The Indian actress, 24, does not mention her private life in interviews but reports at the weekend said she had separated from her fiance, Rohan Antao.

However, it is now claimed that the couple married in Goa in December 2007 and Pinto kept the wedding secret because aspiring actresses in Bollywood stand a greater chance of scoring roles if they are single.

Antao is said to be "heartbroken" after Pinto ended their relationship last month, citing the pressures of her newfound fame. They had been together since 2004, when both were students at St Xavier's College in Mumbai.

The friend told The Daily Telegraph: "Freida and Rohan fell in love at college and were extremely close. They were great together. The marriage was an impulsive decision and both of them went to a designer to get the gown made.

"Rohan was with her throughout her years as an actress when she was not at all famous. He supported her during the filming of Slumdog and the pair even celebrated the film's success at the Toronto Film Festival together last year.

However, she just stopped calling him around the time of the Golden Globes awards, when the film started to make waves internationally. He is completely shocked at being dumped and is heartbroken."

Antao, a Mumbai-based marketing executive, is said to have helped Pinto's career, developing her website and handling her publicity. At his home yesterday, he did not deny that the couple had wed but declined to comment on the marriage.

The Oscar-nominated Slumdog Millionaire is Pinto's first film and has catapulted her to fame. She began her career as a model and won the role of Latika in an open casting call. Her performance was nominated for a Bafta. She now plans to relocate to New York in pursuit of Hollywood roles.

Last night her Indian agent, Meenakshi Gehani, said: "We do not want to comment on this matter. However, if she is married then whoever is claiming it should produce a marriage certificate."