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Nefarious Schemes

Maybe Don't Try To Sell Your Famous Kid?

Written by Kyle Buchanan | 20 Apr 2009, 10:15 AM | 7 comments

FreidaPin_Todd_56833036_400.jpgHollywood may be rough on its child stars, but it’s got nothing on the slums of India, as the father of Slumdog Millionaire star Rubina Ali (who played young Latika in the film) has been accused of trying to sell her to an undercover journalist. The black market for Oscar-related child stars hasn’t been this hot since Ryan O’Neal tried to sell Tatum for a trunk full of weed and and a development deal at Warners! But what did Ali’s father do wrong (besides, y’know, the whole daughter-selling thing)? Lots!

I mean, selling a kid is pretty bad anyway. But don’t sell a famous one! What happens when CAA comes calling, or Entertainment Tonight wants to do a “Where Are They Now: Slumdog Edition”? “Sorry, uh…Rubina’s…at school…at night…on a Saturday…” Good luck with that, buddy.

Her father has disputed the claims, telling People that he only agreed to the child-selling meeting because “in India, you never say ‘no’ directly, least of all to guests.” That statement alone shows a wild ingenuity that was sorely missing from the actual transaction. I mean, at least attempt the “this is a clone version” card. (There’s a Danny Boyle film in and of itself.)

Right now, Dina Lohan is feeling like the Mother of the Year. And you know what, Rubina’s dad? You kind of gave her a leg to stand on. For shame. Oh, also for shame for trying to sell your kid. That was bad, too.

· Father tries to cash in on daughter’s fame [News of the World]

· Father Denies Sale of Slumdog Child Star [People]

Tagged: rubina ali, slumdog millionaire

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Comments

From Old No.7 | Reply
Posted 20 Apr 2009, 10:41 AM

He's on a mission from God.

From sweetbiscuit | Reply
Posted 20 Apr 2009, 2:24 PM

Wait, so in India, you "never say 'no' directly?" Even to the question: "CAN I BUY YOUR DAUGHER?"

From sweetbiscuit | Reply
Posted 20 Apr 2009, 2:26 PM

Sorry, I meant "DAUGHTER." Too aghast to spell.

From dinalohan | Reply
Posted 20 Apr 2009, 2:31 PM

Wait, you mean I'm not Mother of the Year?

From Brilliant Orange | Reply
Posted 20 Apr 2009, 3:34 PM

What a shame. As a father to two girls, I am horrified.

How much was he getting, though?

From Little Mintz Sunshine | Reply
Posted 20 Apr 2009, 7:54 PM

Jennifer Aniston wants to know if they'll take a check.

From south2nd | Reply
Posted 21 Apr 2009, 5:21 PM

Didn't he also hit his daughter in front of a reporter right after the Oscars?

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