As Dev Patel celebrates his 34th birthday cake today, it’s a perfect time to celebrate his remarkable journey in cinema. From his breakout role in Slumdog Millionaire to his diverse and compelling performances in various genres, Patel has captivated audiences worldwide with his talent and versatility. Let's explore five must-watch films starring Dev Patel that showcase his incredible range as an actor.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008):
Directed by Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire marked Dev Patel's breakthrough role and catapulted him to international stardom. In this gripping drama, Patel portrays Jamal Malik, a young man from the slums of Mumbai who becomes a contestant on India's version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Through a series of flashbacks, the film delves into Jamal's tumultuous life journey, capturing the essence of hope, love, and resilience amidst adversity. Patel's portrayal of Jamal earned him widespread acclaim.
Lion (2016):
In the heart-wrenching drama Lion, Dev Patel delivers a soul-stirring performance as Saroo Brierley, a young man who embarks on a quest to find his biological family after being separated from them as a child. Based on a true story, the film follows Saroo's incredible journey from his adoption in Australia to his determined search for his roots in India. Patel's portrayal is both poignant and powerful, capturing the emotional complexities of Saroo's inner turmoil and his unwavering determination to reunite with his past.
The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019):
Directed by Armando Iannucci, The Personal History of David Copperfield is a vibrant adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel, with Dev Patel in the titular role. Patel's portrayal of the beloved literary character is refreshingly charismatic and filled with charm, breathing new life into the timeless tale of resilience and redemption. His performance effortlessly navigates the complexities of David Copperfield's journey from hardship to triumph, earning praise for its warmth and authenticity.
The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015):
In The Man Who Knew Infinity, Dev Patel portrays the real-life mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan, who rises from humble beginnings in India to revolutionize the field of mathematics with his groundbreaking theories. Patel's portrayal is deeply nuanced, capturing Ramanujan's brilliance, passion, and struggles against prejudice and adversity. His chemistry with co-star Jeremy Irons, who plays the renowned mathematician G.H. Hardy, adds depth to the film's exploration of friendship, mentorship, and intellectual pursuit.
Hotel Mumbai (2018):
Hotel Mumbai is a gripping thriller based on the true events of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, where Dev Patel delivers a riveting performance as Arjun, a hotel staff member who risks his life to protect guests during the siege. Patel's portrayal is both heroic and human, depicting Arjun's courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable terror. The film offers a harrowing yet poignant portrayal of the human spirit's triumph over adversity, with Patel's performance anchoring its emotional core.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.