Los Angeles, Dec 7 (IANS): Actor Dev Patel says his role in the film "Slumdog Millionaire" was both a blessing and a curse.

The 26-year-old actor, who rose to fame with his lead role in the 2008 movie, says that while it put him on the map, he has to fight against it and prove he is more than that, reports variety.com

"It's a blessing and a curse, that film, for me. It put me on the map and did great things, but you're fighting against it. To lots of people, I'm the dude from 'Slumdog'. You have to go out there and earn your stripes and prove more than that," he said.

Patel, who is featuring in the film "Lion", shared that he felt like he became a man when he acted in the Nicole Kidman starrer.

The film has received rave reviews and there is a lot of Oscar buzz surrounding the film.

Speaking about the Oscar buzz, Patel said: "It's totally flattering, but I didn't sign up for this role because I thought I was going to get an Oscar. That was the last thing on my mind."

"When I read the script, I was a puddle of tears. I couldn't believe this was a true story. We were all in it because we loved these people, and we wanted to live in their skin for a year of our lives."