Dad tries to sell Oscar kid star Rubina

In a clear case of a greedy father, Slumdog Millionaire child actor Rubina Ali’s dad Rafiq Qureshi made a deal with an Arab Sheikh to sell his daughter for Rs 1.08 crore.

A sting operation was carried out by News of the World’s undercover agents who disguised as Sheiks invited Rafiq to buy his daughter.

A source said, “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.

“Just as Western stars like Madonna do, they want to adopt children from poor areas and give them a better life.

“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.”

As soon as the news of the sting operation came out in open, Rafiq did an about turn and denied selling his star daughter.

Rafiq said, “They contacted me saying they were moved by our poverty and the Sheikh wanted to meet the girl. When we met, they spoke of adoption. But I refused. Why should I sell my girl? The voice (asking for money) in the video is not mine. It is a conspiracy to take my girl from me. My former wife Khurshid is involved.”

However young Rubina who unwantedly is stuck in these dirty politics first agreed to her father’s statement about not selling her and then later said, “I don’t know what happened. While returning my father asked me if I would like to go to Saudi Arabia. I said yes. They also spoke of getting passports for themselves.”

Aargh! Shame on you Mr. Rafiq!