https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

The Diplomat Who Conquered Hollywood with His Words 

Vikas Swarup, the diplomat-turned-author, captivated global audiences with his debut novel, Q & A, which inspired the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, blending storytelling brilliance with profound social commentary.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Vikas Swarup, a retired Indian diplomat and celebrated author, has a story as captivating as the characters in his novels. Born on June 22, 1961, Swarup served the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) with distinction, culminating his career as Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Known globally for his debut novel, Q & A, which inspired the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, Swarup’s journey weaves through the corridors of diplomacy and the boundless world of storytelling.

Vikas Swarup’s literary debut not only made him an acclaimed novelist but also catapulted him into global prominence when it was adapted into the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. The novel, translated into 37 languages, captured the essence of human resilience and ingenuity, resonating with readers and audiences worldwide. Through its adaptation, Swarup’s storytelling reached new heights, with the film sweeping major awards, including eight Oscars in 2009. His ability to craft compelling narratives that weave suspense, social commentary, and universal themes has solidified his place among India’s most celebrated authors.

In an conversation with Indian Masterminds, the former diplomat shared his journey in literature and the story behind Slumdog Millionaire. 

THE DIPLOMAT TURNED STORYTELLER 

While writing earned him fame, Swarup’s professional journey began in the structured world of diplomacy. Joining the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1986, he served in prominent roles across Turkey, the United States, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Japan. His tenure included appointments as High Commissioner of India to Canada and as Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), where he oversaw India’s relations with Europe, Central Asia, and the UN system.

However, amidst his demanding career in diplomacy, Swarup’s creative aspirations found their voice during his posting in London between 2000 and 2003. Inspired by the city’s vibrant literary culture, he began penning stories that reflected his observations of life’s complexities.

THE GENESIS OF Q&A 

“Writing is my way of making sense of the world,” Swarup shares, reflecting on how creativity provided a counterbalance to the structured discipline of diplomacy. While stationed in London—a hub for English-language publishing—he was inspired to try his hand at fiction. Encouraged by the literary success of his peers in the Foreign Service, Swarup penned Q & A in 2003. 

The inspiration for the book was stemmed into the cultural phenomenon of quiz shows, particularly the immense popularity of Kaun Banega Crorepati in India. Swarup envisioned a story centered on an unassuming young protagonist, an 18-year-old waiter, who wins a fictional quiz show based on life experiences rather than formal education. Through this premise, Swarup subtly challenged societal hierarchies, emphasizing that knowledge isn’t confined to academic institutions but can be gleaned from life itself.

The novel’s manuscript was optioned for a film even before its publication, signaling its immense potential. Released in 2008, Slumdog Millionaire went on to achieve unparalleled success, transforming Swarup’s story into a cultural phenomenon. The film not only brought global recognition to his work but also highlighted the transformative power of storytelling.

CRAFTING STORIES WITH SOCIAL RESONANCE 

Swarup’s literary repertoire includes two other acclaimed novels—Six Suspects and The Accidental Apprentice. These works, which he describes as “social thrillers,” seamlessly blend suspense with incisive commentary on societal complexities. “I try to provide a peek into the issues and moral dilemmas facing society while crafting intricate plots that surprise and engage readers,” he explains. 

For Swarup, writing is both an art and a discipline. He emphasizes the importance of unique storytelling, and the courage to seek objective feedback. “Every writer must find their own voice,” he advises aspiring authors, “and tell stories only they can tell.” 

LITERATURE AS A CATALYST FOR CHANGE 

 Swarup views literature as a powerful medium for driving social awareness and change. His short story, “A Great Event,” featured in a charitable anthology for Save the Children, underscores his belief in literature’s role as a vehicle for transmitting ideas and sparking societal progress. “Civilization progresses through the cross-fertilization of ideas, and books have the unique ability to inspire movements and transform societies,” he observes.

NEXT PROJECT

Even in retirement, Swarup’s passion for storytelling endures. He is currently deliberating between fiction and non-fiction for his next project. With geopolitics undergoing seismic shifts in recent years, he finds himself drawn to exploring these developments through his writing. At the same time, his love for fiction remains undiminished. “Fiction is my bedrock,” he affirms, hinting at more stories to come.

Vikas Swarup’s journey exemplifies the harmonious blend of diplomacy and creativity. While his diplomatic career brought him face-to-face with the complexities of international relations, his writing has allowed him to distill those experiences into narratives that resonate across cultures. Settled in India, Swarup continues to inspire readers and writers alike, proving that extraordinary stories often emerge from the most unexpected places.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
IRS Officers ndian revenue Services
CBDT Announces Promotions of 5 Senior IRS Officers to Chief Commissioner Grade - Details Inside
CM mohan yadav
CM Dr. Mohan Yadav to Lay Foundation Stone for Four Industrial Units in Sehore on August 2
Reserve-Bank-of-India_RBI_resized
Two Years After Withdrawal, Rs2,000 Notes Worth Rs6,017 Cr Still with Public: RBI
Maritime India
Sonowal Says India’s Maritime Sector Charts Green Future Under Maritime India Vision 2030
IRCTC
IRCTC Appoints Manoj Kumar Sharma as Director (Catering Services) with Additional Charge- Know More About Him
Ministry of Commerce
Nearly 2 Lakh Startups Registered on BHASKAR Platform Across India, Asserts Commerce Ministry
Union Bank of India UBI
Union Bank of India Elevates Vipan Singh as Chief General Manager Following Superannuation of Chander Mohan Minocha
India Algeria defence cooperation
India-Algeria Defence Seminar Boosts Bilateral Ties and Industrial Cooperation - Details Inside
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Karn Satyarthi
How IAS Karn Satyarthi Transformed Gumla Through Empathy and Innovation
Ananth Rupanagudi IRAS
IRAS Ananth Rupanagudi’s Take on Corruption, Reform, and Duty
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-26 at 13.16
What Most Indians Don't Know About Jim Corbett
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
BPSC Bihar police
From Lantern Light to Police Uniform: How Praveen Kumar from a Small Bihar Village Cracked BPSC to Become SDPO
From a lantern-lit village in Bihar to becoming an SDPO, Praveen Kumar's journey is a testament to resilience,...
IAS Priyansha Garg
Why Mindset Matters: IAS Priyansha Garg’s Mental Health Mantra for UPSC
After two failed prelims, Priyansha Garg cracked UPSC with AIR 31 in her fourth attempt, proving how...
Ashish Akshat
From Setback to State Topper: How Ashish Akshat Topped JPSC While Working Full-Time
Ashish Akshat from Dhanbad topped JPSC 2023, proving that resilience, discipline, and family support...
Social Media
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve: From India’s First Sanctuary to a Tiger Conservation Success Story | International Tiger Day Special
IAS Supriya Sahu Hails Mudumalai's Role in Tiger Conservation on Tiger Day. Declared in 1940, Now Among...
Mangroves
Mangroves: Nature’s Shield Against Disasters, Says Officer Parveen Kaswan on Mangroves Day - Watch His Post Here
Mangroves, with their dense, interlaced root systems, form a mesh-like structure that serves as a buffer...
Retired IPS Inderjit Singh Sidhu
Purpose Doesn’t Retire: How 88-Year-Old Retired DIG Becomes Chandigarh’s ‘Quiet Warrior’ of Cleanliness
Inderjit Singh Sidhu’s Dawn Patrol Earns Applause, Mahindra’s Praise for a Man Who Chose Action Over...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
IRS Officers ndian revenue Services
CBDT Announces Promotions of 5 Senior IRS Officers to Chief Commissioner Grade - Details Inside
CM mohan yadav
CM Dr. Mohan Yadav to Lay Foundation Stone for Four Industrial Units in Sehore on August 2
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Karn Satyarthi
Ananth Rupanagudi IRAS
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-26 at 13.16
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT