These are some new photos of Freida Pinto in London. She was premiering her new Michael Winterbottom film, Trishna, at the London Film Festival. I don’t know anything about the film, so I’m really just writing about Freida because she’s so beautiful, and I love her black Ralph Lauren jumpsuit. At first, I thought it was an outfit made of separates – a sparkly, shiny top and some nice slacks. But it’s all-in-one, and all of it is glittery and sparkly. You can see the runway look here. The look is absolutely gorgeous on her. Plus, I love her styling. Great hair, beautiful makeup. And you know how I am about a great profile – Freida’s profile is magnificent.

I’m also including Freida’s photo call look earlier in the day – a paneled Louis Vuitton dress that I’m not in love with. The fit looks off, the colors don’t do anything for Freida, and I’m not sure this would look on anybody, really. Meh on this one.

I’m a little surprised that Freida didn’t do the London Film Festival premiere with her boyfriend, Dev Patel (her costar from Slumdog Millionaire). There are photos of Freida and Dev from last week, as they were traveling together and looking couple-y, and I thought to myself, “Wow, that’s nice that they’re still together.” But there may be trouble in paradise – a few nights ago they went to a London event, and media outlets noted that their body language seemed “off”. And then Dev didn’t come to her premiere… hmm. Interesting.

Photos courtesy of WENN.

As many of you know, I love Dev Patel. Before I even saw Slumdog Millionaire, I loved him. I love his big ears. I love his sweet smile. And most of all, I love that he’s a British Indian actor who became acceptable as a leading man in a film that went on to become the Best Picture Oscar-winner. His career should have been rosy, right? After the success of Slumdog and the acclaim for Dev as an actor, he should be swimming in scripts. Not so much, as it turns out. Dev gave an interview to The Telegraph about the stereotypes of Asians, and how those are the only roles out there for an Asian actor:

Hollywood is institutionally racist, according to the Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel, who claims Asian actors are limited to roles as terrorists, taxi drivers or geeks. When the story of a boy from the Mumbai slums became the surprise hit of 2009, winning eight Oscars, it was expected that Patel’s career would take off.

However, the 20-year-old from Harrow, north-west London, has been frustrated by the lack of decent roles on offer and is currently jobless.

“Because Slumdog was such a big hit there was a lot of pressure in terms of what I did next. For my second film I wanted a role that would stretch me, but all I was getting offered were stereotypical parts like the goofy Indian sidekick,” he said.

“Asian actors tend not to be sent Hollywood scripts that are substantial or challenging. I’m likely to be offered the roles of a terrorist, cab driver and smart geek… I want to show that I have versatility. You have to remember that, before Slumdog, the last film about India that went big at the Oscars was Gandhi, as played by Ben Kingsley. The fact that me and Freida have any kind of platform in Hollywood is a big step forward.”

Freida Pinto played Patel’s love interest in Slumdog Millionaire and is now his real-life girlfriend. The Indian-born former model has had more success than Patel, winning a role in Woody Allen’s latest film.

Patel said he was hoping to overcome prejudice. “I’m buzzing with adrenaline and raring to go, but I have to be realistic. Being an Asian actor, it’s never going to be easy. Hopefully the industry is changing and the casting directors will be less focused on colour so that people like myself can get through the door.”

He was plucked from the relative obscurity of Channel 4′s teen drama, Skins, to make his film debut in Slumdog Millionaire. Directed by Danny Boyle, it became a box office phenomenon and won the best picture Oscar.

Unfortunately, the film Patel chose for his second role has been mired in accusations of racism. The Last Airbender is based on a children’s television cartoon in which the main characters are Asian. The £100 million Hollywood adaptation, released in the UK this week, has white actors playing the roles and the Asian actors – including Patel – are limited to playing baddies.

When the film premiered in the US last month, protesters demonstrated outside the cinema in Los Angeles.

The young actor still lives at home with his parents and travels on public transport. He said: “One time I was on the Tube and I picked up a free newspaper. Inside was a big article with the headlines, ‘Dev Patel, the new rising star’ along with a picture of me. This woman got on and started reading the piece. She looked up at me and did a classic double take.”

[From The Telegraph]

Aw, poor kid. I would like to tell young Dev a story. It’s a story about a wonderful actress by the name of Sarita Choudhury. Sarita is a half-Indian actress who made a big splash in her film debut, Mississippi Masala. She was the first English-speaking Indian actress to really go mainstream Hollywood as a lead role (not to mention as an interracial love interest to Denzel Washington) in a mainstream film. Sarita faced the same kind of bullsh-t Dev is discussing right here – that she would only get hired for the stereotypical “ethnic” roles. But she found a home doing diverse work in films and television, mostly in supporting and character work. Whenever she pops up on one of my shows or takes a turn in a film, I’m always happily surprised because I love her so much. But I’m also sad because I think she’s a better actress than most of the Hollywood A-list women, and she should have been a major lead actress.

So, my advice to Dev: keep plugging away, kid. I know it seems difficult, but it’s also about the work, right? Maybe you don’t have to be a lead actor right now, maybe you should spend a few years doing supporting work and yes, sometimes playing into stereotypes. I know it sucks. But lots of minorities have to do it, as do most of the working actresses out there. Look at Kal Penn! Or Ken Leung! They’ve turned in some “stereotype” roles, but they’ve also done some really interesting stuff with their careers (The Namesake, and Lost, respectively). Holy sh-t, Ken Leung is 40 years old?!? See, that’s another stereotype, but one you should be thankful for, Dev: you’ll never have to Botox. You’ll be 40 years old and still be getting offers to play 20-something stereotypes. Silver lining!

Header: Dev Patel on July 14, 2010. Credit: WENN.

Gawker ran this really great summary of what various critics are saying about M. Night Shyamalan’s latest film, The Last Airbender. I haven’t been following the controversies surrounding this film whatsoever, and only recently saw the trailer for it. Apparently, what should have been an all-Asian cast is now a hodge-podge of mostly white actors, with a few Asians thrown in. Also, the movie is bad. Like, really horrible. That’s what every critic seems to be saying. Since it looks like no one is going to see the movie, why don’t we enjoy watching the train wreck for a while?

First of all, I’m not an M. Night hater. I still think The Sixth Sense was a great movie, and I also thought Unbreakable was totally underrated. Signs was… eh. I liked Joaquin Phoenix in it. The Village is when I decided to stop watching M. Night’s films – that one was such a steaming turd, it wasn’t even funny to laugh at, I just wanted to die. No one liked his next two films either, The Lady In the Water and The Happening. And now he’s spent the last two years making The Last Airbender happen. Ugh. Are two good movies enough to have a career coast for the rest of his life? No. He should really go back and make the kinds of movies that people like – quiet little horror/suspense dramas. For real.

Now, according to the synopsis, The Last Airbender is about magical kingdoms and there’s a kid who is the Avatar (the original name for the film, ha), and it’s all a metaphor for Buddhism, or whatever. It doesn’t matter. All that matters are the horrible reviews:

Roger Ebert calls it “an agonizing experience in every category I can think of and others still waiting to be invented. The laws of chance suggest that something should have gone right. Not here. It puts a nail in the coffin of low-rent 3D, but it will need a lot more coffins than that.” Ebert claims the budget 3D “looks like it was filmed with a dirty sheet over the lens.” Oh, and the “special effects are atrocious” and “the dialogue is couched in unspeakable quasi-medieval formalities; the characters are so portentous they seem to have been trained for grade school historical pageants.”

The NYDN’s critic bitched: “Unfortunately, its positive attributes are thrown out of balance by its abundant negatives – including chintzy effects, lumbering storytelling and an overstylized, earnest incompetence that evokes “Speed Racer.” If you thought it was bad when writer-director M. Night Shyamalan was channeling Rod Serling, wait till you see him try to be George Lucas.”

Kenneth Turan from the LAT says: “The Last Airbender retains the Asian feeling of the original shows, including liberal doses of martial arts, tai chi, Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan religion. In fact, if there is anything that is intended to resonate with adults, at least parents of the New Age persuasion, it is the philosophical truisms that dot the dialogue, lines like “water teaches us acceptance,” “you must let anger go,” “there is no love without sacrifice” and the ever-popular, “is there a spiritual place where I can meditate?”” HA!

Rotten Tomatoes is giving the film a 5% fresh – terrible. So, you know… this is like, epically bad.

But here are some nice photos of Dev Patel (one of the stars) and his girlfriend Freida Pinto at the premiere last night. They’re cute! But don’t see this film.

Poster courtesy of Filmofilla.

Sunday night, Slumdog Millionaire lovers Freida Pinto and Dev Patel made their first official red carpet outing as a couple. True, there wasn’t a technical red carpet, but there was a press line, and they did pose together. And yes, they could have been dating during the promotion of Slumdog back over the winter, but they always denied it. Then, back in April, they were photographed kissing in Israel, where Freida was filming a movie. Dev and Freida walked the red carpet arm-in-arm for an outdoor screening of Slumdog at the Somerset House, and they stayed for the movie:

They’ve been coy about their burgeoning romance until now – but Dev Patel and Freida Pinto had no qualms about cosying up together at London’s Somerset House over the weekend.

The Slumdog Millionaire stars – who, in a case of life imitating art, reportedly fell in love during filming – appeared together at an outdoor screening of the Oscar-winning hit on Friday night. And even though there was no red carpet in sight, the young actors didn’t skimp on the style stakes.

Former model Freida, 25, looked flawless in a chic LBD and strappy sandals, while 19-year-old Dev rocked the mod look in a sharp black Dolce and Gabbana grey blazer, jeans and white shirt.

Only a plaster on his forehead – reportedly courtesy of him hitting his bedroom cabinet while climbing out of bed – evoked his hapless Skins alter-ego, Anwar.

Rumours surrounding the pair – who last week tried to give paparazzi the slip following a romantic dinner in New York – have swirled since they were catapulted to fame at the beginning of this year.

At first, they insisted they were ‘just good friends’ , with Dev claiming: ‘There’s no romance. I’ve never had a girlfriend. I’ve always been focused on acting. But for now I’m having the time of my life.’ But their cover was quickly blown by co-star Anil Kapoor.

He revealed: ‘When I meet them, I feel there is something happening,’ before adding that the couple shared ‘a magical chemistry’.

Speculation that the co-stars were romantically involved was further fuelled when they were seen shopping for a ring in a High Street jeweller’s on Valentine’s Day. Not long afterwards, Pinto’s former fiance, Rohan Antao, named and blamed Patel for the breakdown of their relationship.

‘I don’t know if they were having a sexual relationship but if I came face to face with him I would have things to say. Now everywhere I go I see them on billboards. I am devastated.’ he said at the time.

Mumbai-born Freida – who has nabbed a slew of high-profile magazine covers including Maxim, Cosmo and Vogue since Slumdog’s Oscar glory – is due to appear in Woody Allen’s latest opus, which is scheduled to begin filming in London this summer.

Dev, meanwhile, has recently been in Philadelphia filming The Last Airbender, and is also rumoured to be playing a lead role in a Hindi remake of Nadodigal. A low-budget, rags to riches tale, Slumdog Millionaire went on to win eight Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Trainspotting’s Danny Boyle.

[From Daily Mail]

They are a ridiculously beautiful couple, and I wish them well. They seem rather low-key, actually. Freida has been working a lot, and I think Dev has been the one to fly out to see her on film sets. By the way, I love how Dev dresses. He’s so tall and skinny, and this is how tall, skinny men should dress. Great pants, hipster jacket, good shoes. Sigh. I love them together.

Photo Credit: PacificCoastNews.com

Slumdog Millionaire’s Dev Patel and Freida Pinto are really a couple! In real life! While Freida is filming in Israel, Dev came to visit. They went out to eat at an outdoor cafe and snuggled up together. Then Dev kissed her! Hurray!

I’m so happy they got together. There were rumors about the two stars during the run-up to the Oscars, but both claimed they were just friends. Dev seemed to have a little crush on his beautiful co-star though. He must have stuck around long enough, and eventually he won her heart. It makes me a little weepy.

Slumdog Millionaire stars Dev Patel and Freida Pinto lean in for a kiss – finally proving they are an item.

The pair, who have denied stories of a relationship, cuddled up for all to see at the outdoor cafe in Israel, where Indian beauty Freida, 24, is filming a movie.

An onlooker said: “They looked very happy together and they didn’t seem to care who saw them.

“Dev couldn’t take his eyes off her — and she kept snuggling up to get closer to him.”

Dev and Freida played childhood sweethearts in the box-office hit, which won eight Oscars.

The Sun told in February how former Skins TV star Dev, of Harrow, North West London — who turned 19 yesterday — was spotted shopping for rings with Freida at a High Street jeweller last Valentine’s Day.

From The Sun

Dev just turned 19 years old this week, and Freida is 24 years old. Freida’s sort of the next big thing, landing modeling contracts and booking films right and left. Meanwhile, Dev has got a few projects lined up, but he hasn’t gotten the kind of extreme career bump that Freida got. So, will Dev be happy with a woman who brings home the bacon (or the chutney, as the case may be)? Will it last? I have no idea, but I’m excited that they’re together. He’s such a sweetheart, and she’s so lovely. Must not cry with excitement.

Freida Pinto and Dev Patel are shown at the BAFTAs on 2/8/09. Credit: WENN.com

Allegations came out last week that Freida Pinto had secretly married her college boyfriend Rohan Antao in 2007. My opinion, judging her solely on the British tabloid reports coming out at the time, was that it would make perfect sense for a young Indian couple to only live together if they were married or seriously engaged, but I also gave Freida the benefit of the doubt.

As it turns out, I didn’t need to bother – my first instinct was right. She’s married, and now we have the wedding photos to prove it. Major headache for Freida, although did she really expect to keep it a secret? Just a few days ago, in an interview in People magazine, she was calling herself “single”.

In the photos, Freida can be seen in the embrace of Antao as the ceremonial rites are being performed. They look really happy… too bad she dumped him at the first whiff of fame. Harsh, I know. But I’m really disappointed that this married woman (Fluffy McHomewrecker, perchance?) is all over my little Dev Patel. Maybe Sienna Miller might be better for Dev after all.

Note by Celebitchy: Dev and Freida were supposedly seen “shopping for rings” together in London on Valentine’s Day but it sounds like a possible PR stunt by the jeweler.

Update by Celebitchy: News of the World has a tell-all interview with the jilted fiance, and this party is described as an engagement party, which would explain why everyone is casually dressed, as some of you have mentioned:

In December 2007—within days of Freida winning the role of Latika— Rohan proposed on the rooftop of a bar in Mumbai and the couple celebrated their engagement with a party for 30 family and friends in Goa.

[From News of The World]

Photo agency Fame describes these as wedding photos, although they use the same date and it seems they may have the details wrong:

Exclusive… Photos of the wedding that Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto claims did not take place when she and her college sweetheart Rohan Antao were pictured in Panjim, India in December 2007. The actress allegedly dumped heartbroken Rohan in January 2009 following widespread acclaim for her role on the hit movie.

[From Fame Pictures photo description]

Photo Credit: Fame Pictures/BARM

It’s a good thing Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel has such a good head on his shoulders, or else I would really worry about the 18-year-old cutie. First, at the BAFTAs, Sharon Stone tried to get her crazy hands on him. Then came the rumor that he and his gorgeous costar Freida Pinto are maybe dating. And now this – Dev was photographed enjoying a moment with Sienna Miller. It’s like the worst career/love/life omen ever.

Sienna was recently spotted kissing on-again/off-again married boyfriend Balthazar Getty, so is there any chance she’s putting the moves on a young actor whose career trajectory is on the upward slope? It’s Sienna, so there’s always a chance. Hello! Magazine has more:

Wunderkind Dev Patel can’t seem to go anywhere these days without attracting the attention of gorgeous women.

[He] is currently the toast of the film scene because of the success of Slumdog Millionaire, chatted with Sienna Miller at a pre-Oscars do amid talk that he is an item with his leading lady in the film.

Shortly after being stopped on the BAFTA red carpet by Sharon Stone he was enjoying a cosy chat with Sienna Miller at a pre-Oscars bash.

And as he mingled at the party where guests included Stephen Fry, Gordon Ramsey and Elton John, word out in Hollywood was that he and screen love interest Freida Pinto are dating in real life.

Actor Anil Kapoor – the game show host who quizzes Dev’s character in the film – claimed that the two had grown close.

Speaking on US radio the Bollywood star said: “I think this is the beginning of something exciting.”

“They definitely make a great pair and look very good together… When I meet them I feel there is something happening,” he added.

The 18-year-old British actor has, however, been playing down suggestions of a romance with Freida, 24, saying simply: “We are mates”.

[From Hello! Magazine]

I’d buy Dev and the possibly secretly married Freida before I’d buy Dev and Sienna. I’m trying to think of someone really cute and age-appropriate for Dev, but I’m drawing a blank. Is that because all of the young American celebrities seem really bratty and unworthy of Dev? Yes and yes. Who’s his age? Miley Cyrus? Taylor Swift? No and no. He might be good with Evan Rachel Wood, but she digs older (really older) men. Stick with Freida, Dev – don’t go for Sienna.

Here’s Dev Patel from ” trying to hide in Hollywood” (according to Splash) yesterday. Images thanks to Splash.

Slumdog Millionaire’s young stars Dev Patel and Freida Pinto continue to give really sweet interviews in the lead up to this Sunday’s Oscars. Yesterday, People posted a little story about “the five things you don’t know about the stars of Slumdog Millionaire”. Some of it was old news – Freida Pinto used to have a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio, for instance, but a couple of the stories were really cute.

They’re asked about their crushes, and Freida (who is newly single), names Leonardo again. Then Dev gets a chance to answer, and he names Eva Mendes and Rosario Dawson. Dev loves darker women, can you tell? I bet he totally has a crush on Freida. After that, they tell the story of how they got to meet Angelina Jolie, and who they’ll be taking as their Oscar dates:

Different first impressions
“She’s absolutely stunning,” Patel thought when he first met his costar. But now he can dish about the real Freida (whom he calls a “wicked buddy”): “She’s super funny. In [public] she’s very gracious. But she’s quite the goof, she can poke fun at herself. And if someone dishes something out to her, she can give as good as she gets. She’s not shy.”

And Patel? “When I met him for the first time I was like, ‘Oh, my god, he’s a kid!’ ” Pinto recalls. “But I realized during the shooting of the film that as much as this boy is really funny and goofy, there’s this really mature, sensitive side to him as well.”

They have an Angelina connection
Irrfan Khan, the Indian megastar who plays the police inspector investigating Jamal’s game show success, costarred with Jolie in A Mighty Heart. Patel used the connection on a red carpet. “I was like, ‘Irrfan, make a beeline for Angelina! Tell her I want to say hi!’ And he did,” says Patel. “I didn’t say much. I was just more looking in awe at Angelina Jolie … I think she said ‘great film’ or something like that. It was a blur.”

They still haven’t chosen Oscar dates
Patel will probably take “my mum [Anita, an elder care worker]. She’s my good luck charm.” Pinto (who, like Patel, is single) is still deciding. “My mother [Sylvia, a school principal] can’t really take a break because it’s during board examinations.” Pinto may not know who will escort her, but she’s already prepping for the red-carpet walk. “I’m clumsy, so that’s when I have to breathe, control, and just walk as straight as possible.”

From People Magazine

Freida also gave a recent interview to Hello! Magazine. Somebody gave this girl the standard-issue talking points! She says that she doesn’t want to be known as “just a pretty face”. You aren’t Freida – you’re known as a “stunning beautiful face”, but nevermind. Freida also talks more about what the journey of Slumdog has meant to her. The Daily Telegraph has more (from the Hello! interview originally):

The 24-year-old former model had never acted on the big screen before she was cast in Danny Boyle’s rags-to-riches tale. Now she is the toast of Hollywood, but she is determined not to be typecast on account of her looks.

“I don’t want to be known as just a pretty face. I loved Charlize Theron in Monster. I want to play parts that are challenging and inspiring,” she told Hello! magazine.

“Slumdog is about destiny, and my personal journey through this film has made me realise the power of destiny. Planning doesn’t hurt, but it’s wonderful to know that sometimes life has bigger plans for you than you had for yourself.”

Pinto grew up in Mumbai and said of Slumdog Millionaire: “I cried the first time I watched it. It’s a very grounded film. I can honestly say it communicates the pulse of this vibrant city. Danny has done away with the clichés and shows India developing at a rapid pace. The way Mumbai doesn’t try to hide its highs or its lows is a vital part of its character. The poor and rich live among each other, and its slums are as much part of it as the beautiful structures that adorn it.”

From The Daily Telegraph

She seems like a real sweetheart, but it makes me uncomfortable thinking about the difficulties she’s going to have attempting a Hollywood career, not because of her stunning beauty, but because she’s an Indian actress with a strong accent. There should be more parts for her, but I fear there won’t be. But instead getting all morose about it, let’s imagine the newly-single Freida with the newly single Colin Farrell. Hot, right?

Dev Patel and Freida Pinto are shown at the BAFTA Awards on 2/8/09. Credit: WENN

Imagine what it would be like to be 18 years old and starring in one of the biggest films of the year, a film that has won every major film award, a film that is a shoo-in for the Best Picture Oscar. People are throwing free clothes, free watches, free everything at you. You get to meet your idols in the film world - people like Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. It’s hard not to let it all go to your head.

Now imagine all this, and add to it a not-so-subtle flirtation by Sharon Stone. Such is the case for Dev Patel, the 18-year-old star of Slumdog Millionaire. At Sunday’s BAFTAs, Sharon couldn’t (or wouldn’t) keep her hands off of Dev. But Dev is a good kid, a smart kid. He just laughed it off. Thank God. The Mirror has more details:

As the young star of hit Brit flick Slumdog Millionaire, Dev Patel has his admirers – and, Stone us, if they don’t include a Hollywood dame old enough to be his gran!

The 18-year-old Harrow lad caught the eye of Basic Instinct star [50-year-old] Sharon Stone at the Orange Bafta Awards in London. And he couldn’t believe his luck.

Still on a high after Slumdog scooped seven awards, Dev told us: “Sharon’s great, she’s been flirting with me all night.”

“She was chasing me around earlier, slapping me.”

“Sharon Stone! Can you believe it?”

From The Daily Mirror

Slapping him? Sharon Stone slapped him? I’m assuming it was a play-slap, like “oh, aren’t you a cutie” kind of slap, but still, Sharon should keep her crazy hands to her crazy self. I have to give it to her though – at the BAFTAs, she looked better than she has in years. She was decked out in a pretty red dress and her hair looked half-decent. Maybe Sharon thought that part of her Hollywood comeback would include a torrid affair with a much younger, more relevant star? It sort of worked for Demi Moore.

Sharon Stone and Dev Patel (with co-star Freida Pinto) are shown at the BAFTA Awards on 2/9/08. Credit: WENN

Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel stopped in to chat with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show last night, and both of them were cute as buttons. Dev was obviously thrilled to be on the show, even exclaiming, “I’m 18 and I’m on this show. I shouldn’t be doing this!” After that Jon pretended to grumpy because Dev is 18 years old and still has, in Jon’s words, “that new car smell.”

Dev Patel is also joining the cast of Indian-American director M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender. The Last Airbender is based on a children’s television show. UPI has more:

Hollywood filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan has cast “Slumdog Millionaire” star Dev Patel in his upcoming, live-action movie, “The Last Airbender,” Variety.com said.

The film, which is based on an animated Nickelodeon television series, will co-star newcomer Noah Ringer, as well as Nicola Peltz, Jackson Rathbone and Jessica Jade Andres.

Production is to begin in mid-March in Greenland, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said. The first picture in the planned three-movie “Airbender” series is expected to hit theaters July 2, 2010.

Shyamalan’s films include “The Sixth Sense,” “Unbreakable,” “Signs,” “The Village,” “Lady in the Water” and “The Happening.”

[From United Press International]

Dev has a kind of relentless enthusiasm, and you can just tell he’s having the time of his life as he attends all of these big Hollywood functions. He seems like a really sweet kid – I hope he stays that way.

Dev Patel is shown with costar Freida Pinto at the DGA Awards on 1/31/09. Credit: PRPhotos