When Slumdog Millionaire actor Azharuddin returned to Mumbai after Oscar success in Los Angeles, his father wanted to show him off in the local neighborhood. Azharuddin, who is ten years old, was understandably tired of the constant attention and wanted to rest up. When he refused to cooperate, his father beat him in front of bystanders.

I've tried to extract this story from its tabloid sources and the anti-Muslim spin put on it by publications such as the UK Sun. There's little doubt that the beating incident took place. It's how it has been interpreted that makes it a touchy issue.

On some comment threads there have been not-so-subtle suggestions that the incident is in some way reflective of Muslim parenting in general. The suggestion is offensive and wrong.

Azharuddin's success, coming as it does with overnight fame has to be disorienting for a ten year old. Being at the center of a whirlwind round of applause and publicity in Los Angeles - then jetting home to a totally different set of pressures and expectations can't be easy.

After the incident went public Azharuddin's father apologized. He reportedly said “I was very sorry did what I did... I was confused and stressed by my son’s homecoming and I did not know myself for a minute. I love my boy and I am very happy to have him home.”