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Bandra blaze leaves 'Slumdog' star, 2,000 others homeless

Last updated on: March 5, 2011 14:54 IST

Rubina Ali (right ), who acted as young Latika in the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, sits with her family amid the ruins of the Gharib Nagar slum

At least 21 people were injured and over 2,000 people, including 'Slumdog Millionaire' child actor Rubina Ali, rendered homeless in the big fire which was controlled in the wee hours on Saturday in Bandra, Mumbai.

A total of 21 persons including 4 firemen were injured while fighting the flames which broke out on Saturday night. They have been admitted to the Bhabha hospital here," a fire official said.

However, no death has been reported so far. But over 2,000 people have lost their homes as hundreds of shanties were destroyed in the blaze, he said.

Bandra blaze leaves 'Slumdog' star, 2,000 others homeless

Last updated on: March 5, 2011 14:54 IST

Rubina Ali's shanty was among thousands of other houses gutted down by the fire

The family of Rubina, who played the role of young Latika in Danny Boyle's Oscar winning film, watched helplessly as their dwelling unit in the crowded slum went up in flames.

"We all were at home watching TV, when a neighbour came to alert us about the fire. We all rushed out. We spent the entire night at the railway station. I have lost everything including books and precious belongings like photographs, newspaper clippings and memorabilia of the film," the 12-year-old child artiste said.

Bandra blaze leaves 'Slumdog' star, 2,000 others homeless

Last updated on: March 5, 2011 14:54 IST

Residents search for their belongings amid the ruins of the Gharib Nagar slum

So far nobody has come to help us," Rubina rued.

Her father Rafiq said, "We feel relieved to see that all our family members are safe. But all the good memories of my daughter's fame have been reduced to ashes. We have lost everything."

Bandra blaze leaves 'Slumdog' star, 2,000 others homeless

Last updated on: March 5, 2011 14:54 IST

Firemen doused the fire after almost four hours

The fire broke out in Garib Nagar slums near Bandra (east) railway station at around 2020 hours on Saturday after which 34 fire engines and 16 jumbo water tankers were rushed to the spot.

The flames were doused around 0030 hours. The exact cause of the fire has not been established but initial reports say five gas cylinders exploded in the slums due to which the fire spread quickly, the official said.