Slumdog lovers 'dating off-screen'

Slumdog Millionaire on-screen lovers Dev Patel and Freida Pinto are dating in real life, their co-star has suggested.

Indian actor Anil Kapoor was quoted in The Sun as saying: "I think this is the beginning of something exciting.

"They definitely make a great pair and look very good together."

The two young stars are said to have grown close while promoting the film - a favourite for the Oscars this weekend - around the world.

Kapoor, 49, was speaking on Ryan Seacrest's morning radio show ahead of the Oscars on Sunday.

Presenter Ryan Seacrest asked the actor: "Dev and Freida... Is there any action going on behind the scenes there?"

The Bollywood star answered: "As a matter of fact, when I meet them I feel there is something happening."

Former Skins star Dev, 18, from Harrow, has already bagged a clutch of awards for his role as Jamal in the film. Directed by Danny Boyle, it has become a global hit and tells the story of a boy from a Mumbai slum who beats the odds to win the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

Kapoor plays the show's host and ex-model Freida, 24, plays his sweetheart Latika.

Freida is widely reported to have parted with her boyfriend, Mumbai-based PR agent Rohan Antao, last month, but Dev, from north London, has previously denied any romantic relationship. He said: "We are mates."

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