This child is special, an Oscar child. So now we want £200k
Father tries to cash in on daughter's fame
PAGE 2 OF 2 - Click for page 1
When our female investigator, posing as a princess - the sheik's wealthy wife - handed Rubina three boxes of chocolates, she was thrilled. She shrieked with delight as we gave her a silver pendant.
"Can I stay in your bedroom?" asked the innocent youngster. "I've never seen a bed like this in real life. I've seen one like it in films though.
"Where we live there are all poor people. That's why the area is called Poor Man's Colony. There are all small huts, sewers and gutters, and sometimes the dirty water comes in the house. And there are lots of creepy-crawlies. I'm scared of spiders and mosquitoes. Our house is very small. We sleep on the floor."
As Rubina jumped on the bed and played with the TV remote, her cousins tucked into a bowl of fruit and ice-cream.
Flicking through the channels, Rubina said: "Our TV is clapped out. It hardly works. The sound keeps going, especially when my favourite songs are on."
Excitedly she added: "I'm going to be in a TV advert with a famous English actress soon!" In fact, she recently finished filming a soft drink commercial with Australian star Nicole Kidman. It was shot in India and Rafiq pocketed £2,000 for Rubina's performance.
Rubina was completely unaware she had been brought to the hotel by the men she trusted, those who should love and protect her, to discuss her SALE. We made certain throughout that Rubina did not know she was being offered for adoption in return for cash.
Rubina believed that she was merely at the hotel to meet a wealthy movie fan who wanted to present her with chocolates.
As midnight passed, our undercover reporter pointed out to Rafiq that it would be a good idea to take his youngster home to bed. Together with his entourage, Rafiq eventually left just before 1am.
Trade
"We can talk other matters tomorrow," said Rafiq, as he arranged to return to our suite to discuss business. He then asked for 1,000 Rupees (£13) to cover his cab fare back to the slums.
As Rubina left she asked our man: "Uncle, can I come here again as well? Please, please!"
On the way out Uncle Rajan, a burly man in his fifties with his hair and moustache dyed jet black, also had a request.
He pulled our reporter to one side and said: "Besides Rubina, if you are interested in having a young boy then I can arrange that. There are several available for adoption. Obviously you won't have to pay anything like the money for Rubina. Have a think and let me know then I can arrange for you to meet the children and choose the one you prefer."
Although illegal, India's sickening baby trade is widespread. Last year we revealed how a local social worker was exploiting dirt poor families and selling their kids for £1,500 a time. She even lined up a poverty-stricken mother willing to sell her unborn child for just £1,000.
On Friday, yet more of Rubina's family, friends and even a neighbour's kid joined the outing from the slums to the Leela hotel to meet our reporters.
This time the 13-strong party included Rubina's 28-year old stepmum Munni Qureshi, who is three months' pregnant. Staff at the plush hotel looked on bemused as the kids began staging races along the corridor and lobby.
Meanwhile, Rafiq, Rajan and Mohiuddin headed to our suite to talk business. Rubina, in white blouse and jeans, sat next to her dad and Uncle Rajan on the cream sofa, still unaware her fate was being decided by them.
To save her discovering the truth our man suggested she go next door and play with "the princess" - our female investigator.
Then the men, got straight down to business. "Let's talk openly," urged Rajan. Our reporter said his boss the sheik was willing to adopt Rubina and take her to Dubai and asked the men what their demands were.
Rajan explained that no deal could go ahead for a few weeks because the family have been promised a house by the Indian government. If Rubina went abroad they would lose the house.
The governing Indian Congress Party president Sonia Gandhi - currently campaigning for the general elections later this month - has vowed to help them find a home.
Calculating Rajan explained: "Rafiq is about to get a property which will be in his name after Rubina is 18, so it'll take a bit of time. The other thing is about the amount. He wants to tell you. Listen to him." Rafiq looked visibly uncomfortable and returned to the theme of the free government house.
"We need time, until after the elections," he insisted. "We need two or three months."
Again Rajan chipped in: "You have to give time. . . you have to wait. Until then we can negotiate the amount. We'll come to Dubai, the girl will come and go."
Bitter
Rafiq said he too would be able to get his hands on a passport but only if we paid Rajan 35,000 rupees (£475) to bribe an official. "It'll be ready in eight days," said Rajan.
After all the extra demands our man asked about the final price for the adoption. And that's when they upped their demand over FOUR-FOLD. "Just tell them," said Rajan. Coyly Rafiq insisted: "You say it." Then Rajan said: "Whisper in my ear!"
Eventually Rajan announced: "It's 20 million rupees, £200,000." (In fact 20 million rupees is £270,000, but their calculations were wrong.)
When reminded that this deal was illegal, Rajan promised: "This discussion will not go beyond the three of us." Asked if Rubina's birth mother Khursheed might object and interfere, Rafiq insisted he had divorced her seven years ago and that she had no rights on the child.
"It's nothing to do with her," he said. And brother Rajan chimed in: "She's nothing! It's over!"
In fact Rafiq's family have been involved in a bitter row with Khursheed, who walked out on Rafiq when Rubina was just four. She showed up in the slums to reclaim her daughter on her return from the Oscar ceremony in February.
Rafiq and Khursheed had to be pulled apart after brawling. Khursheed also had a catfight with new wife Munni. Rubina has had little contact with her real mum.
When our man asked Rafiq if he had any questions about the proposed adoption he said calmly: "No, there's nothing more to say."
With the deal seemingly struck the party headed down to the imposing hotel lobby, decorated with a huge chandelier, for a buffet lunch.
Two of Rubina's pals were larking about doing headstands in the lobby as Rubina slid along the shiny marble floor to the restaurant. "Come on, everybody follow me!" she shouted. "We're having dinner here. I'll tell you what to do!"
The party - all in the dark about the deal except the dad and two uncles - were escorted to a long dining table in the lavish restaurant.
Stepmum Munni, wearing a white sari, sat with her feet up on the chair until her husband told her to sit properly. Then they all raced to the buffet, piling their plates high with food - a change from their usual diet of cheap rice and lentils.
"We can eat anything we like here," said Rubina excitedly.
After several main courses the party descended on the desserts, washing it all down with glasses of mango juice - each one costing more than Rafiq earns in a day.
Delighted Rubina grabbed our man by his arm and told him: "You are the best uncle ever!"
Touchingly she then took photos of everything from the food to the hotel armchairs on her mobile phone, to remind herself of her big day out. "This hotel is like the big ones in America," she said. "One day can I stay in an hotel like this?"
Tout
But after dinner it was back to reality. The group clambered into two people-carriers to be ferried back to the slums.
On Friday evening Rajan met our undercover reporter again - to escort him to another shanty town to tout two MORE children for sale.
In the coastal Mumbai suburb of Madh Island, an hour's drive from Rubina's home, several thousand people live in a similar sprawling slum. Rajan led our man thorough the dirty narrow streets to another single room shack where decorator Akbar Khan lives with his wife and four children. There was just one straw bed in the cramped room.
"Look at the pretty girl over there and see if you think she is suitable," whispered Rajan as he pointed to a nervous 10-year old called Rukhsar.
"This family want to have their daughter adopted. They have three girls and a son and cannot survive on their income. Take a photo to see if the sheik likes the look of her."
Outside in the rubbish-filled alley soft-spoken dad Akbar begged: "Please consider my daughter for adoption. We are poor people and want her to have a better future."
Later conniving Rajan added: "I can let you have their girl, or you can take their seven-year old boy. These people are desperately hard-up and will take less money."
Last night Rajan phoned us and demanded: "Have you decided which child you want besides Rubina? If you want these kids we have to get moving straight away."
The News of the World yesterday contacted Save The Children, a charity with a strong presence in Mumbai, to seek their help with Rubina's case.
Director of Campaigns Adrian Lovett said: "Save the Children pays tribute to the News of the World for highlighting this awful reality. We will do all we can to help Rubina.
"The Indian government must sign up to the International Labour Organisation's convention for abolishing the worst forms of child labour and trafficking."
Film chiefs give £500k
THE makers of Slumdog Millionaire have announced they are to donate £500,000 to improve the lives of children like Rubina living in the slums.
Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle said: "Having benefited so much from the hospitality of the people of Mumbai it is only right that some of the success of the movie be ploughed back into the city in areas where it is needed most."
The money will go to development charity Plan. "Despite intimidating odds, extraordinary work is going on to help people break the cycle of poverty through education. We're delighted that this initiative will add to that ongoing work," said Danny.
Kids are as easy to buy as Pot Noodles
By Adrian Lovett, Save the Children's director of campaigns
IT'S a tragic fact that buying a child in India is almost as easy as buying a Pot Noodle from your local corner shop.
India is still a poor country where millions of babies are born and raised in stinking slums. What flashed before us in Slumdog Millionaire wasn't made up for dramatic effect - that is the reality. The misery and horror doesn't end when the credits roll.
It's easy for us here to condemn parents willing to sell their kids.
And let's be clear, Save the Children does not condone it. It is wrong. But when you're poor - and I mean bare-footed, torn-clothed and so hungry you can't sleep - cash is a currency of life and death.
When a child gets a tummy upset here it's no more than an inconvenience. In an Indian slum it can mean death from dehydration. No wonder some parents sometimes decide to give up, or even sell a child.
In a world of poverty and pain it can seem the least bad choice. But it is wrong and it is illegal. These children can end up all over the world as sweat shop slaves or even prostitutes.
Ultimately we have to face this simple fact - it is poverty that drives people to desperate measures. If we want to see an end to this awful trade we must all do our bit to tackle it, make poverty history in India and across the world - and make a new life for millions of children.
For more information or to campaign with Save the Children see savethechildren.org.uk
From fame.. to shame
AS RUBINA takes the applause of fans along with her Slumdog co-stars after the Oscars, in the background (with moustache) is her uncle Mohiuddin who escorted her to the award ceremony - and then later took part in the scheme to sell her.
Unseen SuBo video
Floods UK in pictures
Winking lovely
VANDAL AGED 2 NICKED
Bullies suicide drive
Nurses to be sacked for carers
M&S boss's secret file on 'nutters'
This article has 63 comments
okay maybe it isnt danny boyles RESPONSIBILITY to change Rubina's life. Maybe he did his required job by paying her heartily for just one month of work.
but dont you think after spending so much time in the slums and seeing all the tragedy the poverty brings to these kids, that you would, should, WANT to do more?
a beautiful young girl life Rubina shouldnt be forgotten when the camera stops rolling. There's something missing in Danny Boyles heart when he kicks back in his multi-million dollar mansion and doesnt think twice about her.
By Kelsey. Posted July 10 2009 at 2:16 AM.
How can you watch this movie and still not get it!! Every minute of it is educating us foriengners about India's unfortunate quality of life? Did you think the movie was a fiction? The country is overpopulated the difference in lower middle and higher class outragous and the majority of the country is in 3rd world poverty.
This is an every day thing over there. think of it from Rafiqs point of view
~ Entire family escapes poverty
~ Rubina goes to a well of family who can afford to raise her well
~ Rubina will have a better chance then most trafficked children as the buyers are obviously fans
~If you lived there, you'd wish everday to win a lottery like this too
~She's still not out of danger of ending up like her character in the movie -THIS IS HAPPENING IN REAL LIFE
Speaking from someone who herself escaped similiar poverty, i can tell you with out hesitation i would have loved for a rich family to come and whisk me away
I wouldnt be surprised if rubina was on her best behaviour trying to impress her new parents
By Jane. Posted July 7 2009 at 1:45 PM.
I havent seen this movie, and now im not sure i want to.
It seems so sad that the little girl is still living the same way as she did before the movie.
i know that she gets money if she finishes school, but really, do u think she will make it to 18 with how she is living?
i dont know what the solution is, but these movie people should have figured this out already. Take care of this little girl somehow.
By julia. Posted May 20 2009 at 1:11 PM.
i CANN0T BELiEVE! RUBiNA iS S0
AH`D0RABLE, CUTE AND GORGEOUS!
HER FATHER iS N0W SELLiNG HER??
THAT iS BULL! AND S0 MEAN. SELLiNG
Y0UR 0WN DAUGHTER? HE iS CLEARLY N0T
A G00D FATHER. i GET iT...THE DiRECT0R
DiDN'T GiVE Y0U MiLL0NS..S0 iT D0ESN'T MEAN
TO SELL Y0UR P00R DAUGHTER THAT CALLS Y0U
DADDY?? i SWEAR...THEY ARE DUMB iN THE HEAD!
RUBiNA'S FATHER && UNCLE! i JUST FEEL S000000
S0RRY F0R RUBiNA. T0 LEAVE EVERY0NE SHE KN0WS
IN MUMBi..AND T0 G0 S0MEWHERE ELSE
WiTH 0THER PE0PLE SHE WiLL S00N CALL M0M &&
DAD. THiS iS ALL WR0NG!
iH` L0VE Y0U RUBiNA! <3<3<3
By CHRiSTiNE.... Posted May 16 2009 at 2:14 AM.
Every slum in the world has impoverished kids and parents that would do almost anything to help their kids get a better start. OK if Danny Boyle were to spend a few hundred thousand on making Rubina's life acceptable to western standards would that be fair to all the 1500 other kids that auditioned for the part she played?
I feel the film was made to uncover the disgraceful truth of how overcrowding and poverty creates environments that are both dangerous and unhealthy. We live in the west pontificating about someone who has both shown us the problem and reacted by contributing to improving the situation for some. I wonder how many of the folk here that have made disparaging comments about The producers of Slumdog have actually sent funds to UNICEF or other charities, if not either put up or shut up!
While I cant condone the conduct of her father, though I can see any escape from the slum to a better more wholesome life, would be a positive step. Sadly the guardians do not seem to be vetting any prospective adoption candidates, just taking money.
By Colin Stuart-Campbell. Posted May 10 2009 at 5:28 AM.
I atill think that Dany Boyle and Colson did not do right by these kids. They made millions off this film. The should help these kids and their families get out of the slums now!
By Susan Sethi. Posted April 24 2009 at 4:25 AM.
If this story (article) is true, I pity the poor girl and, though I don't agree with the father's plan to sell the girl, I still understand why he intended to sell her.
They are living in extreme poverty. Believing that her daughter will have a good future with a rich family and with the money he gets from them he will give a better life to his other children. His decision is the effect of the misery of living in extreme poverty. Let us not hit him so hard.
And I am sure if the girl got a significant share of the income of this movie, her dad won't even think about this - giving her daughter for adoption. If Mr. Boyle does not feel guilty about the plight of this girl, I don't know what kind of human he is!
By zuck-yu. Posted April 24 2009 at 12:18 AM.
I cannot understand how some of you think the child's well being is the diector's responsibility. This was a low-end, low budget film, and the young actors got paid considerably well for thier parts. The fact that the movie happened to be a success does NOT imply the directors should go back and give the actors more -- its not expected in any completly "american cast" film, so why for this?
The fact that they went back and gave more to support children in these circumstances after was amazingly generous, and they should be commended for these actions, not facing critisim because the parents responsible for Rubina happen to be.......
By Fab. Posted April 23 2009 at 1:03 AM.
It is inconceivable that we as humans accept the conditions other human beings have to endure, shame on the Indian Governement shame on the rest of the world for allowing it, and we call ourselves decent. But ofcourse there is no oil, silly of me I forgot, no benefits.
By Connie . Posted April 22 2009 at 1:25 PM.
Danny Boyle and Christian Colson have gone above and beyond in attempting to give these children a better life.
People have to remember that when Slumdog Millionaire was made, it had a small budget of $14 mil. So with such a large cast, they couldn't exactly shower everybody with untold fortunes. Then when the money did start rolling in for the film, it was reported that the studio (or Danny or whoever) tried to give direct financial support to Rubina and Azharuddin but was scammed by someone pretending to find these kids a nice place to live. Which led to the creation of the trust because, as this article denotes, no one is to be trusted in the well being of these children. And it's not as if Danny can come in there and unilaterally say he is going to become the guardian of these children because everyone around them are a bunch of sheisters and whisk them off to the UK or the US and live happily ever after. There is a process to these things and while they are never as expedient as everyone wants, people have to remain patient. As the article denotes the government is giving Rubina's family a house. Also they have another accomodation being provided by the creators of Slumdog Millionaire. I don't know about you but multiple houses, an education and a trust fund made available once the individual turns 18 seems to show how much they care about the well being of these characters. Hopefully everything works out...but it remains to be seen.
By Alfred. Posted April 21 2009 at 10:13 PM.
Greed is everywhere as it is clear in the case of Rubina. What if she dies of disease living in such conditions before reaching her 18th birthday what then. Living in proverty is the case of many children all over the world including here in America. Looking through city dumps, eating sour beans that taste like cheese, eating vegtables thrown from the grocery store or just eating cooked (klite) weeds to survive yet children grown up like that and none were sold into slavery somehow they all survived.
By lluvia. Posted April 21 2009 at 9:53 AM.
I agree with Made aware, and thanks for sharing your very objective and well-balanced view in the midst of so many histerical comments.
I think Mr. Boyle has made considerable effort to ensure that the adequate amount Rubina has earned for her work would not be exploited by ill-willed adults. I am relieved to know that apart from her education, her family will have decent housing, since I think that is something she needs immediately. How can one think of studying when one doesn't have a safe "base" in one's day-to-day living?
I also think that it is very dangerous to judge everything based on perspective of developped countries and Western values.
Child-trafficing is of course a crime, but we can't deny the aspect that the family putting out the child for adoption might be doing so in hope of a better future for their child.
Also, though I am impressed by the measures taken to assure that what Rubina has earned will not be exploited by others, if I were the girl, I might hope that I could help out my family from poverty in some way.
By Aki. Posted April 21 2009 at 4:07 AM.
This is so sad. Hope this is not a publicity stunt to have someone capitalize on this, ant then come up with some crazy stuff... The Indian Government should really step in and come up with some law no more children to have per family... perhaps after having one child per family, for the Males in India
to have irreversable vesectamy and to all the women a histarectomy should be advisable...
I guess poverty makes you do the UNTHINKABLE....
By Susan Olmos. Posted April 21 2009 at 3:46 AM.
Danny Boyle is so typical of The Hollywood
Greed. What a sad ending for such a great film.
If this was an American child you would have to fight off the offers for housing and education
for this family.
Why is this so called trust fund for education is not in play. Banks in India operate pretty much like banks else where. School tuition and mortages can be paid directly from the bank. The uncle or dad does not need to touch any money. If selling or attempting to sell a child is
a crime or even if it isn't why hasn't the government removed her from the home to safe keeping. She is no longer an ordinary child in her environment she has become a piece of valuable property and thanks to "Slum Dog"
will be offered to the highest bidder. She in in a part of the world where a little money will ensure that she will never be found if this happens. Shame on you Hollywood and all the people connected with this film. More compassion is shown for a mistreated pet. I own four pets and love them dearly, I rescued each one,. Surely this child deserves as much love spared a possible life of sexual abuse or slavery. Where are tou Danny Boyle?
By Evelyn. Posted April 21 2009 at 12:47 AM.
$5000 for one month's work is great! It will NEVER end with these people!
By SickofTheseGreedySlumDogs. Posted April 21 2009 at 12:25 AM.
All the profit from the film needs to go to help these children. JFC - what the hell is wrong with these people?
By D. Posted April 20 2009 at 9:42 PM.
If Danny Boyle is going to rescue this little girl, Rubina, and her whole family this is a good thing and if would be even better if he -- or someone --could rescue all the children in that movie -- which is one of the best movies I've ever seen -- and all the children of Mumbai -- it would be woderful.
They are so beautiful and full of life and spirit. Everyone should do what we can to save the little ones all over the planet.
And I am very relieved to hear that Rubina is going to be safe!
By PJV. Posted April 20 2009 at 9:34 PM.
You criticize Doyle here and yet he not only paid the 2000.00, but also set up a trust for education and is going to provide a house for the family. Just giving money would have been a problem...it surely would have been seized by her relatives and wasted. This is much more of a positive way to help..with an education fund.
I think this movie was good to make people aware of what is out there. There are many organizations to help children. Save the Children, World Help, Christian Childrens Fund..and many more. If everyone here that is concerned would adopt one child through one of these organizations...ususally about $30.00 a month there would be a lot less of the problem. These organizations go in and provide clean water, medical help and schools and even job opportunities within some of the communities. There are many ways to help.
Slumdog Millionaire made us aware, let's do something about it corporately. That is where a real difference will be made.
By Made aware. Posted April 20 2009 at 10:19 PM.
I agree with Rod. Rubina was paid very well for her role in Slumdog. She was paid L 2000 for a month of work. That's l 64 a day. Her father makes up to L 4 a day! In addition, Danny Boyle has set up a trust fund for education, paid for her to come to Hollywood and Rubina's family will be given a house. Rubina also shot a commercial where she was paid her "Slumdog" salary for only a week of work! I already think Danny Boyle has gone above and beyond his responsibility to Rubina and most likely will do more for her, but not out of obligation.
I won't condemn her family for attempting to sell her because I could not imagine what type of behavior poverty of this type could inspire. However, I do believe parents have an obligation to act in the best interest of their child. Perhaps that is the case here.
I've also read reports that the father was not aware that the meetings were to discuss the sale of his daughter but to discuss a job for her. I've read this article thoroughly and have found no evidence that the father was 100% aware. The father does not speak English well and had to bring the child's uncle to translate. You can see he simply agrees with whatever the uncle says. Also, after the meeting the Uncle, alone, tried to solicit the sale of other children. It possible that the father did not know what he was agreeing to. Isn't feasible that a rich Sheik could offer Rubina her own movie to shoot in Dubai and pay her L 400,000? The uncle seems to be the unscrupulous one.
By Michelle DuQuesnay. Posted April 20 2009 at 1:37 PM.
Please , somebody do somethig about it!!!!!, what happend with the Indian president!! is this legal in this country??, Is so sad to see this and nobody do nothing, just comment ....and words ....
By fernandapalma. Posted April 20 2009 at 2:50 PM.
This reminds me of the sad story of the two kids who died in a swamp in Vietnam while they were filming a helicopter scene with (I forget the actor's name). Who ever took responsibility for that horror?
By jblum. Posted April 20 2009 at 2:48 PM.
U CAN'T SELL HER!!!
By bluey. Posted April 20 2009 at 10:37 AM.
Wow ! Uncle Boyle made 180 million and could spare TWO THOUSAND for poor Rubina.
Shame on you Boyle.
By Cair. Posted April 20 2009 at 10:27 AM.
I dont want to condone this , but this article smacks of hypocritical righteousness. Life is though for the people you are writing about . unimaginably so. I live in the same city and cannot imagine myself in such a position.
You cannot sit in a country far away or 20 miles away in Bombay, in the comfort of your air conditioned lounge and make judgements.
I think people all over need to understand situations , instead of looking for sensational headlines and on the spot , quick fix solutions to poverty, terror and everything else that plagues society today.
P.S :Has the writer ever dealt with the nincompoops who are the "authorities" in this city ?
And lets not assume the British "authority" or any where else will be any superior .
By Karan Arora. Posted April 20 2009 at 8:01 AM.
Am I missing something here? I haven't seen the
movie yet, cuz I thought, from the name it was another movie about "rappers". But apparently this
was a box office hit, making millions, this girl was
flown to the Oscars because she was a major
"actor" or highlight of the movie, and this family was
compensated, what, less than $2,000??? This girl
worked for 2 months filming, sounds to me the exploiters are the film makers, getting rich off her poverty and pretty smile. She deserves a proper
percentage of the films success and royalties for
the dvd now being rented all over the world. She should be rich like her exploiters!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By c zwisler. Posted April 20 2009 at 9:29 AM.
My husband and I have twin 5 yr old girls. It broke our heart to hear about this under the table deal. If there is any type of leagal adoption, please, let us know. We are interested in giving this girl a loving home filled with joy and sisters. not a family willing to part with her. Dhe deserves to be in a loving home, go to school, and have a wonderful, out of Hollywood life. Please let us know. God Bless her.
By Cassie . Posted April 20 2009 at 7:13 AM.
Perhaps the best thing would be to send Rubina to a boarding school, out of India, and set up trust fund, outside of India, with an executor who is not her father, who obviously can't be trusted. The mother is apparently no better since she only showed up when the money came, but who knows that may be another story.
As long as the father has no responsibility for her, perhaps a sti[end can be iven so her family doesn't suffer. But someone needs to look out for this little girl and the Indian government, nor the bollywood establishment seem to be taking any notice, no surprise there.
By sd. Posted April 20 2009 at 6:18 AM.
I just don't know how these fine investigative reporters could leave her in her father's hands. It would rip my heart out to leave her behind. I would adopt her today, if I could. My two children would love her. I hope that India starts to care about their people, all of their people, and do what a proper government does...take care of it's citizens. They need programs and laws and aid to help their people live healthier and much happier lives. It really upsets me that so many Indian citizens seem to have little or no rights or support. The child trafficking is a heinous business and a scourge on society. I still can't wrap my head around the pure evil of it from every side involved.
The world sheds a big tear for the children of the slums everywhere, and I do too.
By Allyson Dufour. Posted April 20 2009 at 6:01 AM.
After watching the movie, crying nonstop, and reading previous articles, it is still my belief that human beings are products of their environments! These poor families should be shown a "better" way of life through EXAMPLE, not through harsh words and negative press. So, instead of bringing in cameras and creating movie stars out of innocent children that must return to these SLUMS, why not help out by sending in bulldozers to clean up their slums, create new dredge ditches, and siphon out the muck they call "water" by bringing in "Clean, Fresh, USABLE DRINKING WATER", as well water for clean laundry? What if we all sent over building supplies, and temporary housing (tents, sleeping bags, pillows etc), so they could build decent homes with "basic" furnishings? They’d feel like “normal human beings" and they too would behave differently if it were built via “Community Effort”! Always remember, "Life is as we make it", however, when “living in slums" is all people know, then "Yes" people become PRODUCTS OF THEIR ENVIRONMENTS! So, let’s give them the "TOOLS" by which to build and this in turn will assist the CHILDREN, and their environment! They will have "actual tools" by which to build their new lives! We could make a difference and help them overcome this "way of life" as they know it! Remember, the healing begins when the “tragedy” ends! This involves physical and mental "CHANGE"! If this can be achieved then we all WIN!!
By SLBene. Posted April 20 2009 at 5:25 AM.
While you all whine nothing's being done for the good of these 2 children.
Rubina doesnt even know she's being sold off - although this comes as a desperate measure to the parents i totally understand the fact that you shouldnt sell your CHILDREN OFF!
She should be adopted, whether rich or a better off family, doesnt matter, she should be taken away from Parents like this who doesnt see her as a family member but a piece of furniture!
She could jolly well forget both Parents - she should get the right to be educated, live in a proper place.
Please quit talking and do something about it! Will Angelina Jolie and Madonna who's been trying to adopt kids from anywhere in the world NOW stand-up and offer their support. At least these 2 could still develop an award winning child!
Where are you guys now?
By Rod. Posted April 20 2009 at 2:49 AM.
These comments are ridiculous. Why should the director be responsible for the lives of these children? Granted, the story is sad, shocking, pick your adjective. But, if I walked up to my former employer and told them to buy me a house, and continue paying me post-employment, I'd justifiably be laughed at. Pay the children due royalties, donate to their communities, but be responsible for them? These children have parents. Just because their parents suck on a serious level, doesn't mean the rest of the world is responsible for her.
By Lexi. Posted April 20 2009 at 1:57 AM.
I saw the movie when it first came out and my first inclination was that surely the directors et al would see to it that all the children that acted in the movie would be well compensated and removed from their current slum environment. There is a certain responsibility that comes with plucking child actors from such a dire life and use them. Silly me.
I am in a position, although a senior citizen and grandmother of six young girls, to take in and educate an older child in need. However, the ridiculous bureaucracy that would entail is too much for my nerves. Anytime, some do good organization AND a government becomes involved nothing gets accomplished, except a nice cushy position for the various do gooders. Mother Teresa had it right, work directly with the children in need, that way the benefits accrue to them directly. As the cynic that I am I fear that Rubina and her fellow child actors from the movie will remain in the
slums while the Hollywood types and the rest of the world fiddles. Still it might be preferable than to be sold into middle eastern slavery and prostitution. We had a situation here in Berkeley, CA where a well to do Indian native and his wife brought over two or more young girls and kept them as slaves in their household and business. It took years until the authorities did something about it and I believe the man is now in prison.
By Swissik. Posted April 19 2009 at 11:17 PM.
SOMEBODY PLEASE review the tapes - check the evidence - and GET HER OUT OF THERE SAFELY never to go back... and all of the other children as well.
There really are loving homes who will give a great future for these children...
But this evil monster of a man should not profit one more penny off of the slave labor and human trafficking that he is doing!!!!!!!!!!
Authorities please step in and rescue these children!
By J. Posted April 19 2009 at 10:24 PM.
If uncle Boyle' as you called him was truly concerned over the fate of Rubina or any other poor child and made over 180million dollars with this movie he would have saw to it that they were compensated in a way befitting any american child star. that way they could have pulled theirself out of the slum's and continued on accordingly, God's watching you "uncle Boyle".
By sheila evans. Posted April 19 2009 at 9:53 PM.
Kind of makes you rethink criticism of China's one child per family policy.
By thenewreligion. Posted April 19 2009 at 9:29 PM.
I do not understand the logic of some of these comments. If I get a job at mcdonalds for a few weeks does that mean that mcdonalds is responsible for housing and providing for my family for their entire life?
Danny Byle has done more for these kids than their own government, who when the kids came back from the Oscars,promised them new apartments within 2 weeks.
By FLORENCE. Posted April 19 2009 at 9:20 PM.
OFFER TO PAY THE MEN $5 TO HAVE A VASECTOMY, THIS WILL HELP AND CURTAIL FUTURE GENERATIONS OF UNWANTED KIDS.
By FLORENCE. Posted April 19 2009 at 8:18 PM.
so ashame...what does it take to help the children..and only the children..somebody got to be in control...and i dont mean the goverment..
By Christie. Posted April 19 2009 at 8:13 PM.
My world doesn't end at the tip of my nose....
I am thankful for this event happening. I am thankful her greedy dad didn't sell her last year. Supply and demand in Mumbai India I guess.... My point is to agree with those who speak of helping the whole community -vs- save poor Rubina. Her future got virtually assured with her fame, Rubina will not disappear into the grimy world to which she was born. The armchair orators writing here will see to that.
But.... less than 50 feet away is a little child crying.
By Jeff Wenman. Posted April 19 2009 at 7:45 PM.
I am horrified but not surprised that this has happened to these beautiful children, if money were given to the families - without adoption - the kids wouldn't see a penny. This makes me sick and I think Hollywood should step in and help these kids because now that they are so well known, this will not stop - where is Angelina when she is really needed? SOME ORGANIZATION PLEASE HELP THESE KIDS, it is not their fault they became bargaining chips, it makes me sick.
By janig. Posted April 19 2009 at 7:20 PM.
DANNY BOYLE: THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! DO SOMETHING NOE!!!
By Bambi Stalin. Posted April 19 2009 at 7:14 PM.
I think this is worst case i have ever heard. Father wants to sell her daughter who gives fame and name to her family.
By Anoop Parihar. Posted April 19 2009 at 6:42 PM.
I like the idea of boarding school, but one that is far away from those monsters they call "dad", fully paid for by the trust fund. The kids can have the money when the reach 18. England would be good given that it has Europe's largest Indian community.
As for the 2 monsters that don't deserve to be fathers, the Indian judiciary and government should step-in and break the parental relationship. They don't deserve a penny and should remain in the slums. Going to jail simply would be too good for them...
By Basher. Posted April 19 2009 at 6:35 PM.
This confirms what I felt about her father from the start. A money grabbing leech that would sell his kids so HE can live the good life.
By FLORENCE. Posted April 19 2009 at 6:21 PM.
What a tragic situation. I cannot believe it. Honestly as a 42 year old woman married with no children. I would have her into our home any day to get her away from that torment. I really am dumbfounded a father could do that to his own daughter. My husband and I would have loved a child... could anyone with a heart give their own beautiful child up for money..... it just has ruined me hearing that tonight. I hope nothing happens to her. Her father should be locked up.
By Karen. Posted April 19 2009 at 5:40 PM.
This makes me think of Annie a bit. If only the wealthy uncle would take care of the children!
The wiser way to deal with the poverty issue is to assist in the community, with schools and clinics, but if the children are made to work because one person cannot support the family, it wont matter.
By Faith. Posted April 19 2009 at 5:35 PM.
This is something that happens everyday unfortunately, the fact that it is a child that we all have watched on the big screen just makes it seem more personal. I understand Danny Boyle not giving these children all their money because he knew the parents and family would exploit and steal the money from the children. However, there has to be some way to help them. What about paying for all these chidren from Slumdog going away to a Boarding School to get their education and then they would be safe, well cared for, and educated at the same time. That way when their education is completed they would be able to have access to their trust funds from the movie as legal adults.
By Sonja. Posted April 19 2009 at 5:33 PM.
YOU ARE JEALOUS.
By Ravinder Singal. Posted April 19 2009 at 4:45 PM.
It's really horrifying to read such articles. It’s so saddening to witness Fathers, Mothers & uncles who put the blame on poverty & fail to do their responsibilities as guardians & role models where children can look up to & be proper citizens. My wish for these children is that the Indian government should provide security & safety for their future. Its heart breaking to know that they (Children) like Rubina & the rest have no control over their future or fate as its DERTERMINED by their irresponsible & money greedy fathers & mothers!!!!!!
Ultimately what's the out come of this investigation did anything good happend or is it just another discover & will go unnoticable???
May God be the protector for these children!!!
By Arlene. Posted April 19 2009 at 4:44 PM.
India needs to follow China's example and vigorously limit each family to only two children. In the process the population would be taught birth control and require abortions for every pregnancy after the first two. Seems harsh but not nearly as harsh as the reality of the proverty and cruelty overpopulation breeds in India.
By afgail. Posted April 19 2009 at 4:44 PM.
While watching the Oscar Telecast I remember wondering if the kids would get shipped back to the slums after the film makers pocketed the profilts.
It is easy to damn Rubina's father & uncle as monsters, but they have probably convinced themselves that they are doing what has to be done for the good of their family. Don't give a starving man a crumb of bread if you are going to be shocked by his "Greed" when he tries to snatch the whole loaf from your hand by any means possible.
Boyle should step up and bring the whole family back to the States. Rubina obviously has the talent to support them all in the manner to which they will quickly become accustomed.
By Amos Guam. Posted April 19 2009 at 4:17 PM.
I am horrified by this...nothing reported in the news really ever gets at me, but this disgusted me. Hollywood should've probably done a bit more follow-up on their 'stars', though the blame is squarely on the men in that family. I hope Rubina is taken care of properly....Kudos to NOTW great investigative reporting!!!
By Curtis. Posted April 19 2009 at 3:46 PM.
I think first and foremost they should,nt be having so many children knowing they can,t afford to bring them up...they should be learning to use contraception ...they clearly dont want these children when they can give them away so freely...I do feel sorry the way they have to live....but again dont have the children in the first place ...
By p edmunds. Posted April 19 2009 at 3:34 PM.
Never in my life did I expect to hear the phrase "Oscar baby for sale".
By Paul Roberts. Posted April 19 2009 at 3:36 PM.
The abject poverty and misery of the slums translates into horrors and realities that most of us would be unable to comprehend.
Then, that old human vice steps in, GREED. Make no mistake, whether it be in one of the world's worst slums or on Wall Street, it still impacts everyone of us.
In a world where corporate pirates can run companies into the ground, destroying the shareholders and employees lives and security and then receive a payoff in the billions to "save" the very companies/industries they destroyed, is it really so easy to vilify these people living in a culture and level of poverty most of us barely comprehend?
Here is hoping Boyle, the other celebs, charities, and government find a way to help Rubina and all the children there.
By Deborah. Posted April 19 2009 at 3:17 PM.
I am shocked .Government of India should come out with effective plans which can change quality of life of those people. India should really think about it and Human Right and child care organisations should give pressure.
By DP Sapkota,Copenhagen. Posted April 19 2009 at 2:57 PM.
This article will perhaps shock many in the western world but for many others it is just one of those unfortunate happenings on our planet. I recall when I was in Hydrabad 1993 something similar happened - The pilot of an Air India plane swerved back to port after one of the hostess reported that a minor female passenger was crying on the plane - her parents had sold her to a rascal, who married her (NIKA)and took her to Dubai (?) to be sold to a sheikh (DEFINITELY another rascal). I remember the wonderful intervention in Parliament by a lady MP and her appeal to the Government to protect 'our innocent daughters'
By Harry K. Samboo. Posted April 19 2009 at 11:33 AM.
I think if she is adopted by a good rich family even if they buy her.. it would be much better for her than to stay in the slum with her real family, where she would probably end up spending her whole life in filth or if some tragedy strikes to the family, she will end up in some brothel. i think this is gonna be a good thing for her...
By Perx. Posted April 19 2009 at 10:00 AM.
Such people like rubina's dad must be gunned down. As anywayz they are no good for their children. Actually here in the story mentioned above, the other case of Mr. Akbar is understandable to certain level, as he is trying to give his children coz he is not able to support his children. Eventhough this is bad but its like opting between two worst case scenario, but in case of Rubina's dad, its juz plain greediness, inspite of getting a decent pay via advt. deals (and sure she may get more deals too) and the film and even getting the flat where they can all live decently he is trying to sell her coz he wants much more now. He wants to stay in mansion not a flat at the expense of his innocent daughter. Such people may be there in pleanty. I am seriously thinking of making a huge fund from amongst my friend circle and pool in money (quite a big amount) and try to gain as much kids as possible via pimps n agents like rajan who can be found in many, coz these parents are a real threat to their own kids. They can sell their kids to anyone, better we buy them first and place them in safe hands under some genuine NGO which can take care of them and make them fit to survive with dignity in this BIG BAD WORLD on their own when they are grown ups. It will even be a good use of our money too instead of doing some wide scale charity.
By vijay shetty. Posted April 19 2009 at 9:41 AM.
Carol makes a good point - clinics (and schools) should be built in the slums. This is what Save the CHildren is saying should happen - tackle poverty.
By DOminic Nutt. Posted April 19 2009 at 9:30 AM.
This heartbreaking article unfortunately is the tip of the iceberg. Wealthy foreigners are welcome to buy human children, as if they are pets. A pop star like Madonna believes that she is entitled to buy human pets, and yet, she hardly merits criticism from the Western press. Don't people realize that she is no better than the type of exploiters of children who have money and believe that they can own other people's children if they are poor. It's a pitiful world, and Western bad guys, like Madonna, are part and parcel of a larger epidemic of trafficking human children as slaves and human pets.
By michele. Posted April 19 2009 at 9:34 AM.
With a father like this, Rubina won't be needing any enemies. This is a tragic state of affairs. Helping Rubina alone though will not help the other children being offered for sale. It is sickening, and I am not accepting the reason as being poverty. Everyone is in the same boat in that area, all the families are poverty stricken but not all are offering up their children.
I don't know the answer to this problem, but a start would be freely available contraception. There should be well equipped clinics in every area. Having said that, some parents view their children as a money making venture, not helped by huge sums being offered.
By Carol. Posted April 19 2009 at 7:25 AM.
Danny Boyle opened a genie in the bottle - unfortunately it is not so easy to put back -
The father is not only trying to sell the child - but to profit from the child once she is no longer present - this is not just needy - its greedy.
Shouldn't the Slumdog directors take responsibility for both these children?
Possibly get Rubina a lawyer or someone to act on her behalf - she needs to be protected (financially), schooled and not married off or sold - maybe boarding school - to take her off her father's hands - one that will allow her to come home on weekends - if she wants -
Both these children need to be empowered - unfortunately we have seen the boy beaten for saying he was too tired to go out and meet the press - just after returning from the Oscars in the US !!
Boarding schools where the children can come home on the weekends - if they choose - would place the children in a better position and ensure that they are well educated (the lack of education being the root cause of poverty)
The fact Rubina's father tried to sell her off - and profit from a house they were to be given (and possibly her luxe apartment in beautiful Kerala) - as Rubina would be married off/ adopted - he stood to pocket quite a lot of money and property -- should be taken seriously -
The onus for these children's well being - should be placed in the hands of the director - Uncle Doyle !!
By roxn. Posted April 19 2009 at 5:30 AM.