Dev Patel on being lucky representing India internationally
Dev Patel, who lost the Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role award to Aaron Taylor-Johnson at the 74th Golden Globes, says he never agrees to take up projects thinking about awards.
Indian origin British born Patel was pitted against Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges, Simon Helberg, Mahershala Ali and Johnson for the Golden Globe, which was handed out at a glittering ceremony at Beverly Hills, California on Sunday evening, reports The Indian Express. Prior to the ceremony, Patel said in a phone interview, “I am not really holding my breath. I am feeling very grateful to get nominated in the category. Being just 26, I still have a lot to learn. I am lucky that I am able to represent India on an international stage. He went on to say, “I would be lying if I say that awards are not amazing. Awards can really change someone’s career. You get recognition. You might get scripts that you didn’t get earlier. But I never took up a project thinking about a golden statue.” The star made his debut in the Oscar-winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008).
He went on to talk about his upcoming film ‘Lion,’ for which he was nominated. “When we were shooting this film, we were shooting in difficult situations. Walking on the red carpet was the farthest thing you can get in mind. It’s all about characters, the journey and the story,” he said. ‘Lion,’ based on Saroo Brierley’s best-selling autobiography ‘A Long Way Home,’ is a true story about an Indian boy who falls asleep on a train only to wake up and realise he is miles away from home in a strange land where he does not speak the language. He experiences many challenges before getting adopted by a couple in Australia. Years later, he sets out to find his lost family. The drama, directed by Garth Davis, will release in India on 24th February.
Now that Patel is final back among the Hollywood elite, will the doors open for other Indian stars to make their mark in the western world? “No. What you have to do is turn an obstacle into an opportunity. I’ve learnt to embrace my identity and not shy away from who I am in films that I choose. That’s what has got me so far,” a confident Patel remarked.
‘Lion’ is out in UK cinemas now.
