The tale of a Mumbai boy whose extraordinary life story takes him to the jackpot moment on India's version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? has charmed the critics. The film is in the running for four Golden Globes this weekend, including best picture. Oscar nominations are all but certain.

Patel's performance has already won him the most promising newcomer accolade at the British Independent Film Awards.

Dev Patel's only previous acting experience was a small role in the Channel 4 television drama Skins.

The 18-year-old from Harrow, north west London, landed a role in teen drama Skins after his mother spotted an advert for open auditions and encouraged him to go.

"One day my mum saw an ad for this new teen drama on E4 called Skins. It said no acting experience was necessary and to come down on this date. I was doing my GCSEs at the time so I was like, 'Mum, I can't go, I've got a science exam tomorrow. I'm not going to get on TV. They probably don't even need a brown guy in this teen drama.'"

Patel now has two agents, one in Los Angeles and one in London, and other offers are expected to flood in. However, the Hollywood career may have to wait. Patel is weighing up a return to school to take his A-levels.

:: Slumdog Millionaire is released on Friday