Slumdog's little Jamal is leading man in a Swiss production

MTV nominated Ayush Mahesh Khedekar [ Images ], 11, who jumps into poo in Slumdog Millionaire [ Images ] as the youngest Jamal, is playing leading man in Swiss film Shyam's Secret.

Set in India [ Images ], it is the story of an eight-year-old European girl and her friendship with an enigmatic Indian boy Shyam.

Also known as Le secret de Shyam, it will be made in French and English. To be released next year, this adventure film is reportedly being shot in Goa [ Images ].

Directed, produced, and written by Deborah Mangola, its other producer is Adam Bedi (Superconscious), and writer Lalit Ajgaonkar (The Whisperers).

Other cast include Marianne Borgo (8th Wonderland), Benjamin Feitelson (Le missionnaire), Kabir Bedi (Take 3 Girls) and Nisha Harale-Bedi.