Is ‘Slumdog’ Child Star for Sale?

A British newspaper put a shocking news on Sunday, claiming that the father of Slumdog Millionaire child actress Rubina Ali tried to sell his 9-year-old daughter for adoption at a price.

News of the World stated that Rafiq Qureshi wanted 20 million rupees (about $400,000 or 310,000 euros) for Rubina, who played the young Latika in the Oscar-winning movie.

They said its reporters posed as a wealthy family from Dubai, more specifically a reporter did the tactic, posing as a wealthy Arab sheikh. A Mumbai informant also told them that Qureshi was touting for the highest offer, having already been approached by a Middle Eastern family.

The newspaper published pictures of the actress, her father and uncle posing with their undercover reporter. They also posted video clips of Qureshi and his brother-in-law during their meeting in a hotel last week, where in the transcript of conversations Qureshi was quoted saying the action was taken considering Rubina’s future.

Her uncle also quoted saying, “If you wanted to adopt we could discuss this, but her parents would also expect some proper compensation in return. It’s 20 million rupees. This discussion will not go beyond the three of us.”

On the other hand, since the news had spread, Qureshi denied the allegations and described the News of the World report on Sunday as lies. As he told reporters, “They kept saying we will give you a lot of benefits and it will be good for your daughter, but I declined. The reports that I wanted to sell Rubina are false.”

Is the line between love and desperate so thin? a tough choice, apparently. Anyhow, we are wishing all the best for little Rubina!

[ via Yahoo! News ]

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