11.19.09 INDIAN REALITY SHOW: MILLIONAIRE SLUMDOG

“Coming up, on ‘Lifestyles of India’s Rich and Famous’…”

An Indian reality show called “The Big Switch” that puts wealthy young Indians in the slums of Mumbai has taken the caste-driven country by storm, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Frankly, it sounds pretty awesome:

The show involves 10 rich contestants paired with 10 slum dwellers. The groups have to work on tasks such as shining shoes at railway stations and selling wares at traffic signals, jobs the poor often have to do. Points are given for each task and the onus is on the rich contestants to win the cash prize of 1 million rupees ($21,600), which would go toward fulfilling the dreams of their partner…

[Nightclub owner Sunny] Sara’s partner on the show is Abhishek Kushwah, a 22-year-old who grew up in Dharavi, Asia’s biggest slum. “Me and Sunny are similar in our thinking, but we come from such different backgrounds,” Kushwah said. “Yet, he did all he could to help me toward my goal of going to catering school. This show could be my ticket to a good life.”

For Sara, there were some experiences that were not so good. “The smell of rotting fish was unbearable. There was a lot of filth and dirt,” he said… “”There was no running water, no air conditioning, none of the amenities I was used to. I missed my Blackberry and my bikes… It was a life-changing experience.”

Kushwah added, “I really think Sunny and I forged a lifelong friendship.” Reached back at his sprawling penthouse, Sara lit a cigar and said, “Abishek who?”