Child Star of "Slumdog Millionaire" Offered for Sale by her Father

Rubina Ali, 9-year-old star of the Oscar-winning film, Slumdog Millionaire, is at the center of a disturbing child-trafficking scandal, according to the New York Daily News. The actress's father, Rafiq Qureshi, reportedly solicited offers from undercover reporters posing as a wealthy Middle Eastern family to let them adopt his daughter for $300,000.

Qureshi unknowingly told News of the World reporters, "I have to consider what's best for me, my family and Rubina's future." Qureshi's brother, who reportedly helped broker the negotiations, told the tabloid, "The child is special now, this is an Oscar child!" Both men are clearly eager to trade on Ali's newfound fame after Slumdog Millionaire went on to win eight Oscars at the Academy Awards. Ali played the role of the young Latika, who was portrayed in her adult years by break-out star Freida Pinto.

Ali's father justified his attempt to sell his daughter by reasoning that the family "got nothing out of this film" in the way of compensation, which is inaccurate information, according to MSNBC. Director Danny Boyle has reportedly set up apartments for the child stars of Slumdog and their families to move into, which will take them out of the dangerous Mumbai slums where they currently reside. Boyle has also set up a trust fund for Ali's education, to pay for tuition for the 9-year-old and her co-star, Azharuddin Ismail, to attend an English-language school. The fund also covers emergency medical costs and living expenses, while a portion has been set aside for the two actors to receive after they turn 18.

In addition, it was announced on April 16 that the filmmakers donated $747,500 to the children's charity, Plan, which aims to improve the lives of Mumbai street children like those depicted in the film. It is hoped that as many as 5,000 children will benefit from the donation in the next five years.