Who Wants to Be a Real Slumdog Millionaire?

U.K. producers reportedly planning a reality show called Secret Slumdog Millionaire, inspired by the Oscar-nominated film

By Natalie Finn Feb 04, 2009 11:45 PMTags
Slumdog Millionaire, Dev PatelIshika Mohan/Fox Searchlight

Slumdog Millionaire could be looking to share the wealth.

The producers of the recent U.K.-U.S. transplant Secret Millionaire are looking to capitalize on the Oscar hopeful's international success with Secret Slumdog Millionaire, a spinoff reality series, according to British media reports.

In the American version of the show, which premiered on Fox in December, quantifiably rich people go undercover in economically deprived neighborhoods, get acquainted with members of the community and and ultimately hand out $100,000 at the end of each episode.

The Indian version would transfer the action to Mumbai, the impoverished, bustling city that provides the setting for Slumdog Millionaire, which has already received criticism that it's portrayal of Mumbai and its people is too one-dimensional.

"It is a fantastic idea. Secret Millionaire has already been well received but this looks like it could be even better," an insider told the U.K.'s Sunday Express.

"The millionaires who sign up will see real poverty in Mumbai and it is going to be very moving when they reveal their identity and offer these people help."

As for those who might be concerned that Secret Slumdog Millionaire (a working title) would be benefiting from the misfortunes of others, the source said, "The producers are bracing themselves against claims that they are cashing in on poverty but the bottom line is they will actually be helping people as well as making great television."

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