Dev Patel: My Slumdog Millionaire role is a blessing and curse

Indian-origin actor Dev Patel says his role in '

Slumdog Millionaire

' was both a 'blessing and a curse'.


The 26-year-old actor, who rose to fame starring in the lead role in the 2008 movie, said that "while the role put him 'on the map', he has to fight against it and prove he is more than that."

"It's a blessing and a curse, that film, for me. It put me on the map and did great things, but you're fighting against it. To lots of people, I'm the dude from 'Slumdog.' You have to go out there and earn your stripes and prove more than that," Dev said.

The 26-year-old actor's latest film is '

Lion

', in which he plays

Saroo Brierley

, a child adopted from India by Australian parents who seeks out his biological family using Google Earth. The movie has fared rather better with critics and audiences, with some even tipping it as an early Oscar contender.

'Lion' also stars Nicole Kidman and is directed by Garth Davis.