Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel credits his mother for landing him his first TV role - because she encouraged him to strip off for the show.

The 18-year-old gained his first taste of fame with a part in British teen drama Skins, which centers on a group of hard-partying youngsters. Patel was reluctant to take the job, because of the controversial sex and drugs story lines and a string of nude scenes. However the star's mother, Anita Patel, made sure he didn't turn down the chance of a lifetime.

She says, "He was apprehensive when he found out he'd have to appear naked. He said, 'Oh God I am going to have to show my bum!' I told him: 'It's only a bum; you've seen lots of people's bums before.' Now Dev thanks me for making him go to the audition."

And she admits that the family has been overwhelmed by the attention her son has received since landing the lead role in the Oscar-nominated Slumdog Millionaire, adding: "I can't believe Dev is being compared to Brad Pitt. It's unreal."

Dev Patel will compete against Pitt in the Best Actor category at the upcoming BAFTA awards on Sunday.





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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)