Slumdog writer says next book may not have India setting

Diplomat Vikas Swarup, on whose debut novel Oscar-nominated film "Slumdog Millionaire" is based, may not use an India setting in his next book.

"I am still conceptualising my third book which, for a change, may not be set in India," the "Q & A" author and deputy high commissioner to South Africa told PTI in an email interview from Pretoria.

While penning "Q & A", Swarup said he never thought that the book will make waves.

"Not at all. I really thought it was a very Indian story which would have appeal only for an Indian readership. So the welcome reception that the book has received in countries like Brazil, Israel, France and Sweden has come as a big surprise to me," he says.

According to him, his novel neither emphasises on poverty nor shows Indian slums in poor light.

"My book was not just about the slums of India. It was the life story of Ram Mohammad Thomas, an 18-year-old waiter, and how his experiences taught him the answers to the questions on a quiz show," Swarup says.

"Obviously the canvas of my book was wider. The film had to compress the narrative into a tight time space of two hours so its arc became narrower.

"Still it is not a documentary on Indian slums. It is a compelling human story about the resilience, dynamism and never-say-die attitude of India," Swarup maintains.

Like many Indians, the diplomat says he is also praying that A R Rahman wins an Oscar for the film's music.

"I think Rahman is a wizard and I am happy that the world has recognised his genius. The music of 'Slumdog...' is so eclectic. It has elements of hip hop, reggae and pop yet with an Indian soul. I wish that brings an Oscar to India," he says.

He is equally elated with the success of the film and appreciative of Boyle's work.

"I think no one expected the film to do so well. In a way it itself is a story of the triumph of the underdog.

"Danny Boyle has brought an outsider's perspective to Mumbai but one imbued with empathy and respect for the city and it's residents," he says.  BBC and Starfield Productions have approached him for making a film on his second novel "Six Suspects".  Swarup says he has no time to take script writing offers from Hollywood and Bollywood."I have no time to write scripts. Don't forget I have a full time job," he says.

"Q & A" has been translated in 36 languages and won several prizes in the international circuit.