Freida's Ex-BoyFriend Blames Slumdog for their Breakup

Sunday Express | Showbiz :: Pinto's ex-fiance blames Slumdog for break-up

Rohan Antao proposed to Pinto just days after she won the role of Latika in the Oscar-nominated film.

But he alleges movie bosses insisted Pinto keep the engagement under wraps - to emphasise her on-screen relationship with Patel's character Jamal.

Antao insists the close friendship between the two stars led to his split with Pinto last month (Jan09).

And now he is refusing to watch the Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday (22Feb09), where the Mumbai-based film is nominated in several top categories.

He tells the News of the World, "The film bosses didn't want her to be engaged. It would affect the whole emphasis of the film, the love story. I had no say in it.

"I didn't go with her (on promotional tours). I had my own work to do and and we weren't supposed to be seen together. She told me it was a requirement, so I had to get on with it.

"I asked Freida to spend less time with Dev, but she refused. She was comfortable with him and we were talking over the phone less and less. I was ticked off with Dev - and her.

"She is infatuated with Dev. I don't know if they were having a sexual relationship but if I came face to face with him I would have things to say... Now everywhere I go I see them on billboards. I am devastated.

"I wish her success in her career, but I can't watch the Oscars, and I don't want to watch the film - it wrecked our love."

Slumdog Millionaire