Imagine this: An Indian diplomat in London churns out his first novel during a two-month hiatus before his next posting. The novel becomes an international best-seller and is translated into 42 languages. Before the book is even printed it has been optioned for a film, which goes on to win eight Academy Awards.
Sounds totally implausible, to be sure, but no more than the novel's premise itself — that of an unschooled Indian waiter who triumphs on a TV quiz show.
The film, of course, is this year's global hit, "Slumdog Millionaire," and the diplomat is Vikas Swarup, 48, author of the book "Q&A" and a second novel, "Six Suspects." Serving since August as the Indian consul general for the Kansai region, based in Osaka, the diplomat with a 23-year career discussed his improbable good fortune in a recent interview.