Dev Patel (born 23 April 1990) is an English actor and filmmaker known for his diverse roles in film and television. He has received various accolades, including a British Academy Film Award and nominations for an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. In 2024, Time magazine included him in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Early Life and Background

Dev Patel was born in Harrow, London, to Indian parents of Gujarati descent. His father, Raju Patel, is an IT consultant, and his mother, Anita Patel, is a care worker. Raised in the Hindu faith, Patel grew up in the Rayners Lane district of Harrow. He attended Longfield Primary School and Whitmore High School, where he developed an interest in acting. His first role was as Sir Andrew Aguecheek in his school's production of Twelfth Night. Patel also trained in Taekwondo, earning a 1st dan black belt and winning a bronze medal at the 2004 AIMAA World Championships.

Patel's acting career began with the role of Anwar Kharral in the E4 teen drama Skins (2007). His portrayal of a British Pakistani Muslim teenager garnered attention and led to his casting in the film Slumdog Millionaire.

Breakthrough and Critical Acclaim (2008–2010)

In 2008, Patel starred in Slumdog Millionaire, which became a critical and commercial success. His performance earned him a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. The film won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Established Actor (2011–2020)

Patel continued to build his career with roles in films such as The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015), and Chappie (2015). He also appeared in the HBO series The Newsroom (2012–2014).

Expansion into Directing (2020–Present)

In 2024, Patel made his directorial debut with the action film Monkey Man. He also starred in The Green Knight (2021) and The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019), showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Personal Life

Patel began dating Australian actress Tilda Cobham-Hervey in 2017 after meeting on the set of Hotel Mumbai. The couple moved to Cobham-Hervey's hometown of Adelaide in 2022. In August 2022, Patel made headlines when he intervened in a knife fight in Adelaide's city center. The couple made their red carpet debut together at the premiere of Monkey Man in April 2024.

References

1. Dev Patel - Wikipedia
2. The Man Who Knew Infinity - Wikipedia
3. Lion (2016 film) - Wikipedia