Q&A WITH DEV PATEL

British actor Dev Patel on how India has inspired him and his directorial debut

You recently narrated the National Geographic series India from Above on Disney+ Hotstar. What impression of India did it leave you with?

What constantly struck me was the ingenuity of Indians no matter how intense the conditions are, whether you are a salt farmer in the Rann of Kutch or building an entire ecosystem on the Loktak Lake [Manipur]. The concept of adaptability is why India has excelled so quickly. It makes you proud and inspired, and that’s the core of the show.

Q. Any places you want to visit after it?

I need to do a couple more movies to afford all the air travel to the places I want to see around India.

Q. How is your directorial debut, set in Mumbai, coming along?

Mumbai is like this incredible land of juxtapositions, the beautiful South where there’s so much history with modernity right next to it. I have spent six years working on the script. It’s a story I have wanted to tell and it happens to be set in India because I am so inspired by the country. I was there early this year doing casting sessions. I am in awe of the actors and their dexterity as performers.

Q. You are being offered parts not dependent on your ethnicity. Do you feel that’s a step towards inclusion and diversity in the industry?

Completely. It’s because of bold filmmakers willing to put up with the ire of a certain section as they want to create art with me. I credit Armando Iannucci and David Lowery for opening doors for these other actors to come in.