Slumdog lovers 'dating off-screen'

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

Indian actor Anil Kapoor was quoted in The Sun as saying of their relationship: "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.

Patel, 18 and from Harrow, has already bagged a clutch of awards for his role as Jamal in the film. Ex-model Pinto, 24, plays his sweetheart Latika.

Kapoor reportedly made his remarks on a US radio station.

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

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

Pinto is widely reported to have parted with her boyfriend, Mumbai-based PR agent Rohan Antao, last month.