'romance blossoms' for patel and pinto

A secret romance is blossoming between Slumdog Millionaire co-stars Dev Patel and Freida Pinto - according to their co-star Anil Kapoor.

The pair play childhood sweethearts in the Oscar-nominated movie, and their offscreen friendship has prompted rumours of a real life romance.

Patel dismissed the speculation last month (Jan09), insisting he and Pinto are platonic "soulmates". He said, "We're soulmates because we're both in this surreal situation. She is very beautiful (but) there's no romance."

But Pinto, 24, is rumoured to have ended her relationship with her fiance Rohan Antao earlier this month (Feb09) - opening the way for her to date 18-year-old Patel.

And Bollywood star Kapoor - who plays an gameshow host in the film - is sure they are more than just friends.

Appearing on Friday's (20Feb09) Ryan Seacrest breakfast show in Los Angeles, Kapoor said, "When I meet them, I feel there is something happening. She says 'no, I have to look after him, I have to babysit him.' But I think this is the start of something exciting happening.

"They definitely make a great pair. They look very good together."