Stage Musical Adaptation of Slumdog Millionaire Officially in Development with A R Rahman

New York, NY – The Oscar-winning 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire is set to come alive on stage, with a new musical adaptation now officially in development. The project has brought together acclaimed producer Ken Davenport and the film’s original composer, A R Rahman, who will contribute both classic songs and fresh music for the production.

The musical will feature hits from the movie soundtrack, including the iconic “Jai Ho,” alongside new compositions by Rahman. Reflecting on his return to this beloved story, Rahman, who won two Academy Awards for his work on the film, shared his enthusiasm: “I’m incredibly excited to begin work on Slumdog Millionaire: The Musical. 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!”

Davenport, a Tony Award-winning producer, expressed a deep personal connection to the story. He recalled how Slumdog Millionaire brought him closer to his own Indian heritage. “My father, Kenny Dipchand Hasija, never talked much about growing up in India, until I took him to see Slumdog Millionaire. 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,” Davenport said. “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!”

Based on the novel Q&A by Vikas Swarup, Slumdog Millionaire tells the gripping story of two brothers navigating life in Mumbai. While one brother is drawn into a life of crime, the other finds an unlikely path to fame through the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? quiz show. The film, directed by Danny Boyle and produced by Celador Films with Film 4, won numerous awards, including eight Academy Awards and seven BAFTAs, for its powerful storytelling and cinematic brilliance.

While the location for the world premiere and additional creative details are yet to be announced, fans of the film and musical theatre alike are eagerly awaiting more updates on what promises to be a moving and energetic stage adaptation.