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The Co-Pilot of 'Slumdog'

How a little-known Indian filmmaker helped shape the acclaimed movie

In 2007, a little known casting director named Loveleen Tandan was hired to find actors for the movie "Slumdog Millionaire," a love story that springs from the chaotic streets of Mumbai. But in filling the parts Ms. Tandan also helped reshape the project itself, and emerged with a big role of her own as the film's co-director in India. "It's not a credit that could exist in any other film," she says.

"Slumdog Millionaire" is "a Danny Boyle film," as the closing credits announce. The...