`Racist’ H'wood only wants Asians to play terrorists: Dev Patel

London: Dev Patel thinks that Hollywood is institutionally racist, as it only wants Asian actors for the roles of terrorists, taxi drivers or geeks.

The ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ star, 20, from Harrow, north-west London, is 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," the Telegraph quoted him as saying. "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." 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 added. ANI