Rubina Ali, a child actress that starred in Slumdog Millionaire as a young version of Latikia, is reportedly for sale.
Yes, for sale.
The nine-year old’s father, Rafiq Qureshi, told Great’s Britain’s News of the World that he listed his daughter for $300,000, a figure he increased after initially asking for just $75,000.
“I have to consider what’s best for me, my family and Rubina’s future,” said Rubina’s dad, who claims to be broke.
Rubina Ali is actually for sale. Hear that, Madonna?
This story has been confirmed by Reuters, as Deputy Commissioner of Police Nisar Tamboli told the news service:
“On Sunday, Rubina’s mother Khurshid complained to us that her ex-husband was trying to sell her daughter, saying she saw some reports on television to that effect.”
According to News of the World, Rubina’s uncle confirmed the family upped the asking price following the success of Slumdog Millionaire. Disgustingly, he said:
“The child is special now. This is an Oscar child!”
As appalled as we are by this story, we can’t help but ask: How much would you pay for Rubina Ali?
** Update: Qureshi has told People that this story is a “lie made up by foreign journalists playing games with me.”
We’ll keep readers apprived as more news breaks.