It seems the director did happen to see a dog sleeping in the slums. It appeared to be sleeping but actually had its eyes half open and was aware of all that is going on around. So the name stuck and its actually named after the dog and not actually calling all slum dwellers a dog.(as some claim)
Now to the movie: SM getting 8 Oscars and none for "Lagaan" and "Tare jameen pe" shows the calibre of the selectors for the Oscar awards.
If at all any award had to be given, it should have been for the small kids who really captured your heart. Once they grow up the interest in the movie vanes.
The one who got a free ride to fame in the whole episode is Frieda Pinto who’s contribution to the movie was really negligible.
The plus point is the technical aspects(editing/mixing/cinematography) They are excellent when compared to any of our Bollywood movies. And there are some fine points which are subtly shown and is missed by many. Like the boys fill ordinary tap water, seal it(with some adhesive inbetween the cap and the sealing ring) and give it out as bottled water.
A R Rehman definitely requires an Oscar but not for this movie.
And lastly coming to the book.
QA is a wonderful and captivating book and comparatively the film is disappointing. I wonder why he deviated from the book?
By the way I wonder if a break is given in any quiz show inbetween a question and an answer?