Dev Patel: Everybody's Crush

He's sweet, innocent and sexy. What's there not to love?

Enjoy our Valentine's to him.

Little Known Facts:

• Dev Patel's real name is actually "Devadaru" which means "divine tree" in Sanskrit.
• Patel is a certified scuba diver and has a passion for marine conservation. He once described diving as a "meditative" experience.
• He has a black belt in taekwondo and even considered pursuing a career as a professional athlete before turning to acting.
• Patel is a vegetarian and has been since the age of 11.
• In 2018, Patel was named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.

Quotes attributed to Dev Patel:

• "I'm always looking for a role that scares me, that's daunting and intimidates me. I think that's the key to creativity." - Dev Patel on taking on challenging roles.
• "I'm a firm believer in doing things and trying things before you make a judgment on it." - Dev Patel on the importance of trying new things.
• "The way to create change, is to poke fun at the absurdity of what's going on." - Dev Patel on using humor to create social change.
• "When you're given a role, you don't just play the character, you have to understand the journey that character is going on." - Dev Patel on his approach to acting.
• "I'm just trying to keep a level head and stay creative, and keep pushing the boundaries." - Dev Patel on his career and creative process.

Controversies:

• In 2010, Patel faced backlash for playing a character with a darker complexion in the film The Last Airbender. Critics accused the filmmakers of whitewashing the cast and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
• In 2017, Patel was criticized for playing a character with a South Asian accent in the film The Personal History of David Copperfield. Some argued that the casting perpetuated stereotypes and limited opportunities for South Asian actors.
• In 2020, Patel received backlash for his portrayal of David in the film Green Knight. Some argued that the casting of Patel, a British-Indian actor, perpetuated harmful colonial attitudes towards South Asian representation in medieval Europe.
  

His big break:

Despite the success of Skins, it wasn't until Patel's breakout role in Danny Boyle's 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire that he became a household name. The film, which tells the story of a young Indian boy who competes on the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Patel's performance as Jamal Malik, the film's protagonist, was a revelation. His natural charisma and charm shone through, and audiences around the world were captivated by his energy and spirit. Overnight, Patel went from a relatively unknown actor to a Hollywood A-lister, with everyone from Oprah Winfrey to the Queen of England singing his praises.

Career highlights:

Since Slumdog Millionaire, Patel has continued to make a name for himself in Hollywood and beyond. His performance in the 2016 film Lion earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He has also starred in a variety of other films, including The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Chappie, and The Green Knight.

In addition to his work on the big screen, Patel has also made a name for himself in television. He starred in the HBO series The Newsroom and has also lent his voice to a number of animated projects, including the 2019 film The Lion King.

Negative Things Luminaries have said about Dev Patel:

• "He's just a really boring actor." - Aaron Sorkin, screenwriter and director.
• "I don't think he's got the range to be honest. I think he's pretty limited as an actor." - Anonymous casting director.
• "He's just not leading man material." - Anonymous film critic.
• "He's a one-trick pony." - Anonymous industry insider.
• "He's not good enough to be in this business." - Anonymous director.

Positive Things Luminaries have said about Dev Patel:

• "He's an incredible actor. He brings so much heart and depth to every role he takes on." - Alicia Vikander, actress.
• "He's one of the most talented and dedicated actors I've ever worked with." - Danny Boyle, director.
• "Dev has this amazing ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. He's a true artist." - Garth Davis, director.
• "I have so much respect for Dev. He's paving the way for actors of color in the industry and inspiring so many young people." - Kumail Nanjiani, actor and writer.
• "Dev is one of the most humble and hardworking actors I've ever met. He's a true professional." - Nicole Kidman, actress.
  

Philosophy:

Dev Patel has always been an advocate for diversity and representation in the film industry. In an interview with The Guardian, he spoke about the importance of challenging stereotypes and telling stories that reflect the true diversity of the world we live in.

"I'm interested in the stories of people who haven't been heard before, the underrepresented," he said. "I want to tell stories that challenge us and make us think about who we are and where we're going."

In addition to his work in the film industry, Patel has also been involved with a number of charitable causes, including the #TOGETHERBAND campaign, which raises awareness and funds for the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Early Life and Background

Born to Indian immigrant parents in Harrow, a London suburb, Dev Patel grew up in a household that valued hard work and resilience. With his mother working as a caregiver and his father as an accountant, the young Patel was encouraged to follow his dreams and make a mark in whatever field he chose.

Little did they know that their son would go on to become one of the most well-known and respected actors of his generation, breaking barriers and redefining representation in the film industry.

First Breakthrough: Skins

Though Patel's passion for acting was ignited at a young age, his journey into the world of film and television began somewhat serendipitously. As a teenager, he joined the Rayners Lane Academy of Taekwondo, where he developed discipline and focus.

However, it was his mother who pushed him towards acting, taking him to an open audition for the British teen drama Skins. Dev's charisma and talent caught the attention of casting directors, and he was chosen to play the role of Anwar Kharral, a young Muslim struggling with his identity amidst the turbulent backdrop of adolescence.

Slumdog Millionaire: The Turning Point

Skins gave Patel the platform to showcase his acting chops and provided him with the exposure he needed to be noticed by the legendary director Danny Boyle. It was this fateful encounter that would catapult Patel into international stardom, as he landed the leading role in the critically acclaimed film Slumdog Millionaire.

The film, based on the novel Q&A by Vikas Swarup, follows the story of Jamal Malik, a young man from the slums of Mumbai who finds himself on the Indian version of the game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" The film explores themes of love, poverty, and fate, with Patel delivering a heartfelt and authentic performance that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Critical Acclaim and Awards

Boyle's decision to cast Patel in the film was initially met with skepticism, as the actor's British accent and lack of experience in the film industry raised doubts about his ability to carry such an emotionally demanding role. However, Patel's dedication and passion for the character paid off, as Slumdog Millionaire went on to win numerous awards, including eight Oscars, with Patel himself receiving a BAFTA nomination for Best Leading Actor.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Its Sequel

The success of Slumdog Millionaire propelled Patel's career forward, as he became a sought-after talent in both Hollywood and the independent film scene. In 2012, he appeared in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, directed by John Madden.

The film, a charming and heartwarming tale of British retirees discovering new lives in India, showcased Patel's comedic timing and versatility as an actor. His portrayal of the enthusiastic and optimistic hotel manager Sonny Kapoor was met with praise, and the film's box office success led to a sequel, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, in 2015.

The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Biographical Drama

As his career progressed, Patel continued to choose projects that challenged him as an actor, and in 2015, he took on the role of Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan in the biographical drama The Man Who Knew Infinity.

The film, directed by Matthew Brown, explores Ramanujan's life and his groundbreaking work in the field of mathematics. Patel's portrayal of the brilliant yet tormented Ramanujan was praised by critics, and the film garnered several awards on the festival circuit.

Lion: A Career-Defining Performance

However, it was Patel's role in the 2016 film Lion that would solidify his position as one of the industry's most talented and versatile actors. Directed by Garth Davis and based on the true story of Saroo Brierley, Lion follows the journey of a young Indian boy who is separated from his family and adopted by an Australian couple. As an adult, Saroo embarks on a quest to find his birth family using Google Earth. Patel's powerful and emotive portrayal of Saroo earned him critical acclaim, as well as nominations for both a BAFTA and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

To prepare for the role, Patel underwent a physical transformation, growing his hair long and adopting an Australian accent. He also spent eight months training in dialect coaching, meeting with Saroo Brierley himself, and immersing himself in Indian culture to ensure an accurate and authentic portrayal. The film resonated with audiences worldwide, and Patel's performance was hailed as a career-defining moment.

Challenges and Advocacy for Representation in the Film Industry

Throughout his career, Dev Patel has faced challenges in the form of typecasting and stereotyping, as the industry has often struggled to see beyond his ethnicity. However, Patel has been vocal about advocating for diversity and inclusion in the film industry, using his platform to create opportunities for underrepresented actors and to challenge the status quo.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Off-screen, Patel has managed to maintain a relatively low profile when it comes to his personal life. Despite being in the public eye for over a decade, he has managed to keep his relationships and family life private. However, his philanthropic endeavors have been well-documented, as he has been involved with various charitable organizations and causes, including the #TOGETHERBAND campaign, which raises awareness and funds for the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Continued Success and Diverse Roles



As Dev Patel's career continues to evolve and flourish, his fans eagerly await his upcoming projects, which include the thriller Flash Crash, based on the book by Liam Vaughan, and the highly anticipated series Monkey Man, which will mark Patel's directorial debut. With his undeniable talent, commitment to diversity, and passion for his craft, it is clear that Dev Patel will continue to captivate audiences and redefine what it means to be a successful actor in the ever-changing landscape of the film industry.