Mohmmed Azharuddin played the role of elder brother of the protagonist in the first half of the Oscar winning film Slumdog Millionaire. He lost his father on Friday.
The child actor was away at school at the time of his father’s death. According to family members the child was not aware of the declining health of his father.
Ismail Shaikh, 46, died due to tuberculosis. He was suffering from advanced tuberculosis for past two years. Apart from Azharuddin, Shaikh is survived by his wife Shamim, an older son and two daughters.
Shamim said that Shaikh had neglected his health and was totally immersed in making a bright future for Azharuddin, especially after the Slumdog Millionaire became an international box-office hit.
The child actor recently shifted to his new Santacruz home. Director Danny Boyle of the film has sent his condolences to the family. He will be visiting the family next month to express his support to the family.
