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Dev Patel faces flak for stealing roles from 'real Indian' actors

Dev Patel often receives criticism for playing Indian roles .

Dev Patel

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Published : Mar 26, 2019, 8:23 PM IST

Updated : Mar 26, 2019, 11:59 PM IST

Los Angeles: 'Lion' actor Dev Patel, who has been garnering global recognition through his impeccable craft, has finally opened about the racist remarks he has been receiving in the film industry.

In an interview with a newswire Dev, who was born and raised in the UK and has Gujarati parents, says he often gets criticised for stealing roles from "real Indian" actors.

The British-Indian said: "I get flak sometimes because people will say, 'Why aren't they giving these roles to a real Indian?' I wonder, what does that even mean? The only way I can converse with my grandparents is in Gujarati. Does that make me real enough?"

Raising more questions, the 28-year-old said: "Or am I only allowed to witness the moments of prejudice and racism going through airports? Is that the only bit that I'm allowed of the culture?

"The truth is I'm trying to understand myself better and my heritage, to figure things out, in the movie choices I make. That has been the greatest thing for me in going to India repeatedly."

Dev is currently gearing up for the release of his film 'Hotel Mumbai', which also stars veteran actor Anupam Kher.


Last Updated : Mar 26, 2019, 11:59 PM IST

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