The 'Slumdog Millionaire Effect'

(hat tip: Nellie Andreeva)

Bollywood often imitates Hollywood movies, but have the roles reversed? Entertainment reporter Nellie Andreeva suggests that TV networks are belatedly trying to ride the success of Slumdog Millionaire by rolling out Indian-American themed shows. Fox and NBC are resurrecting scripts developed years ago involving Indian characters. The two series, Nirvana and Outsourced, are comedies. For its part, FX is considering a sitcom called The Kumars at No. 42.

Andreeva traces the rise of Indians and Indian-Americans on the small screen:

Most successful shows launched in the past five years feature a prominent Indian actor: "The Office," "The Big Bang Theory," "30 Rock," "Parks and Recreation" and three hot freshmen: "Community," "Glee" and "The Good Wife."

"24" also has regularly featured Indian actors, including one of Bollywood's biggest stars, "Slumdog's" Anil Kapoor, who has a major role this season. Additionally, Penn co-starred on Fox's "House" until he left to pursue a career in Washington.