HYDERABAD: Based on Diplomat-author Vikas Swarup’s debut novel Q&A, Oscar winning ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ has not only put the Indian cinematic skills in the focus but has also got the world to acknowledge the powerful way of Indian storytelling.
Vikas Swarup, who is currently India’s Deputy High Commissioner to South Africa, gets personal with Ashok Kumar in a short talk to Express Tell us something about the book Q&A Q&A is the story of an 18-year-old waiter, Ram Mohammad Thomas, who lives in a Mumbai slum. His troubles start when he wins a jackpot on the television programme. But, the producers of the show suspect his ability and get him arrested for cheating. The story unfolds as Ram tells his life story to one Smita, his lawyer.
Do you feel the movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ has done justice to your book, in terms of the final outcome?
It is not my job to defend the film (Slumdog Millionaire). My book was about hope, about the positive qualities.
Did you have a specific message in mind when you set out to write this book? For me the primary purpose was to sell an interesting story. I am the last person to be pontificating to people about something.
Could you foresee the success of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’? No one could foresee the success of Slumdog. Initially, Warner pulled out of the project and then News Corp.’s Fox Searchlight took it.
How will the success of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ help Indian writing?
It shows that stories from India are finding increasing significance and acceptance in the world. It shows that people around the world are curious to know more about India.
What aspect of the novel makes it more attractive to the common people?
The idea of the novel is woven around the plight of ordinary people.
What makes it attractive is its theme about the endless possibilities of life, a reminder that anything is possible. Moreover exploration of universal themes like love and fate gets it closer to the common man, not only in India but all over the world.