Slumdog child star to write book

One of the stars of hit film Slumdog Millionaire is to publish her autobiography at the age of nine.

Rubina Ali was discovered in the slums of India and picked to star in Danny Boyle's Oscar-winning movie.

Her book, to be published by UK publishers Transworld, will tell her story of being brought up in poverty and achieving international fame.

Meanwhile, Rubina and two of her young castmates have flown to Hong Kong to appear on a charity TV show.

Ayush Mahesh Khedekar and Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, both 10, peformed the movie soundtrack Jai Ho for the show, which raised more than $100,000 (£62,585).

Later, the trio performed for a crowd at a shopping centre, singing and dancing with a group of Bollywood performers.

The Community Chest charity said it was paying for the children to stay at a luxury hotel but would pay them only a small fee.

At a question and answer session, Ayush and Azhar, who was also brought up in the slums, said they were keen to continue acting.

Film-makers have come under scrutiny for picking the inexperienced child actors, launching them into a media frenzy.

But Slumdog Millionaire producers have set up trust funds to support their education, and have promised to help with housing following the government's decision to raze their slums.

Rubina's book is expected to be released in July, with royalties being split between the nine-year-old girl and French charity Medecins du Monde.

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