Dev Patel earned his place among Time’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2024. This recognition comes with just twelve live-action feature films during his 16-year career. His Hollywood trip has brought prestigious accolades, including a British Academy Film Award and nominations for an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. Patel’s powerful performance as Saroo Brierley in Lion (2016) won him the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Role and secured an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Dev Patel’s creative horizons expanded with his critically lauded directorial debut, Monkey Man (2024), where he also took the lead role. The film’s premiere at South by Southwest (SXSW) earned an enthusiastic standing ovation and solidified his position as a multifaceted talent. His humanitarian work stands out through the #lionheart campaign that raised over $250,000 to support India’s homeless children.
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Patel’s breakthrough role in Slumdog Millionaire propelled the film to win four Golden Globes, including Best Drama Film, and eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This success launched a career marked by meaningful performances and growing artistic influence.

Early Life and Cultural Roots
Family background and upbringing in Harrow
Born on April 23, 1990, Dev Patel started his life in Harrow, an outer borough of London. His mother, Anita Patel, worked as a caregiver, and his father, Raj Patel, built his career as an IT consultant. He grew up with a sister who was four years older in Rayners Lane district of Harrow. His working-class family supported his dreams from day one. He studied at Longfield Primary School before moving to Whitmore High School. There he completed his A Levels in PE, Biology, History, and Drama in 2007 while working on the TV series Skins. His drama teacher, Niamh Wright, spotted his talent early and said: “Dev was a gifted student, who quickly impressed me with his innate ability to communicate a wide variety of characters imaginatively and creatively”.
Influence of Indian and Kenyan heritage
An array of cultural influences shaped Patel’s identity through his Indian and Kenyan roots. London-born and raised, his family tree extends to Gujarat, India, with ancestors from Jamnagar and Unjha. Both his parents were born in Nairobi, Kenya, where much of the Indian diaspora lived. They moved to the United Kingdom as teenagers and met in London. Patel grew up following the Hindu faith and speaks some Gujarati. His relationship with his heritage wasn’t always easy. He once admitted, “There was a time when I was ashamed of the Indian part of my heritage. When you’re in school in Greater London, it’s not the coolest”. These cultural elements later shaped his artistic choices. His directorial debut Monkey Man draws inspiration from Indian mythology and stories his father shared with him. Patel now embraces his cultural roots, saying the film came from “a story told to him by his father Raj” about Hanuman, a Hindu deity.
Early interest in acting and martial arts
Patel’s experience in performing arts started at age 11. He played Sir Andrew Aguecheek in his school’s production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and won a best actor award. His talent continued to shine at Whitmore High School. He earned an A* in his GCSE Drama exam by writing and performing a piece about a child in the Beslan school siege. The performance moved the visiting examiner to tears. His parents looked for ways to channel his boundless energy. Patel described himself as “bloody energetic” with “way too much energy in school”, which often landed him in trouble.
Martial arts became his first real discipline. He started training at the Rayners Lane Academy of Taekwondo in 2000 at age 10. Bruce Lee’s television appearances sparked his interest. “Once at home I went downstairs way past my bedtime and I saw this Asian man center screen bursting with testosterone, and it was Bruce Lee, and I was like, ‘I want to be like him'”. Lee’s influence pushed him toward both acting and martial arts. Young Patel competed in national and international championships. He won a bronze medal at the 2004 Action International Martial Arts Association World Championships in Dublin as a red belt in the junior division. He earned his 1st dan black belt in March 2006 at age 16. Looking back, Patel said, “I learned so much about how to channel my energy and how to find discipline, and it was amazing”.
Breakthrough with Slumdog Millionaire
How Dev Patel was cast in Slumdog
A lucky break came to Dev Patel in 2007 when director Danny Boyle searched for the perfect actor to play Jamal Malik in “Slumdog Millionaire.” Boyle had a problem—Bollywood’s leading men were typically “strong, handsome hero-types,” not what he wanted for the character. Boyle’s 17-year-old daughter Caitlin pointed him to the British teen drama “Skins,” where Patel acted without any professional experience. The director’s vision was clear: “I wanted a guy who didn’t look like a potential hero; I wanted him to earn that in the film”. After five tough auditions, Patel landed the role that would change his life in August 2007. He replaced Ruslaan Mumtaz, who the producer thought was “too good-looking”.
Deep preparation became Patel’s way to become Jamal, an 18-year-old orphan from Mumbai’s slums. He joined Boyle on location scouts and saw the Dharavi slums firsthand. He also worked at a call center for a day and washed dishes in a hotel. Patel didn’t quite get film acting at first. “When I began filming Slumdog Millionaire, I went big too. I remember cracking jokes for the film’s director, Danny Boyle, who laughed along for a while, before offering some advice,” Patel said. Boyle’s advice was simple: “You know, if you’re going to be the lead in this, you have to have stillness.” This puzzled the young actor: “I thought, Stillness? That’s not acting. What are they paying me for? I’ve got to do something”.
Critical acclaim and awards
Success revolutionized Patel’s career and cinema history. The 2008 release of “Slumdog Millionaire” dominated the worldwide box office (excluding North America). The film earned INR 1350.09 million from 34 markets right after the Academy Awards. The total global earnings exceeded INR 31887.37 million. Fox Searchlight Pictures had never seen such success, and no British independent film had done better. Only “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” earned more as a British film that year.
Awards poured in for both the film and Patel. His performance won him a British Independent Film Award, National Board of Review Award, Chicago Film Critics Association Award, and two Black Reel Awards for Best Actor and Breakthrough Performance. The Critics’ Choice Award for Best Young Performer became his on January 8, 2009. His talent earned nominations for a BAFTA Award for Best Leading Actor, a Screen Actors Guild Award for Supporting Role, and an NAACP Image Award. Heath Ledger won the SAG Award posthumously for “The Dark Knight,” but Patel shared the SAG Award for Outstanding Cast Performance with ten others.
Impact on his early career
Life after “Slumdog Millionaire” brought some hard times. The film’s amazing run—four Golden Globes, including Best Drama Film, and eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture—didn’t guarantee instant success. “When Patel broke into stardom, after Slumdog, he expected to land bigger, stiller parts, but none came,” one report said. Patel remembered this tough time: “There’s been times after ‘Slumdog [Millionaire],’ where I looked out and there wasn’t a sea of roles. There wasn’t anything, and I wasn’t working. I just stepped off this red carpet, surrounded by all these amazing actors and Oscar winners and there was nothing”.
People’s view of his acting started to evolve during this time. At 18, when “Slumdog Millionaire” came out, people saw Patel as “big-hearted and goofy, almost cartoonish. (Because he was quite gangly, it seemed like he had yet to fully grow into himself)”. Boyle’s lesson about “stillness” slowly shaped how he approached new roles. Patel waited eight years before his next major award nomination came along—for playing Saroo Brierley in “Lion” (2016). This role earned him a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor and nominations for both Academy Award and Golden Globe.
Building a Diverse Filmography
Roles in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and sequel
After his breakthrough, Dev Patel started building a varied filmography that showed his versatility. He co-starred in “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” as Sonny Kapoor in 2011. His character was an enthusiastic but somewhat inept manager of a retirement hotel in India. Director John Madden saw Patel as a “comic natural—a sort of Jacques Tati figure, with amazing physical presence and fantastic instincts”. The film became a commercial hit and earned nearly INR 11560.12 million worldwide. Patel returned to his role in the 2015 sequel, “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”. He had to learn and perfect an Indian-English accent for both films.
Portraying real-life figures in The Man Who Knew Infinity and Lion
His ability to portray real-life characters shone through his next projects. Patel played Srinivasa Ramanujan in “The Man Who Knew Infinity” (2015). The film tells the story of a self-taught Indian mathematical genius who earned his place at Cambridge University during World War I. Critics praised Patel’s performance alongside Jeremy Irons, saying it went beyond typical biopic formulas. His role as Saroo Brierley in “Lion” (2016) brought him a BAFTA award for Best Supporting Actor. He also received nominations from both the Academy Awards and Golden Globes. Director Garth Davis picked Patel because “[he] didn’t want to be typecast as the funny Indian” and “wanted to play a ‘real’ role”. He became the third actor of Indian descent to receive an Oscar nomination.
Exploring different genres: Chappie, The Green Knight, and more
Moving into different genres, Patel showed his range beyond dramas. He played Deon Wilson, a programmer who creates the prototype AI in Neill Blomkamp’s science fiction film “Chappie” (2015). The film received mixed reviews but earned over INR 8606.81 million against its INR 4219.02 million budget. Patel’s journey into fantasy came with “The Green Knight” (2021) where he played Sir Gawain. Critics praised the film’s “highly beautiful and stylized rendition of a medieval world”. He also took the lead role in Armando Iannucci’s adaptation of “The Personal History of David Copperfield” (2019).
TV shows with Dev Patel: Skins, The Newsroom, Modern Love
On television, Patel made his mark early. His first professional acting role came as Anwar in the British teen drama series “Skins” (2007), where he stayed for two seasons. HBO’s “The Newsroom” featured him as Neal Sampat from 2012 to 2014, where he played a blogger for news anchor Will McAvoy. Amazon Prime’s anthology series “Modern Love” saw Patel in 2019, a show based on the New York Times column. His performance as a dating app developer thinking about “the one that got away” earned him an Emmy nomination. The series premiered on October 18, 2019, and its second season released on August 13, 2021.
Directorial Debut and Creative Control
The making of Monkey Man
A decade-long vision started when Dev Patel imagined “a man wearing a rubber monkey mask in a wrestling ring in ‘the armpit of India'” back in 2014. He planned to act in the lead role, but his path changed after acclaimed director Neill Blomkamp turned down the project. Blomkamp saw Patel’s passion and pushed him to direct it himself. The production faced major hurdles. Filming began in Indonesia but COVID-19 forced quick changes to the plans. Patel’s body took a beating during production. He broke his foot, tore his shoulder, and needed a screw in his broken hand. “Everything that could have possibly gone wrong, went wrong for me,” Patel said. Yet he pushed forward as director, producer, writer, and lead actor.
Themes of justice and identity in Monkey Man
Cultural exploration drives the film’s heart, drawing its spirit from the Hindu deity Hanuman. Patel calls Monkey Man “an anthem for the underdogs”. The story tackles systemic problems like corruption, discrimination, caste system, poverty, and India’s Hijra community’s struggles. “It’s got a real political, social resonance. It’s a revenge film about faith and how faith can be the most elegant weapon,” Patel said. He placed the Hijra community—India’s historically marginalized third gender—at the story’s center instead of the edges, showing his commitment to real representation. The film weaves in actual news footage from protests and pogroms that show Hindu nationalism. “We touch on all of these things, and try to give a voice to the voiceless,” Patel emphasized.
Working with Jordan Peele and global reception
An unexpected savior stepped in after Netflix’s concerns about the film’s political message led them to quietly look for buyers. Academy Award-winner Jordan Peele found the film and saw its potential right away. He joined as producer through his Monkeypaw Productions. “He saw me as a filmmaker. He saw the pain I’d been through,” Patel said about Peele’s support. Universal Pictures then bought the global distribution rights for INR 2531.41 million. The film’s SXSW premiere brought the audience to their feet. Critics loved it too, with Rotten Tomatoes showing 89% positive reviews from 297 critics. Audiences gave it a solid “B+” CinemaScore. The film opened strong on April 5, 2024, and became “an unexpected hit at the global box office”. Patel proved himself not just as an actor but as a promising filmmaker with “a gritty and energetic directing style”.
Personal Life and Public Image
Dev Patel and Freida Pinto: Relationship timeline
Off-camera, Dev Patel caught public attention when he started dating his “Slumdog Millionaire” co-star Freida Pinto in 2009. The Oscar-winning film’s co-stars managed to keep their relationship strong for six years before they split around November 2014. As I wrote in their breakup, Pinto later shared, “You can be with someone and it can be really good for your growth. That’s what Dev was for me. The seven years I was with him were so influential”. Their split turned out amicable, and Patel expressed similar sentiments: “Oh, she’s great. She has been one of the most influential people on my life”. They still remain friends, and Pinto even sent her good wishes for Patel’s directorial debut “Monkey Man”.
Current partner and Dev Patel’s wife rumors
Regarding his current relationship, Patel’s romance with Australian actress Tilda Cobham-Hervey began in 2017. They met while filming “Hotel Mumbai” in 2016, where Cobham-Hervey stepped in at the last minute to replace actress Teresa Palmer. The couple stayed away from the spotlight until they walked the red carpet together at “Monkey Man’s” Los Angeles premiere in April 2024. The pair moved to Cobham-Hervey’s hometown Adelaide in April 2022. Patel remains unmarried as of February 2025, despite rumors suggesting otherwise. He made local headlines in August 2022 after breaking up a fight in Adelaide’s city center.
Dev Patel’s net worth and public persona
Financially, Patel has built impressive success through his career. His net worth reached approximately INR 843.80 million by 2024. His wealth comes from his acting career and his recent work in directing and producing. Patel stays grounded in the industry. “I’m not really celebrity-minded. I am very grounded because, actually, acting is hard work,” he shared. His family keeps him humble too: “The most important women in my life are my mum and older sister, Komal. They are brutally frank—they are the people who keep me grounded”.
Dev Patel height, age, and other trivia
Physically, Patel reaches 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm). The Harrow, London native turned 34 in February 2025, having been born on April 23, 1990. His Hindu faith shapes his life, and he speaks some Gujarati. Beyond the screen, he earned his 1st dan black belt in Taekwondo in March 2006 and claimed a bronze medal at the 2004 AIMAA World Championships in Dublin. His physical stats show a 36-inch chest, 30-inch waist, and 12-inch biceps. Patel balances his professional success with his personal identity, describing himself as “a ball of energy” who, when not asleep, is “going at full speed at everything”.
Time Line
FAQ
What are some notable movies of Dev Patel?
Dev Patel has showcased his versatility across various films. He gained international fame with “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008), portraying Jamal Malik, which earned him a BAFTA nomination. In “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (2011) and its sequel (2015), he played Sonny Kapoor, a young hotel manager. His role in “Lion” (2016) as Saroo Brierley garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Patel also starred in “The Personal History of David Copperfield” (2019) as the titular character and portrayed Gawain in “The Green Knight” (2021). In 2024, he made his directorial debut with “Monkey Man,” also playing the lead role.
What is 'Monkey Man' about?
“Monkey Man” marks Dev Patel’s directorial debut, released in 2024. Set in India, the film is an action thriller focusing on a protagonist emerging from prison to confront a world filled with corporate greed and spiritual values in decline. Patel not only directed but also co-wrote the screenplay and starred as the lead character, known as Kid. The project faced challenges, including production delays and pandemic-related relocations, but was eventually acquired by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions and Universal for distribution.
Who is Dev Patel's wife?
As of February 2025, Dev Patel is not married. He has been in a relationship with Australian actress Tilda Cobham-Hervey since 2017. The couple met on the set of “Hotel Mumbai” and have maintained a private relationship. In April 2022, they moved to Adelaide, Cobham-Hervey’s hometown. They made their first public red carpet appearance together at the Los Angeles premiere of Patel’s directorial debut, “Monkey Man,” in April 2024.
How tall is Dev Patel?
Dev Patel stands at approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall. His height complements his on-screen presence, contributing to the commanding portrayals of his diverse characters in both film and television.
What is Dev Patel's net worth?
As of 2024, Dev Patel’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful acting career, with notable earnings from films like “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Lion.” Additionally, his ventures into directing and producing, such as his work on “Monkey Man,” have contributed to his financial success.
Who is Dev Patel's girlfriend?
Dev Patel has been in a relationship with Australian actress Tilda Cobham-Hervey since 2017. The couple met while filming “Hotel Mumbai” and have maintained a relatively private relationship. In April 2022, they relocated to Adelaide, Australia, Cobham-Hervey’s hometown. They made their first public red carpet appearance together at the premiere of Patel’s directorial debut, “Monkey Man,” in April 2024.
What is Dev Patel's age?
Dev Patel was born on April 23, 1990, in Harrow, London, England. As of February 2025, he is 34 years old. He began his acting career at a young age, gaining prominence with his role in “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008) when he was just 18. Since then, he has built a diverse portfolio in film and television.
What TV shows has Dev Patel appeared in?
Dev Patel’s television career began with his role as Anwar Kharral in the British teen drama “Skins” (2007–2008), marking his acting debut. He later portrayed Neal Sampat, a journalist, in the HBO series “The Newsroom” (2012–2014). These roles showcased his versatility and contributed to his rising prominence in the acting industry.
Has Dev Patel won an Oscar?
Dev Patel has not won an Academy Award but received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Saroo Brierley in “Lion” (2016). This performance earned him critical acclaim and several awards, including a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal of Saroo highlighted his depth and versatility as an actor.
Who are Dev Patel's parents?
Dev Patel’s parents are Anita and Raj Patel. Both of Gujarati Indian descent, they were born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, before emigrating to the United Kingdom. Anita worked as a caregiver, and Raj as an IT consultant. They have supported Dev throughout his career, from his early days in acting to his international success.