Father of 'Slumdog' child actor dies

MUMBAI, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- The father of Indian child actor Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, best known for his role in "Slumdog Millionaire," has died, sources close to the family say.

The unidentified sources said Sunday that Mohammed Ismail died in Mumbai following a prolonged battle with tuberculosis, the Press Trust of India reported.

The elder Ismail, whose age was not reported, died Friday of unspecified causes in the Mumbai home the "Jai Ho" trust purchased for his family after "Slumdog" highlighted the plight of poor Mumbai residents.

"Slumdog" director Danny Boyle helped set up the charitable trust, named after his film's Academy Award-winning soundtrack song.

The elder Ismail was the focus of a media storm this year amid reports he allegedly slapped his 10-year-old actor son for refusing to take part in media interviews, the Press Trust of India reported.

In "Slumdog," Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail played the young version of Salim Malik, the lead character's brother.