Social worker Hired For "Slumdog Millionaire" Star, Rubina Ali

Producers of Slumdog Millionaire hired a social worker for 9 year old Rubina Ali after hearing news that the father offered to sell her for nearly $300,000. Rubina's father, Rafiq Qureshi, denies the claims but did admit that he was broke. He also claims that the film left him with "nothing." Despite the claim from Qureshi that the film makers did not give him anything, they did set up the Jai Ho Trust to ensure the welfare of the child stars from the film.

In a statement released to Us Magazine, Slumdog producer, Christian Colson said, "Both Danny [Boyle, the director] and I remain committed to working the the trust and the family to secure Rubina's long-term best interests."

One of the Jai Ho trustees, Noshir H. Dadrawala, said that "the trust will support Rubina, her parents and responsible authorities to ensure that the rights and best interests of Rubina" are protected. Dadrawala also said in a statement, "The trust is in regular contact with Rubina Ali and her family and has hired a social worker to assist in looking after her welfare and that of her co-star."

The Jai Ho Trust also counsels the children and the family. It also makes sure that the families receive accommodations and a fixed amount of money each month for living expenses. The Trust also covers education costs for Rubina and her siblings and will give her a lump sum of money when she turns 18. Both Colson and Boyle supported Dadrawala's comments.

News of Rubina's father trying to sell her came about when reporters for Britain's News of the World disguised themselves as a wealthy Middle Eastern family interested in buying a girl. They reported that Rubina was originally being sold for $75,000 but the father raised the price after the success of the film.

Even if you live in poverty, how can you sell your own child like that. How can you even put a price on your own child. I'm glad the film producers are helping her out.

Source: Us Magazine