hopeful of Oscar for 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Mumbai/Varansai, Feb 22 (ANI): As Hollywood's Academy Awards are to get underway later on Sunday, residents of Dharavi in Mumbai, are hopeful of Oscars for 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

Residents are very happy with the movie's nomination in ten categories, hopeful that the Oscars glory would encourage slum children to move forward in life.

"If the movie wins Oscar, it would definitely take our country to new heights. After this movie, we know that children from India can do a lot. This movie would especially benefit children from poor families, as they would be encouraged to move forward in life and achieve something in life," said Zaheer, a resident.

They are hopeful that the movie would pocket a couple of awards, having done good business across the world.

Another resident Mohammad Nafees added, "The movie should get the award. The movie has done a good business. Slum children have also worked in the movie so it would be good for them if it wins."

The film had received mixed response across India as some slum dwellers found it offensive since it depicts the lives of impoverished Indians and the treatment of the cast.

Its director, Danny Boyle, has faced accusations from some parts of the Indian media that his film was 'poverty porn'.

Bollywood actor Sushmita Sen disagreed with controversy and said that the movie shows reality, which everybody wants to see.

"People like to look at reality. What are we doing miles away, we don't even know half the things. And who knows by films like this people will also come forward to want to know India. Because when I see Slumdog, I say Mercedes as well as a bullock cart run on the streets of my country," said Sen.

Meanwhile, people in Varanasi offered special prayers to the Ganga river for the film getting honours at the Oscars.

"Today at the Ganga river bank, we are offering prayer for the Oscar nominee 'Slumdog Millionaire'," said Ravikant Vishvakarma, a resident.

"Slumdog Millionaire" is nominated for 10 Oscars, including best picture and best director. It already has won at the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild, and the British BAFTA awards. (ANI)