Empty promises. That’s what the Slumdog kids got when their government promised to give them new homes in the suburbs. That was about three months ago and still no word from the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority. What’s worse is that not only are they not getting the promised newer nicer houses but their old shanties have been torn down.

Last week it was Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail’s home that was demolished by the municipal crews. Early today it was Rubina Ali Qureshi’s house. Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail played the young Salim while Rubina Ali Qureshi played the young Latika. In a very sad case of life imitates art Rubina tearfully told the Associated Press, “I’m feeling bad. My house had been demolished. I’m thinking about where to sleep.” So much for the applause what these kids is a clean safe home where they know they just won’t get evicted without being given notice, which is what happened according to Rubina’s stepmom Munni Qureshi. Qureshi says that the police did not give any notice before the demolition. In fact Rubina, who was in a nearby market when the demolition started, ran back as soon as she heard the news but returned only to find rubble. It’s not as if she could do anything about it and judging from the police’s heavy handed tactics, which lead to Rubina’s father getting beat for resisting,she was better off not being there during the whole process. Of course that doesn’t give any comfort when night falls and they end up huddled together under the stars with no roof over their heads…