Amazon's synopsis of 'Q & A (Slumdog Millionaire)' by Vikas Swarup:
A former tiffinboy from Mumbai, Ram Mohammad Thomas, has just got twelve questions correct on a TV quiz show to win a cool one billion rupees. But he is brutally slung in a prison cell on suspicion of cheating. Because how can a kid from the slums know who Shakespeare was, unless he has been pulling a fast one?
In the order of the questions on the show, Ram tells us which amazing adventures in his street-kid life taught him the answers. From orphanages to brothels, gangsters to beggar-masters, and into the homes of Bollywood's rich and famous, "Slumdog Millionaire" is brimming with the chaotic comedy, heart-stopping tragedy, and tear-inducing joyfulness of modern India.
A former tiffinboy from Mumbai, Ram Mohammad Thomas, has just got twelve questions correct on a TV quiz show to win a cool one billion rupees. But he is brutally slung in a prison cell on suspicion of cheating. Because how can a kid from the slums know who Shakespeare was, unless he has been pulling a fast one?
In the order of the questions on the show, Ram tells us which amazing adventures in his street-kid life taught him the answers. From orphanages to brothels, gangsters to beggar-masters, and into the homes of Bollywood's rich and famous, "Slumdog Millionaire" is brimming with the chaotic comedy, heart-stopping tragedy, and tear-inducing joyfulness of modern India.
1. In one word, how would you sum up your journey writing and releasing
"Q &A (Slumdog Millionaire)" to the world 20 yrs ago?
Transformative.
2. Were there other titles you came up with before “Q & A" If so, what were they? Also, what are your thoughts about the book being called “Slumdog Millionaire”?
I did not consider any other title apart from Q & A, as the question-and-answer dynamic of the quiz show was the central theme of the book. Regarding Slumdog Millionaire, I was initially unsure about the change because even the fictional game show in my book was called ‘Who Will Win a Billion’. However, I recognized that the new title was primarily aimed at people who had no idea a book called Q & A existed. They watched a film called Slumdog Millionaire, walked into a bookstore, and asked for the book by that name. The tie-in title made it easier for them to connect the film to its source material, which ultimately helped the book reach a wider audience.
3. What was your writing schedule when you wrote the novel?
When I wrote my debut novel, I was working as the Political Counsellor at the Indian High
Commission in London. It was a unique period in my life, as my family—my wife and two boys—had already preceded me to India. During the weekdays, I diligently worked at the High Commission from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In the evenings, I would return to my empty home, use the quiet to do my research, and primarily write on weekends. One particularly productive weekend, I managed to write 20,000 words, which significantly accelerated my progress. Remarkably, I completed the entire novel in just two months, and what has been published is my first draft! It was an intense but incredibly fulfilling process.
4. Congratulations on the 20th Year Anniversary of the novel “Q&A (Slumdog Millionaire)”, could you tell us how you found out that your book will be adapted into a film?
I wrote the novel in 2003, and it was accepted for publication by Random House just a few months after I finished it. However, they informed me that since it was a ‘big’ book, it would have to be sequenced behind their other ‘big’ books which had already been lined up for publication, meaning there would be a delay of two years, and the book would release only in 2005. To my surprise, in 2004—one year before the novel had even been published—I received a call from Tessa Ross of Film4. She had been tipped off by my publishers and was incredibly excited about turning my story into a film. Her enthusiasm and belief in the project were both unexpected and exhilarating, setting the stage for the journey that would ultimately lead to Slumdog Millionaire.
5. When writing "Q &A (Slumdog Millionaire)", do you like to map out your fiction plots ahead of time or just let it flow?
The entire novel was very tightly plotted. Since I was revealing the private life of my protagonist
through the public medium of a quiz show, I had to adhere to the conventions of a quiz show. For
example, the questions needed to be a broad mix, covering everything from popular culture, to
science, to history. Then, the easier questions had to come first, and the difficult questions later.
Most importantly, I had to ensure an organic connection between the questions and the answers.
Each question had to seamlessly link to a pivotal moment in the protagonist's life, blending the framework of the quiz show with the narrative's emotional and thematic depth. This careful plotting was essential to make the story feel cohesive and compelling.
6. From the novel "Q & A (Slumdog Millionaire)", could you please leaf through the pages and point at a random place. What is the full sentence? And what is the page number of this random sentence?
“Drunkards in Hindi films are invariably funny characters. Think of Keshto Mukherjee with a bottle
and you cannot help bursting out laughing. But drunkards in real life are not funny, they are
frightening.”
This is from page 65 of the original 2005 hardcover edition of Q&A brought out by Doubleday. It retailed for Pound sterling 12.99, but because it is so rare now, it is selling on Abe Books for US$ 52.53!
7. What was your favorite scene from "Q & A (Slumdog Millionaire)” when you wrote the book? And what was your favorite scene from the film adaptation?
The most poignant scene for me while writing the book was when Shankar dies of rabies. It was gut-wrenching to write, and I had tears in my eyes even as I read it later. The emotional weight of that moment stayed with me long after I finished the novel. In the film, my favorite scene is when Jamal Malik is showing a group of American tourists around the Taj Mahal and making up history on the fly. It’s such a clever and humorous moment that brilliantly highlights Jamal’s resourcefulness and charm. It’s both light-hearted and telling of his character’s adaptability.
8. Were you ever on set? If so, could you tell me your memorable moment?
No, I was never on set. In fact, I didn’t even know that the film had started shooting. The first time I realized it was underway was when I came across a news snippet in a local newspaper. It mentioned that the makers of the film had been arrested in Agra for shooting without permission at the Taj Mahal! That unexpected discovery was both amusing and surreal, as it was my first hint that the adaptation of my book had truly come to life.
9. The film has a stellar cast that include Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Anil Kapoor, and Irrfan Khan. Also, Danny Boyle directed the film. What are your thoughts on them participating in something that originated from you?
When I attended the Oscars, I didn’t take my phone with me. Instead, I carried a copy of the book and asked everyone connected to the film to write little notes in it. The best note came from Danny Boyle, who wrote, "Without this, there would have been nothing."
That simple yet profound note perfectly encapsulated the relationship between the book and the
film. The creative spark contained in the novel ignited the movie’s magic. The book’s unique selling point was its innovative way of storytelling—using the medium of a quiz show to reveal the life story of the protagonist. It was an approach no one had attempted before, and it laid the foundation for the film’s compelling narrative. To see such a talented cast and crew bring it to life was truly humbling.
This was a film where the whole was greater than the sum of its parts. It was Danny Boyle’s genius in bringing everything together—the brilliant cast, the amazing script, the scintillating music, the breathtaking cinematography—that made Slumdog Millionaire so special. Each element came together in a way that transcended individual contributions, creating something extraordinary.
10. Which of the cast were you able to conversate with, and how was that experience?
I met most of the cast and crew for the first time at the London premiere of Slumdog Millionaire on October 30, 2008. The most memorable interaction was with the young and enthusiastic Dev Patel. He proudly showed me his well-thumbed copy of Q & A, telling me it was his bible. He had read it multiple times to truly get into the mind of my central character, Ram Mohammad Thomas, who was reimagined as Jamal Malik in the film. It was deeply gratifying to see the dedication he brought to the role.
11. A huge congratulations on getting the film adaptation of your novel “Slumdog Millionaire” winning 8 Oscars including Best Picture at the 81st Academy Awards, could you describe your experience that night?
It felt completely surreal. When Slumdog Millionaire won all those Oscars, it truly felt as though
India had finally arrived on the world’s biggest entertainment stage. Before Slumdog, Bollywood had often been dismissed as something that resonated primarily with the Indian diaspora, but Slumdog changed that, becoming the first Indian film with genuine crossover appeal.
When Slumdog won Best Picture, I found myself on stage with the cast and crew. If you look at the photos from that evening, everyone else on stage is looking straight ahead at the cameras. I’m the only one looking up at the ceiling, in complete awe, wondering what a professional diplomat like me was doing at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood! It was an extraordinary and humbling experience that I’ll never forget.
FYI ( Slumdog Millionaire Won Best Picture): On stage, Vikas Swarup (salt-and pepper hair) is behind the speaker (Christian Colson), at his left shoulder.
12. At the 81st Academy Awards (Oscars), which celebrities did you get to converse with? If possible, could you elaborate about the conversation with one of them?
What I loved about the Oscars was how democratic it felt. Once you cross the red carpet, there are no bodyguards or security stopping you—you're free to meet anyone. I had the opportunity to speak with many stars, especially Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, who shared her deep love for India. After the ceremony, I accidentally took the wrong exit and ended up in Jennifer Aniston’s makeup room. She looked at me in my black Indian jacket, holding a copy of my book, and exclaimed, “So, you are the man!” I replied, “Yes, I’m the man.” We then had a delightful 10-minute conversation, which was one of the unexpected highlights of the evening. One of my greatest regrets that night was not speaking to Prince, who was seated just one row to my left. I hesitated because I’d read that his name was now a glyph, and I wasn’t sure how to address him! I especially enjoyed interacting with the real slum kids from Mumbai who had flown to Los Angeles for the Oscars. In fact, I was instrumental in helping them secure their passports by giving a personal guarantee to the Regional Passport Officer in Mumbai. They asked me for advice on what they should do next, and I told them that they had been given an incredible break and should use it to maximize their potential. Even as they explored opportunities in Hollywood and Bollywood, I emphasized the importance of education to secure a brighter future.
13. Could you talk about how you met the late Sidney Poitier after Oscars night?
I had a chance meeting with the great actor at Wolfgang Puck’s signature restaurant Spago, the day after the Oscars. He congratulated me warmly and shared that he, too, had taken to writing fiction. I asked him why we didn’t get to see him at the Oscar ceremony any longer. He said once he got his Lifetime Achievement award, he had vowed never to return to the Oscar stage. It was truly a humbling and inspiring moment.
14. Do you still have your novel that has all the signatures from the Slumdog Millionaire’s cast members?
Absolutely! It is a treasured possession, a memento of the extraordinary journey we all undertook together.
15. If you had your own talk show, who would your first three guests be?
Actually, I did have a talk show called Diplomatic Dispatch which aired on India’s parliamentary
channel ‘Sansad TV’ for 78 episodes, aimed at demystifying diplomacy and geopolitics.
If I had a new talk show focused on literature and cinema, my first three guests would be JK Rowling, James Cameron and Christopher Nolan!
16. Last question, what are your thoughts about the news that Slumdog Millionaire might have a sequel? Have you ever considered writing a sequel to the novel?
Even after I had finished Q & A, my publishers suggested I write a sequel, but I didn’t want to turn it into a Spider-Man franchise centered around a single character! It’s interesting that, after 15 years, there will be a sequel to the movie. I would be very curious to see where they take the journey of Jamal Malik next and how the story unfolds from there. If I were to write a sequel, it would focus on Ram Mohammad Thomas—the protagonist of Q & A—and what he did with his billion-rupee prize money! His story, to me, is even more intriguing, and it would be fascinating to explore his next chapter after the events of the novel.
"Q &A (Slumdog Millionaire)" to the world 20 yrs ago?
Transformative.
2. Were there other titles you came up with before “Q & A" If so, what were they? Also, what are your thoughts about the book being called “Slumdog Millionaire”?
I did not consider any other title apart from Q & A, as the question-and-answer dynamic of the quiz show was the central theme of the book. Regarding Slumdog Millionaire, I was initially unsure about the change because even the fictional game show in my book was called ‘Who Will Win a Billion’. However, I recognized that the new title was primarily aimed at people who had no idea a book called Q & A existed. They watched a film called Slumdog Millionaire, walked into a bookstore, and asked for the book by that name. The tie-in title made it easier for them to connect the film to its source material, which ultimately helped the book reach a wider audience.
3. What was your writing schedule when you wrote the novel?
When I wrote my debut novel, I was working as the Political Counsellor at the Indian High
Commission in London. It was a unique period in my life, as my family—my wife and two boys—had already preceded me to India. During the weekdays, I diligently worked at the High Commission from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In the evenings, I would return to my empty home, use the quiet to do my research, and primarily write on weekends. One particularly productive weekend, I managed to write 20,000 words, which significantly accelerated my progress. Remarkably, I completed the entire novel in just two months, and what has been published is my first draft! It was an intense but incredibly fulfilling process.
4. Congratulations on the 20th Year Anniversary of the novel “Q&A (Slumdog Millionaire)”, could you tell us how you found out that your book will be adapted into a film?
I wrote the novel in 2003, and it was accepted for publication by Random House just a few months after I finished it. However, they informed me that since it was a ‘big’ book, it would have to be sequenced behind their other ‘big’ books which had already been lined up for publication, meaning there would be a delay of two years, and the book would release only in 2005. To my surprise, in 2004—one year before the novel had even been published—I received a call from Tessa Ross of Film4. She had been tipped off by my publishers and was incredibly excited about turning my story into a film. Her enthusiasm and belief in the project were both unexpected and exhilarating, setting the stage for the journey that would ultimately lead to Slumdog Millionaire.
5. When writing "Q &A (Slumdog Millionaire)", do you like to map out your fiction plots ahead of time or just let it flow?
The entire novel was very tightly plotted. Since I was revealing the private life of my protagonist
through the public medium of a quiz show, I had to adhere to the conventions of a quiz show. For
example, the questions needed to be a broad mix, covering everything from popular culture, to
science, to history. Then, the easier questions had to come first, and the difficult questions later.
Most importantly, I had to ensure an organic connection between the questions and the answers.
Each question had to seamlessly link to a pivotal moment in the protagonist's life, blending the framework of the quiz show with the narrative's emotional and thematic depth. This careful plotting was essential to make the story feel cohesive and compelling.
6. From the novel "Q & A (Slumdog Millionaire)", could you please leaf through the pages and point at a random place. What is the full sentence? And what is the page number of this random sentence?
“Drunkards in Hindi films are invariably funny characters. Think of Keshto Mukherjee with a bottle
and you cannot help bursting out laughing. But drunkards in real life are not funny, they are
frightening.”
This is from page 65 of the original 2005 hardcover edition of Q&A brought out by Doubleday. It retailed for Pound sterling 12.99, but because it is so rare now, it is selling on Abe Books for US$ 52.53!
7. What was your favorite scene from "Q & A (Slumdog Millionaire)” when you wrote the book? And what was your favorite scene from the film adaptation?
The most poignant scene for me while writing the book was when Shankar dies of rabies. It was gut-wrenching to write, and I had tears in my eyes even as I read it later. The emotional weight of that moment stayed with me long after I finished the novel. In the film, my favorite scene is when Jamal Malik is showing a group of American tourists around the Taj Mahal and making up history on the fly. It’s such a clever and humorous moment that brilliantly highlights Jamal’s resourcefulness and charm. It’s both light-hearted and telling of his character’s adaptability.
8. Were you ever on set? If so, could you tell me your memorable moment?
No, I was never on set. In fact, I didn’t even know that the film had started shooting. The first time I realized it was underway was when I came across a news snippet in a local newspaper. It mentioned that the makers of the film had been arrested in Agra for shooting without permission at the Taj Mahal! That unexpected discovery was both amusing and surreal, as it was my first hint that the adaptation of my book had truly come to life.
9. The film has a stellar cast that include Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Anil Kapoor, and Irrfan Khan. Also, Danny Boyle directed the film. What are your thoughts on them participating in something that originated from you?
When I attended the Oscars, I didn’t take my phone with me. Instead, I carried a copy of the book and asked everyone connected to the film to write little notes in it. The best note came from Danny Boyle, who wrote, "Without this, there would have been nothing."
That simple yet profound note perfectly encapsulated the relationship between the book and the
film. The creative spark contained in the novel ignited the movie’s magic. The book’s unique selling point was its innovative way of storytelling—using the medium of a quiz show to reveal the life story of the protagonist. It was an approach no one had attempted before, and it laid the foundation for the film’s compelling narrative. To see such a talented cast and crew bring it to life was truly humbling.
This was a film where the whole was greater than the sum of its parts. It was Danny Boyle’s genius in bringing everything together—the brilliant cast, the amazing script, the scintillating music, the breathtaking cinematography—that made Slumdog Millionaire so special. Each element came together in a way that transcended individual contributions, creating something extraordinary.
10. Which of the cast were you able to conversate with, and how was that experience?
I met most of the cast and crew for the first time at the London premiere of Slumdog Millionaire on October 30, 2008. The most memorable interaction was with the young and enthusiastic Dev Patel. He proudly showed me his well-thumbed copy of Q & A, telling me it was his bible. He had read it multiple times to truly get into the mind of my central character, Ram Mohammad Thomas, who was reimagined as Jamal Malik in the film. It was deeply gratifying to see the dedication he brought to the role.
11. A huge congratulations on getting the film adaptation of your novel “Slumdog Millionaire” winning 8 Oscars including Best Picture at the 81st Academy Awards, could you describe your experience that night?
It felt completely surreal. When Slumdog Millionaire won all those Oscars, it truly felt as though
India had finally arrived on the world’s biggest entertainment stage. Before Slumdog, Bollywood had often been dismissed as something that resonated primarily with the Indian diaspora, but Slumdog changed that, becoming the first Indian film with genuine crossover appeal.
When Slumdog won Best Picture, I found myself on stage with the cast and crew. If you look at the photos from that evening, everyone else on stage is looking straight ahead at the cameras. I’m the only one looking up at the ceiling, in complete awe, wondering what a professional diplomat like me was doing at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood! It was an extraordinary and humbling experience that I’ll never forget.
FYI ( Slumdog Millionaire Won Best Picture): On stage, Vikas Swarup (salt-and pepper hair) is behind the speaker (Christian Colson), at his left shoulder.
12. At the 81st Academy Awards (Oscars), which celebrities did you get to converse with? If possible, could you elaborate about the conversation with one of them?
What I loved about the Oscars was how democratic it felt. Once you cross the red carpet, there are no bodyguards or security stopping you—you're free to meet anyone. I had the opportunity to speak with many stars, especially Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, who shared her deep love for India. After the ceremony, I accidentally took the wrong exit and ended up in Jennifer Aniston’s makeup room. She looked at me in my black Indian jacket, holding a copy of my book, and exclaimed, “So, you are the man!” I replied, “Yes, I’m the man.” We then had a delightful 10-minute conversation, which was one of the unexpected highlights of the evening. One of my greatest regrets that night was not speaking to Prince, who was seated just one row to my left. I hesitated because I’d read that his name was now a glyph, and I wasn’t sure how to address him! I especially enjoyed interacting with the real slum kids from Mumbai who had flown to Los Angeles for the Oscars. In fact, I was instrumental in helping them secure their passports by giving a personal guarantee to the Regional Passport Officer in Mumbai. They asked me for advice on what they should do next, and I told them that they had been given an incredible break and should use it to maximize their potential. Even as they explored opportunities in Hollywood and Bollywood, I emphasized the importance of education to secure a brighter future.
13. Could you talk about how you met the late Sidney Poitier after Oscars night?
I had a chance meeting with the great actor at Wolfgang Puck’s signature restaurant Spago, the day after the Oscars. He congratulated me warmly and shared that he, too, had taken to writing fiction. I asked him why we didn’t get to see him at the Oscar ceremony any longer. He said once he got his Lifetime Achievement award, he had vowed never to return to the Oscar stage. It was truly a humbling and inspiring moment.
14. Do you still have your novel that has all the signatures from the Slumdog Millionaire’s cast members?
Absolutely! It is a treasured possession, a memento of the extraordinary journey we all undertook together.
15. If you had your own talk show, who would your first three guests be?
Actually, I did have a talk show called Diplomatic Dispatch which aired on India’s parliamentary
channel ‘Sansad TV’ for 78 episodes, aimed at demystifying diplomacy and geopolitics.
If I had a new talk show focused on literature and cinema, my first three guests would be JK Rowling, James Cameron and Christopher Nolan!
16. Last question, what are your thoughts about the news that Slumdog Millionaire might have a sequel? Have you ever considered writing a sequel to the novel?
Even after I had finished Q & A, my publishers suggested I write a sequel, but I didn’t want to turn it into a Spider-Man franchise centered around a single character! It’s interesting that, after 15 years, there will be a sequel to the movie. I would be very curious to see where they take the journey of Jamal Malik next and how the story unfolds from there. If I were to write a sequel, it would focus on Ram Mohammad Thomas—the protagonist of Q & A—and what he did with his billion-rupee prize money! His story, to me, is even more intriguing, and it would be fascinating to explore his next chapter after the events of the novel.
RSS Feed
