Slumdog star Rubina Ali up for sale!

London, Apr 19: 'Slumdog Millionaire' child actress Rubina Ali's instant success has made her dad so greedy that he has decided to put her on sale.

In a bid to cash in on Rubina's international stardom, father Rafiq Qureshi has put her up for adoption, demanding nearly 200,000 pounds. He offered the deal to News of the World's undercover fake sheik.

"Yes, we are considering Rubina's future," Rafiq told the undercover. "I have to consider what's best for me, my family and Rubina's future," he added.

Rafiq blamed Hollywood bosses for forcing him to put his daughter up for sale and claims, "We've got nothing out of this film."

Slum dweller Rubina played the role of young Latika in the Oscar winning film which tracked the story of 18 year old slum boy who goes on to win a million in India's version of 'Who wants to be a Millionaire?'.

News of the World's undercover approached Rafiq acting for a wealthy Arab sheik who wanted to adopt the girl.

"Yes, we are considering Rubina's future," Rafiq replied.

And asked him to talk to his brother-in-law.

Rubina's uncle Rajan More, confirmed: "Yes, we are interested in securing our girl's future. Rubina's life is miserable and she lives here with her stepmother. Most of the time she stays with me because she is not happy at her parents' home. Obviously if you wanted to adopt we could discuss this, but her parents would also expect some proper compensation in return. We are talking of around 50,000 pounds for this to happen."

According to an insider, "Rubina's family are furious that despite the film doing so well and their pretty daughter becoming so famous, they are still living in such rough conditions.

"They were approached by one wealthy Middle Eastern family who saw their plight in an item on Al Jazeera TV. The couple expressed an interest in adopting young Rubina and her parents' eyes lit up.

"Dad Rafiq is streetwise and knows that soon his daughter's success will be forgotten and her moment of fame will be over. He has a family to feed and simply can't afford it. He is keen to find a rich family to bring up Rubina but only if they are willing to help the whole family to get out of the slums.

"The Middle East family were moved to tears by the plight of the young orphans shown in the film and fell in love with Rubina. This family wanted to take Rubina abroad. They agreed to come to Mumbai to discuss the adoption in May. But the approach has made Rafiq very greedy and he has said that he will consider the highest offer for his child. But they realise that the money will soon stop coming in and Rafiq is open to all offers," the insider added.

ANI