'Slumdog Millionaire' director Danny Boyle says the film's child stars don't need money because they can speak English.

Danny has hit back at claims the young actors and actresses -

including Azharuddin Ismail, 10, and Rubina Ali, nine, who live in the slums of western Mumbai - weren't paid enough for their performances.

He said: "We had long discussions about the best way to change their lives. Although we paid them well, that money has disappeared.

"We decided to put in place a long-term educational plan. Provided they finish their education they will receive a substantial sum of money. They are also going to be re-housed. But the most important thing is the kids go to school.
"The difference it will make to their lives is unbelievable and it's already made a phenomenal difference because they speak English. If you speak English in Mumbai your employment chances go up a hundredfold."

That is a really smart idea, last week one of the kids was beaten up by his father after returning from L.A so I wouldn't trust the parents with their money.