Slumdog’s star Dev Patel is still starstruck

Dev Patel has said that he’s still getting used to the celebrity lifestyle after finding fame in Slumdog Millionaire.

The 18-year-old, who was at the London Film Critics’ Circle Awards, to see the movie scoop three gongs, revealed photographers’ flashbulbs still catch him by surprise. “It’s really surreal,” said the former Skins actor.

“I got off the plane at Heathrow and there were loads of paparazzi. I was like, ‘Are you sure? Are you sure there’s nobody better?”
Slumdog is in the running for 10 Oscars, and the teenager from Harrow is excited about meeting the stars at the ceremony on Feb 22.

“I’ve grown up watching these people on TV, then when you’re finally there on the red carpet and meet these people, and they know who you are - it’s crazy,” he said.
Dev said he was particularly looking forward to meeting Jim Carrey and Will Smith. “I’m going to take my autograph book to the Oscars,” he added.

However, Dev admitted fame had yet to pay dividends in one important respect. “From the ladies - not much,” he said. “I’m not going to lie to you, it’s better, but nobody’s tearing at my shirt.”