A stage version of “Slumdog Millionaire” is in the works. Ken Davenport is developing the musical adapted from the 2009 Academy Award-winning Best Picture. A.R. Rahman will expand upon his Oscar-winning score from the movie for the musical. “Slumdog Millionaire” is being produced in association with Celador International.
“I’m incredibly excited to begin work on ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’” Rahman said in a statement. “This reimagined version will take you on an electrifying journey with new songs and a few unexpected twists. We can’t wait for you to experience it with us!”
The musical will include the song “Jai Ho” from the film. “Jai Ho,” which features music by Rahman and lyrics by poet Gulzar, won the 2009 Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Set on the streets of Mumbai, “Slumdog Millionaire” follows 18-year-old Jamal Malik. While competing on a game show, Jamal is accused of cheating. In the aftermath, he chronicles his life, explaining how he knew the answers to all the questions. Based on the novel “Q & A” by Vikas Swarup, and featuring a screenplay by Simon Beaufoy, “Slumdog Millionaire" was released in 2008. The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning eight.
“My father, Kenny Dipchand Hasija, never talked much about growing up in India, until I took him to see ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’” said Davenport. “Immediately after the credits rolled, the stories, the love and the pride of where he was from poured out of him. It was one of the closest moments we ever had. Right then and there, I vowed to one day find a way to bring our Indian culture to the stage, as a way to honor him, and people of Indian descent all over the world. I just never imagined that I’d be able to do that with that very film, and with A.R. Rahman himself! I'm so grateful that this beloved story has been entrusted to me, with a special thank you to Paul Smith at Celador.”
A two-time Tony Award winner for producing the 2017 revival of “Once on This Island” and 2013’s “Kinky Boots,” Davenport was recently represented on Broadway by “A Beautiful Noise” and “Harmony.”
Additional creative team members, casting and production dates for “Slumdog Millionaire” will be announced.
