Slumdog Millionaire Was Both A Blessing And A Curse For Dev Patel

British-Indian actor Dev Patel says that he feels his role in the much-acclaimed movie Slumdog Millionaire was like a blessing and also a curse to him.

The 26-year-old star, who tasted fame with lead role in the Slumdog Millionaire, says while on one hand it has put him on the celebrity map in Hollywood, on the other hand it holds a lot of expectation from all around to prove himself that he belongs there.

"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," said Dev Patel.

Patel continued, "It's totally flattering, but I didn't sign up for this role because I thought I was going to get an Oscar. That was the last thing on my mind."

"When I read the script, I was a puddle of tears. I couldn't believe this was a true story. We were all in it because we loved these people, and we wanted to live in their skin for a year of our lives." He added.

"I know what I'm afraid of playing: those big studio movies. After Slumdog, I did a film that was not well received at all (The Last Airbender)." Patel stated further.