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The father of child actor Rubina Ali, who played the youngest version of the character Latika in Slumdog Millionaire, allegedly tried to sell his daughter to an undercover reporter for $300,000, claiming, “I have to consider what’s best for me, my family and Rubina’s future.” The Ali family is said to still live in Bandra slums of Ali, having not profited from the film success. He added, “We’ve got nothing out of this film,” referring to Rubina’s acting debut.

News of the World reports that this kind of transaction, while shocking, is not uncommon in the area. Although it’s hard to fathom a good intention behind the sale of a child, Rubina’s father’s parenting instincts may not be that far off base. Anyone who could afford to pay $300,000 for a child could certainly better provide for her material needs, and if the family has relegated her to the status of consumer goods, surely another family might provide the kind of love and attention Rubina’s family has failed to give.

Of course, whether a “buyer” would indeed benefit Rubina is completely open for debate. Still, at this point, it’s probably better for someone else to take care of her than her hustling father.