I’ve always thought that Dev Patel was an attractive guy. Not really “hot” or “sexy” but that’s mainly because he reminds me strongly of one of my Indian cousins. I especially like the beard that Dev has been rocking lately – it makes him look more like a wild man/poet and less like a goofy sweetheart, you know? Well, Dev is promoting The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and he ended up chatting with The Guardian – go here to read the full piece. Dev talks about his now ex-girlfriend Freida Pinto, staying grounded, and how much it hurt when Mario Testino questioned (to Dev’s face) how he could actually be dating a beautiful girl like Freida. Some highlights:
Whether he still feels like an outsider: “All the time. I’m never happier and more alive than when I’m on set. I love it, it consumes me and I feel more confident. But I was never cool.”
Dev’s Mario Testino story: “I remember going to this one Burberry show, and it was exciting. They’ve always been very kind to me and, even as a gangly guy, I felt I was rocking their suits. So when I was invited to one of the fashion shows in London, I went. Even though I had this preconceived notion – ‘I’m not going to fit in with this crowd, it’s going to be intimidating’. I was sitting there, and this fellow says, ‘Are you the one dating Freida Pinto?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, I guess.’” He gives an embarrassed shrug. “And then he says: ‘Why? How? Why is she dating you? She’s so beautiful.’ And I say, ‘Yeah. She is!’ And then he says: ‘But you’re so, ugh, so normal-looking.’” Patel looks upset even now. It turns out it was the photographer Mario Testino.
His relationship with ex-GF Freida Pinto: “We are incredibly close. She’s just a really generous, patient human being who has been one of the most impactful people on my life. A lot of my motivation has come from her, from being with her and knowing her.”
Why did they break up? “No. I can’t. I’m sorry. I can’t say.”
He doesn’t Google himself: “It’s a very dangerous thing and confidence is very fragile – mine is. I wouldn’t dare play with it now because it’s so essential to what I do. I made the mistake of reading the papers early on, when we did Slumdog.”
The make up of his school: “It was very mixed, 50-50, maybe even more coloured people.”
When asked about his use of “coloured”: “Any slip of the tongue in this job is huge,” he says, a reference to Benedict Cumberbatch, who attracted criticism for discussing the difficulties facing “coloured actors” in a television interview – presumably having meant to say “people of colour”. “His intentions are good,” Patel argues. “He shouldn’t have been burned for it.”
The rest of the interview is pretty good too – he talks about being anti-social media, buying his first house in Hollywood and how he can’t even go to family weddings anymore because of the internal politics of Indian families (I feel you, bro). I honestly never realized that Dev was so sensitive and slightly neurotic – I like him even more now! As for his use of the word “colored,” again, I have to think that people in the UK use it differently. They don’t have the same linguistic history with “colored” that we have in America. Still, let’s just use “people of color.”
Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet.
He’s actually pretty sexy in a real guy way. Mario Testino can f–k off.
Yeah, I’ve had a legit crush on him for years. Mario Testino doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
He’s my type too and I hope he wasn’t too upset about the comment. Bitchy fashion men’s comments are pretty harmless and humourous to me but fair enough I’ve never been the target
Mario Testino knows nothing about love. and if he has a girlfriend it will not be due to his beauty so…that is envy speaking
Agreed! What an a**hole to say something like that to someone. And at the same time kind of insulting to Freida, basically implying that she should only be interested in men based solely on their looks because she’s so beautiful. Heaven forbid she should be drawn to other qualities in a person aside from the superficial. Again…what an a**hole!
Before throwing stones, Testino ought to take a long hard look at the mirror, as he is pretty repulsive himself!
Yeah…you know, I’ve had some older women say some really hurtful things to me (I’m in my 40s now but still happens) and I can only chalk it up to “hater-ation” and jealousy. (One told me I was pretty but that I should watch out becauses when you get old your nose and ears keep growing and then you end up ugly…or some such nonsense.) That’s what I’d guess is Testino’s issue–too much gorgeous, pure, fresh, sexy light radiating off of Dev!–and he thinks that being a world-famous photographer gives him license to judge what is considered beautiful or not. Yuck. Such as a** to say such a thing to someone.
OMG I think he is adorable, always have, and he is getting better with age. Tall and lean, with those expressive eyes.
Love him too. Sometimes it’s more than physical features.
I think so too. He interviews well. Pinto’s loss.
Yup, I thought he was gorgeous when I first saw him in Slumdog Millionaire. That smile is so sexy. Freida is a goddess among us and I think they made a beautiful couple, and it sucks that they didn’t make it. But, I digress. Stay golden, Dev, you glorious man.
I’ve loved Dev for years. Like the OP said, he’s a real, sexy guy- I always feel like any man who is considered extremely attractive in a fashion-y sense is going to be mean to me. Dev is sexy and adorable and seems so lovely and genuine. More Dev!
I always thought they were an equally beautiful couple. I get that she is “model” beautiful, but I don’t think he is completely average guy, and he has swagger (in a good way.)
Mario Testino hasn’t done anything interesting since the ’90s. Everything about his aesthetic is clearly twenty years out of date. Dev Patel is adorable.
Yeah, I’ve always found him attractive as well. This interview, where he comes across as a fairly interesting guy on top of the looks, certainly doesn’t hurt things.
I think he is good looking too. Also there’s something about his face that just looks kind. There’s a lot to be said about kindness in relationships. I bet he treated her wonderfully. Look at the way he speaks about her. He even keeps their break up private.
It’s nice that he speaks highly of his ex gf . M
ario Testino has spent too many years photographing beautiful people and judging a book by its cover. He has lost touch with all the other things that make a human a beautiful person. In and out.
+1,000
Mario Testino is a mediocre photographer who remains at the top of his field not because of his skill but because of his connections.
Give me Tim Walker, Paolo Roversi or Emma Summerton any day.
Well said Paola!
First of all, I think he’s cute and lovable looking. But even if he was the plainest or ugliest person on earth, why would Mario Testino be so rude and cruel? What is wrong with people?
Yes exactly! Like I said below, how stupid and unkind. Envy is a terrible thing, isn’t it? Because envy is the only reason I could imagine someone saying such a thing
I guess so. And it’s so shallow – some people actually love another for reasons besides their looks, Mario.
i hate Testino for saying it but what would he be envious about? i tihnk its simply being entirely superficial just like Karl Lagerfeld.
I’m torn..I adore Dev, but it’s a fashion show, with vapid, soulless fashion people. He was feeling trepidation for a reason–it’s a vacuous industry that doesn’t suit Patel’s gentle, thoughtful nature. I don’t think it’s a bad thing that he felt that he didn’t really belong there. Additionally, Testino called him “normal-looking” which..it’s not exactly nice but crueler things have been said, you know?
On one hand, I feel for Dev because he’s obviously such a sweet guy, but on the other hand I really worry about him if he can’t learn to toughen up in such a brutal industry. Then again, his sensitivity and humility is what sets him apart from the average actor and I would hate for him to feel that he has to change that.
I agree with Kitten here. Fashion people are notoriously bitchy, and I can certainly imagine Dev feeling out of place with the whole thinf. Also, I have to point out he was also 6 years younger than Frieda, they really were kind of an odd pair. Not because of her beauty, but it at least seemed to me from the surface that the only thing those two had in common was the movie they were in together.
It would hurt my feelings if someone asked me why my husband married me because he’s so handsome and I’m so, ugh, ordinary looking. I don’t think there’s any excuse for saying something like that to someone, or any reason to “get used to it.” It was wrong, unkind, rude and no one should be permitted to get away with it.
Kitten, to me personally the “normal” came out worse than if he said ugly. look at us, we ugly normal people not being on red carpets and at fashion shows. it just that i think normal looking is like the nicest thing he could come up with.
Thanks, Bridget, ITA.
No one’s making excuses for Testino, just saying that Patel might be in the wrong industry if he’s going to let callous snark like that break him.
Celebs have to deal with cruel, catty, and unsolicited comments about their appearance all the time and Dev is no exception. It sucks but it’s part of having a public image.
I guess I don’t see Testino’s comment as soul-crushing as everyone else here. Rude and thoughtless? Absolutely.
Truthfully, I’ve read FAR worse said about celebs’ appearance on this very website. It’s not somehow better just because it’s people didn’t say it to the person’s face, just more cowardly.
I don’t get why Testino said this to him at social function that’s not truly work-related (since Testino won’t be the one hiring him for anything). I find that baffling.
I figure actors hear all kinds of comments about their looks when they’re auditioning or meeting with industry executives, but when you’re going to some regular social event where you’re not being “interviewed” (or whatever the equivalent is in the acting profession) Testino’s comment is perplexing. Testino isn’t going to hire him for a movie or shoot him for a coffee table book, so there wasn’t really a reason to comment on what Dev looks like (and I think “normal looking” might be a passive aggressive coded word in their industry). And the comment gets weirder because the comment is meant to suggest he shouldn’t be dating a particular person which has nothing to do with getting cast in Hot Tub Time Machine 3. In auditions you don’t get compared to what what your girlfriend looks like; instead, you’re measured up against other people going out for the same job (i.e like those guys in Shailene Woodley movies?). So, again, Testino’s comment seems …irrelevant? I would assume that’s why the comment bugged Patel. The comment has nothing to do with Patel landing a job on some show, so what was the random comment meant to do what exactly? Getting told you’re not good-looking enough to date a particular person has nothing to do with the hiring process in acting. It’s not as if a journalist even asked him to comment on somebody else, which I assume Karl Lagerfeld is asked to do when he makes weird comments about people’s appearances (not that that’s any less rude, but it’s slightly ….less random?). I don’t even think the people on E! Fashion police would compare the looks of two people in a relationship to each other (well, I hope they don’t).
But you can purposely avoid gossip websites. You can’t avoid a major photographer at a high profile social function specifically coming over to ask why you, an ugly normal person is dating a beautiful woman.
Perplexed: it’s not simply a ‘social function’ though that’s how you are taking it. Mario is always on the look out for the latest thing or what he can turn into the latest thing. Many celebs attend these things for the networking opportunity they present.
Putting aside Mario’s rude comment, this may have been the first time they had met and IF Mario had liked his look, he would have recommended him for fashion editorials and or fashion contract.
It’s very naive to think that fashion shows aren’t work for the attendees, even if they aren’t being paid to attend.
Fair enough. Networking function seems to make more sense. I wasn’t trying to paint a portrait of the event as something else. But since Testino isn’t hiring him for anything, the comment seems completely irrelevant to make. Dev and Freida’s relationship doesn’t have anything to do with anybody’s work/hiring process or ability to take a beautiful photograph.
On the rudeness scale, Testino’s comment registers but it’s nowhere near a 10. Of course it was shallow, but they were at a fashion show not a Chaucer reading. I’m guessing it was so memorable to Patel because the comment hit a nerve. He must have heard it a lot.
Kitten, Of course people here say rude things all the time. I do disagree though that if you don’t say things out loud its cowardice. If we all did that we all be walking around with tourettes syndrome.
The thing is dev is not a model nor was he working with testino, so testino forced his own opinion about his looks on this guy for no apparent reason. Dev needs to be able to deal with this in a casting situation but should he be expected to have to suffer such comments sat at a fashion show minding his own business? That, at least to me borders on bullying.
I think cowardly comes into question if a person behaves in a certain way, then its right to call them out, speak out loud. But to simply call someone out simply because they are not pretty? its nothing to do with cowardice or bravery its simply mean, insensitive behaviour. and why would you want to say something like that to someones face unless you want to hurt them?
I also don’t think this comment would have come out of testinos mouth if dev was some rich or powerful guy.
I think saying that because a celeb can avoid websites that somehow the cruel comments are less hurtful is a total cop-out and a way for people to not be held accountable for the shitty things they say online. Just my opinion and it’s why I avoid posting mean, hurtful things about celebs’ appearances. *shrugs*
Your analysis is interesting, Perplexed. I agree that Dev shouldn’t face the same scrutiny as a model, but he’s still in a very image-focused profession.
It’s intersting because my bf’s best friend is very…average-looking (sorry to be “mean”) with a very stunning girlfriend. My bf said that his friend always gets comments like “how the hell did you get that girl?”, etc. I asked my bf (who I think has a bit of a crush on her, he insists he doesn’t) if that bothers his friend and he said “no, he f*cking loves it. He takes it as a compliment” so maybe it just depends on the person?
I think Dev has probably had some lingering insecurities for a long time now, so he could be more sensitive to stuff like this. Anyway, as I’ve said, I don’t condone testino’s comment, but I hope Dev can learn to ignore the assholes, because he’s a talented, charming, and very cute guy.
But isn’t the internet really just this generation’s version of talking behind people’s back and writing notes in class about them? Gossip? Have you never said anything about anyone’s appearance to a friend and not said it to that person’s face? Does that make you a coward? Just because it’s out there forever on a gossip sight that you have to dig to look up doesn’t make it any less gossip than what you do with your friends at a bar on a Saturday night. Doesn’t make it any less gossip than notes you used to write and pass to your best friend in 3rd grade about that girl’s hair or the way that boy smells. It’s just a different manner of doing it.
@Sight-to a degree, but I think there’s a really big difference between talking about a person’s behavior and criticizing their appearance.
Since I was 13 and a friend discovered something mean that another friend and I had written about her, I actively avoid saying cruel things about ANYONE’s appearance behind their backs, to their faces, in a journal, whatever.
Please understand that I’m not trying to be sanctimonious–I’m far from perfect–but this is something I really pride myself on. TBH, I learned that saying something mean about someone NEVER makes me feel better and it ALWAYS makes me feel terrible afterwards. It might provide a temporary release at the moment, but the long-term sh*ttiness that I feel just isn’t worth it.
“Just because it’s out there forever on a gossip sight that you have to dig to look up doesn’t make it any less gossip than what you do with your friends at a bar on a Saturday night ”
That’s the thing though–it’s not like you have to “dig” if you’re a celebrity, you just google your name and presto. People like to say “celebs never read this site” because it absolves them of any potential repercussions of their cruel words, when the truth is we have NO idea what a celebrity reads about themselves.
Again, I’m not trying to make people feel bad for snarking–have at it if you want, but I think picking on people’s physical appearance-something they cannot change-is a bit different that saying “my friend really pissed me off the other night”, you know? It’s just needlessly cruel.
“Doesn’t make it any less gossip than notes you used to write and pass to your best friend in 3rd grade about that girl’s hair or the way that boy smells. It’s just a different manner of doing it. ”
You’re comparing what is (presumably) adult behavior with what children do and although you didn’t intend to make my point for me, I think you did in a way.
Kitten, I guess I just don’t understand your point. On one hand, you seem to be saying that making an unkind remark about a person’s appearance is such an unkind thing to do that you won’t even do it in an anonymous situation where the celebrity might possibly read it – primarily because of the way it makes YOU feel. I can totally get behind that and understand. Being mean for meanness’ sake probably does more or as much harm to the person committing the act, or to their soul, if they have one. But then you seem to be saying that it’s not a big deal for one human being to deliberately hurt another just because their at a fashion show? Why so scrupulous in one situation and so dismissive in another? I’m not being snarky, just confused. I don’t think there is ever an excuse for what this guy did. It’s so deliberate and so uncaring, almost like a psychopath. Unable to see the effect you’re having on anyone else.
The point I was making with the notes had more to do with physical writing down of gossip, equivalent 30 years ago, to the internet.
I applaud your efforts to not make fun of people’s appearances, but I guess I don’t see that much of a difference with criticizing people’s behavior. Especially celebs. Or anyone really. You never know what made someone the way they are, or why they’re making the choices they’re making. I guess I feel like if you’re going to get on a high horse on a gossip site, you can’t really pick and choose what/who is ok to criticize and what/who isn’t. You can’t say anything about St. Angie’s past, but you can rip Kim Kardashian a new one all day long because she doesn’t have anything to offer other than her looks.
I’m not really picking on you, per se, and heaven knows I am far from perfect. And we should all strive to be better people. But at the end of the day, this is a gossip site. And nobody is perfect.
Gnat- I’m with you. I don’t understand why he should have to leave his profession because other people are actively snarking on him TO HIS FACE. And I still think that saying something critical to someone’s face is way more rude than writing anything on an anonymous message board. It takes a complete lack of tact and self awareness, not to mention awareness of other people’s feelings, to say something like that to someone’s face, in what is essentially a work situation.
I’ve been an actor. It’s rough. It is not for the faint of heart. But that doesn’t excuse outright rudeness that is obviously not constructive criticism.
My point is that from a PERSONAL standpoint, it’s absolutely rude in either scenario.
I think I made that clear.
Yet me being the type of person who refrains from insulting people’s appearance won’t prevent Testino from saying something cruel to Dev Patel.
My point was that I can’t change what cruel thing that somebody says about me, I can only change how much I let it affect me, you know? Dev is working in an industry RIFE with superficial assh*les, he’s going to get his feelings hurt a lot if he lets people sh*t on him like that.
I get so frustrated by this place sometimes and how black and white everything is. Like, I either I have to commit to being fully outraged and angry for this guy or else I’m somehow defending Testino. Why can’t I feel empathetic for Dev, yet also think that it would behoove him to thicken his skin before he gets eaten alive in a very hardened industry?
Why am I not allowed to hold two seemingly conflicted views?
Ugh.
I get you. You explained it very well. I don’t disagree.
I also get very frustrated with this site sometimes, especially about all the -isms. If you don’t have a very narrow, specific viewpoint or opinion about any of the -isms, you are immediately attacked and told you’re stupid/uneducated and of course accused of being or not being that -ism.
And don’t get me started about Jolie & Aniston……
Oh ITA 100%, Sighs. I’m at the point where I’m avoiding Aniston threads entirely. Same with Cumberbatch.
Oh, Kitten, I’m sorry I upset you. I would never attack you or think you were saying anything bad. I just wasn’t understanding your point. You know how I miss the boat sometimes. Of course we are all complicated and everything isn’t black and white. I often have two minds about something and you even started your original post with “I’m torn.” You are a truly good person and I feel awful that I made you frustrated.
I love you guys. Sorry I freaked.
Also, this is why I smoke weed…..
I actually get what you’re trying to say Kitten, and I think you are right. On the other hand, and this is pure speculation on my part, I think one of the reasons it effected Dev so much is because he was pretty young when he and Frida started dating. I think he was only 18 or 19 and fairly new to Hollywood, and unfortunately when we are younger we let our insecrities get the better of us. Hopefully as he has grown more and become more comfortable in his adulthood, he has learned to let that kind of stuff not get to him as much.
We love you, too kitten. *hugs*
Yes, we do!
GNAT: and that is what makes you a nice person, who wouldn’t fit in with the cutthroat fashion world. Which is a good thing.
Thank you, Bridget. That means a lot to me. I always enjoy “talking” to you!
Testino made a horrible comment, it says more about him than about Dev, who I think is very cute.
However, I am also surprised Dev was so hurt by it ( also when Howard Stern said something similar to Sam Smith). I mean, people said worse things to me ( I was fat as a teenager, wore glasses and braces, fun times). You get used to it. You HAVE to get used to it, you have to toughen up because there’s nothing else you can do. I never ever say mean things about the way people look, not even behind their backs because I know how it made me feel, but these days these types of comments rarely upset me, especially from strangers. Although body and self-esteem issues are still here, the comment itself doesn’t hurt that much anymore.I would think being in the industry he’s in would have the same effect.
Also, I’m surprised he is willing to admit it hurt him, I used to just laugh it off or say something self-deprecating, never show anyone I was hurt. I guess we all cope in different ways.
I am not saying Dev did anything wrong, by no means, I’m just a bit surprised by his reaction.
We also don’t know the tone of the comment. It could’ve been said very nastily or sneeringly. And maybe he tried to hit on Pinto, Pinto says, I’ve got a boyfriend, and he comes over to see his competition, out comes nasty comment. I’m betting it was somehow more personal than what he said, because I’m sure other people have said the same thing to him.
Just because you found a way to deal with unhurtful comments doesn’t mean everyone else can. Everyone’s brains are wired differently.
What a stupid and unkind thing to say. I don’t blame him for being upset
That’s the kind of thing you can’t even respond to because your head is spinning as you try to figure out a way to believe the person didn’t mean it the way it sounded. By the time you figure out that they did, they’re gone. I never know how to respond to deliberate cruelty. I just stare at the person.
Totally!
One of those ” did that just happen?” moments where you come up with 100 comebacks 10 minutes after the fact 🙁
I used to hate it when that happened and it drove me crazy. These days, my default reaction when I sense someone just said something offensive or mean to my face but I can’t really grasp the full extent of it yet, my default reaction is laughter followed by “Think about what you just said. Then repeat it, to my face, slowly.” People stammer and get upset (I feel no sympathy, frankly). Or, if you know this person and know they’re simply a-holes: “Don’t talk to me like that. I don’t have time for this crap.” They deserve it and you didn’t even resort to calling them names. Always take the high road, it feels pretty good.
I’m the same way, GNAT. I work at Bath and Body Works to help with college expenses, and we deal with some seriously nasty ladies. This past holiday season (which is our peak season, and we usually have approximately 87 things to do at one time), I had an older lady get irritated with me because I just didn’t have the time to hold her hand and be her personal shopper for the every second of every minute that she was in the store. I was extremely polite, but she still made as many snide comments as she could as I was ringing her up and continuing with my attempt to be good-mannered (and dying inside). As she walked away from the register, she turned to me and said, “You must be the managers daughter,” implying that I get preferential treatment and am therefore allowed to be a crappy associate. I thought of quite a few things I would have liked to say to her after the fact, but in the moment all I could do was stand there and stare after her with my mouth hanging open.
There are some serious jerks out there. Unfortunately, I’m always thinking “surely they didn’t mean it like that” until it’s too late. Maybe littlemissnaughty’s response would work, since saying “what did you say?” Would give me a minute. Shambles, I used to work at museum store, and that’s even harder because you have an obligation to be polite. People just come in sometimes and they’re already angry and looking for a target. I found it very hard to be polite when someone was being so rude to me, but in the end, your no response was probably better for the store than if you’d come up with something and said it. Who knows what she would have done. What a b$tch.
When people are that way to me I act extra saccharine and sweet, because they really don’t know what to do with that. They’re saying things because they want to get a rise out of you, and when they don’t get it it flusters them. Granted, sometimes the sweet is flavored with much snark in my actual wording, but people always pay more attention to your tone than what you’re actually saying.
Seriously, it’s just nasty.
The beard and scruffy hair is a good look for him.
Isn’t It? He is a doll.
+ 1. Absolute DOLL!
How incredibly rude and extremely shallow of Mario Testino! I guess it reflects just how cruel and superficial the world of fashion is. ICK!
Was it tactless? Of course- but how is it any different than what Deborah Furness deals with being married to Hugh Jackman? She has expressed her feelings on this same issue. Again, says more about the person making the observation than anything. But Mario T is in the business of passing judgement on folks’ physical appearence.
It is not different. It must suck so bad. I was reading the Daily Fail and people had similar things to say to Pierce Brosnan’s wife who has gained quite a bit of weight while he has stayed quite fit. People seem to find it difficult to believe that Pierce Brosnan and Hugh Jackman haven’t traded their attractive but normal looking wives for stunning babes who are in the “same league”. People can be such sh*ts.
so whats your point because someone else is subject to the same thing its fine?
No, but in my limited reading here, never noticed Deborah’s or, as another poster added, Pierce Brosnan’s wife, being a post topic on this same issue. It’s a given that Devi is famous, but issue is the same.
Actually, there have been posts about Deb and the terrible things people said regarding her relationship and people here reacted the same way as with Dev. It is rude and unkind and just down right cruel.
It’s not any different, but I’m a little shocked that Mario Testino would say it to his face rather than just maybe write his comment online somewhere anonymously on The Daily Mail (er, the more common method where one can be kind of cruel but also with the awareness that the person might not possibly see it?). Who says this to someone’s face, whether you’re famous or not famous?
Well EVERYONE comments about how old and average she is, Dev is talking about one comment only. And I don’t even feel it was a totally earnest comment, could have been playful even, like, you must have something special I don’t see to get someone like Frieda.
Regardless of what Mario thought about Dev’s looks, why would you say that to someone’s face? That’s so unprofessional and clearly Freida thought he was attractive enough. A lot of the people that work in the fashion industry can be so bitchy.
Dev Patel! Dev Patel! Dev Patel! I adore Dev Patel! More Dev Patel, please?
Oh, first season of The NewsRoom, dorky social media guy Dev Patel. Final season of The NewsRoom, in control, sexy Dev Patel.
Interesting story! I think he’s very handsome and wish he got more roles.
Can we have more Dev? I love him.
Yes, please!
Cosign!
So rude and offensive. Mario is a fashion photographer. As if he hasn’t seen “normal looking” millionaires and billionaires and really old men dating models. What he’s really saying is that Dev is too plain – in looks, fame, and wealth – for a beautiful woman like Freida so what he implied is far worse than what he actually said, to both Dev and Freida.
agreed. he was basically taking all his worth as a human being away.
I quite agree. That comment was more about money, or lack of it, than physicality.
To have no money and be dating a professional beauty is completely inexplicable to fashion.
I took it that way too… But it’s still just one comment, no need to take it as a true critique that one should “work on”
Interesting. I hadn’t thought about that…
This interpretation makes sense, since I don’t really see a looks disparity between the two. Neither looked out of place next to the other (not like maybe Tina Fey next to her husband, who is shorter than she is and therefore may not fit a traditional gender stereotype for male dominance)? Then again, I’ve never understood how to properly assess female beauty in relation to male beauty or vice versa when both people are equally slim, of normal heights for their genders, and have nothing obtrusive on their faces that make them look like ogres.
I am a tall woman and have never thought about height as a construct of dominance…I have dated a few guys who were shorter than me, but this begs more thought into that whole thing. I love being tall, I love being single. I actively resist dating guys who are shorter than me. Am I an EL James work of fanfiction in the making?
I personally don’t find him attractive. But there are several reasons one person falls in love with another and “looks” is not always the top one.
yes and not finding him attractive is way different than telling him he doesnt derserve a beautiful partner because you personally find him ugly.
Testino is a jerk.
Wow, so I guess all fashion people really are warped if they stay in the business long enough. Not much separates Mario from Karl, and that’s sad. But at least Karl doesn’t hide his bitch under a smile.
oh good to know about Testino. even if this guy was the ugliest dude to ever walk the earth why would you say something like this to his face?
its even worse he did not simply say he is ugly he said that he is not worthy of Freida because of the way she ooks and the way he looks.
horrible person. you would hope someone like Testino who was certainly discriminated against as a gay man would have not such a horrible, discriminating world view.
but its very telling about the fashion industry.
i dont wnat to know what people said to Freida, to pressure her into dumping him because THEY thought he wasnt pretty enough.
sick world we live in.
jesus.. ya’ll Think of The Balls (and lack of self awareness in Testino’s Part) that it takes to say those words to another person in real Life.. Not on some Kunty Karl Bullshit edict in a Fashion Mag.. CHRIST
That’s top grade USDA prime @$$hole right there.
he was in Skins.. he has filled out nice. he was really goofy looking in there
One of the most lovely interviews ever. I wonder who wouldn’t date this adorable guy!
Then something must be wrong with me, because I find Dev very sexy…and I thought, he and Freida made a gorgeous couple!
There’s not a damn thing wrong with that – I know he says he doesn’t Google himself but I hope that someone tells him about the comments on this page, because he definitely has some admirers out there! Two thumbs up to his scruffy facial hair!
This is going to sound like a humble-brag, and I guess technically it is… but there’s a comment up there ^ about Mario’s comment being an insult to Freida too. And it totally is. So I wanted to share my perspective.
I fully believe that my partner is out of MY league… he’s 6’5″ with great hair and gets along with everyone. I’m a socially anxious girl with recurring acne problems and boobs that have sagged since I was 13. But still, people constantly think it’s perfectly fine to make comments like this one. “You’re with HER?! How!? good job, dude.” Ugh, ugh, ugh.
When people say this, all they’re saying is: “but she has big boobs and long hair! and you’re lanky and boyish! I’m going to objectify her and pat you on the back because girls like THAT are just trophies anyway.”
I’m sorry for the rant. I just really feel for Dev, because that comment clearly hurt him, and I know what it’s like to have your relationship questioned for completely superficial and sexist reasons. Hopefully he didn’t let it affect their dynamic… they were such a gorgeous couple, and I really respect him for not throwing her under the bus or revealing any details about the breakup.
I didn’t understand, do people think you’re not attractive enough for him, or otherwise?
I think she was saying that to HER, he’s out of her league, but from the outside, people view her as being out of HIS league.
Sorry, I really didn’t word that correctly at all. Kitten’s right… to me, it’s obvious that I’m less of a catch than he is. But some people are obsessed with very traditional gender-defined beauty norms, and he’s not particularly bulky or manly, but I have the curves and long straight hair that white girls are “supposed” to have. It’s narrow-minded and I’m DEFINITELY no Freida Pinto… but the unsolicited, in-person comparison reminded me of what we hear on a weekly basis.
I’m sorry that people say stuff like that to you. Your man sees you like the hot hunk of lady-ness you are and that’s all that matters. 🙂
I worded my comment weirdly and it got misunderstood, but I still appreciate the sentiment. <3
Thanks for being the kind of person who goes out of their way to boost a stranger's confidence. You're right, he does think I'm hot, and I think he's hot too. That's all that matters! And I hope Dev realized that too.
The term coloured is just as offensive here btw. Quite surprised he used that term.
In Africa it is used to describe anyone of mixed ethnicity, like myself, and is not offensive
Where in Africa? Do you mean the country South Africa where “colored” was a designation originally as part of apartheid? Africa’s a vast continent and not every country shares that way of wording. Just mentioning it because I am from a country in West Africa where such a term is not used nor appreciated.
Yeah, I’m kind of confused about that… he uses the term, then immediately starts talking about Benedict doing the SAME thing as a “huge slip of the tongue”. I honestly don’t think he even realized he’d just done the same thing… it kind of proves that Americans attach very different cultural connotations to the phrase.
Then again, he’s a person of color who didn’t come from a wealthy background. It’s a bit different from a posh white guy saying the same thing.
Just gonna say…I’ve heard of Dev Patel, but not Mario Testino. Take that, Mario!
Americans think we should conform to their term “people of colour”, rest of the world better get in line! *deep eye roll*
It was a UK organization that had called Cumberbatch out on it.
I am talking about the American who wrote this article. At the end they say we should just use the term people of colour
I’m American and I never hear anyone use that phrase besides 80 year olds. People are always so quick to hate on America.
I’ve had twenty five years to see how America operates in the world, I wouldn’t say my judgement is quick. The term coloured is used in Africa every single day. It is not offensive here. I’m just saying that America is not the only country in the world
@Honeybea Pardon my repost but I had to ask again: *where* in Africa? In which *country* in Africa is this term used without offense? You say that “America is not the only country in the world” which somehow implies (wording wise, but words matter) that Africa is a country. I know you know different but it’s so easy for these ways of writing about it to continue the legacy of misinformation that maintains a warped view of Africa.
this interview made me sad. what a horrible thing for someone to say, especially to his face. its pretty terrible when you can no longer count on people to act like decent human beings. i personally think dev is very handsome, and his personality makes his look even better!!
I should be arrested for the x rated thoughts ive had after watching Dev on Newsroom!
Testino clearly isn’t tapped into the sexiness of this man ! His loss!
IMHO he carried that show and added the much needed beef cake…
Sorry if that’s sexist but Testino is waaaay off the mark!
That finally episode when he walked into the room and shut down their servers from his phone! Yikes and Yum!
I think he’s rather handsome. What a cruel thing to have said to him.
Dev says even more later on about googling himself:
“because teenagers are brutal and the most shallow things are said by your peers at that age. It doesn’t matter what you do, it’s all ‘Ugh, he’s really ugly’. And it can really scar you, so I stay away from it.”
oh fine, Mario, telling a man that was bullied on the internet that you also think he is ugly…Testino is a horrible person.
That is horrible to say to Dev, who I think is super cute and personally as an Indian woman, I do never got the hype with Freida Pinto’s looks. I personally think she is as average as it gets. She also stinks as an actress. In Bollywood, we have better looking actresses then her and ones who actually do have acting talent.
I think Freida must have dumped Dev because he is not ‘famous’ or ‘rich’ enough anymore. She already has moved on with some son of a rich billionaire from Dev. Yep, lets not forget this woman dumped her fiancee when she got famous after Slumdog Millionaire. She is an opportunist and a gold-digger. She also loves to put her fellow Indians down to get sympathy from people in America. Its nice to know she barely has a career anymore in Hollywood. I guess they have no more use of her since she has no acting talent .
I always thought it was the other way around. Freida was lucky to have someone like Dev. He seems like a really nice guy and a gentlemen. People in India do not like her because she tells lies abroad and says false things about Indians. We don’t mind Dev much though. He at least doesn’t put down a race of people to suck up to Americans like Freida does.
I’m not trying to come at you or anything but I swear to GOD on every post that even mentions Pinto, there’s at least one commenter (usually more) who has to point out that there are Bollywood actresses who are prettier than Pinto, and how she’s so average-looking, terrible actress, awful person etc, etc.
It just comes across as really vicious. But then again I don’t keep up with Bollywood so maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about. To me, she’s incredibly gorgeous and seemingly quite sweet.
*shrugs*
What are the “false” things she’s said about Indians? Just curious..
I think she fits the Western ideal of being “appropriately” slim (with maybe high cheekbones?). But face-wise she probably doesn’t stand out as out extraordinary looking next to other Bollywood actresses (I’m not sure if normal looking Bollywood actresses actually exist or if there is such a thing).
I have no idea about her personality though.
I’ve never read much about Frieda, so I may be out of line, but I don’t see how saying there are other Indian actresses who are prettier and more talented is different or more vicious than similar comments about American actresses. Kristen Stewart and Dakota Johnson come to mind, but I’m sure there are others.
@BendyWindy-I didn’t say it was more vicious than the comments that are made about Stewart or Johnson? In fact, I didn’t bring up American actresses at all.
I simply broached the topic because I don’t know much about Pinto–she’s a very low-profile actress without any scandals (Stewart) or perceived nepotism (Johnson)–I mean, since you brought them up and all.
What did Freida do or say? I legitimately do not know, both to me are so low key that I didn’t know they weren’t together anymore.
Bollywood fan here. Yes, there are more beautiful actresses than her in Bollywood like there is in Hollywood but I don’t think that makes her average. A lot of people took offense to the fact that she claimed she couldn’t get work in Bollywood as she is dark skinned. Maybe she wasn’t talented enough but if she legitimately experienced colorism, who are we to dispute it, it’s not like skin tone isn’t an issue in India. I just think it’s ridiculous, the bad rap, she gets from Indians cos she was ‘lucky’ enough to get a role in Slumdog Millionaire after numerous auditions which is more than we can say about the ‘star kids’ who get into Bollywood through nepotism.
Bollywood fan here too.
By her actions, i’d say that Frieda Pinto wants to be a star. The star parts for women in Bollywood are the ‘damsel in distress’ heroine roles.
They tend to go to light skinned, exceptionally good looking ladies. We might quibble whether Frieda Pinto fits the skin tone criteria, but she doesn’t truly fit the *exceptionally* good looking criteria.
That is to say, you do find darker skinned ladies playing these roles, but their *exceptional* beauty overcomes the first requirement eg Kajol, Rani Mukerji and Ashwariya Rai aren’t light skinned in comparison to Katrina Kaif or Kareena Kapoor, but their beauty is traffic stopping.
The really dark ladies tend to go with Indie Indian films or the Tamil Telugu industry and ironically have proper acting jobs as a result instead of being an identikit ‘damsel in distress’ type eg Ayesha Darkher.
It’s sad that this criteria exists because it’s a disservice to women in bollywood and to Asian women. And it fuels the lightening skin creams trade.
Thanks for explaining, LAK and Olly. I think Perplexed probably hit on something I hadn’t thought about when she said “western ideals”, because to me, Pinto is one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. I know beauty is subjective but i never understood why people would say she’s very average in appearance.
@LAK – come now, are you really trying to say Aishwarya Rai isn’t light skinned by Indian standards? And are you really trying to claim that the Tamil and Telugu film industries are such havens for dark-skinned ladies, when they have been well known for importing fair-skinned North Indian heroines (who can’t even speak the languages and have to read off romanised scripts) for decades now?
And as for Kajol and Rani Mukherji, it’s worth mentioning that they were both born into really well-connected industry families, as in, call a friend of daddy or mummy to get your debut role. They are both staggeringly talented too, but Kajol at least would never have got a look-in without the parental help because she was darker-skinned. (and all these ladies are lighter than Freida).
@ LAK… I just googled the actresses you mentioned and they all look pretty damn light skinned to me. I also think Freida Pinto is way prettier than them (except Aishwarya maybe), but maybe that’s not the consensus in Indian culture.
Oneshot/Jay: I know perfectly well how they all got into the industry it’s not a secret because the same accusation can be levelled at Kareenaand Karisma Kapoor and many others because who you know/related to is the trump card of Bollywood as well as hollywood, but this is a comment about their skin tone, the industry as a whole and how roles are cast.
And my comment clearly stated that ‘IN COMPARISON to Katrina Kaif or Kareena Kapoor’, they are darker. COMPARISON.
On a Scale of Ayesha Darkhar ( fairly dark) to Katrina Kaif (fairly light) they sit in the middle.
Further, there are lots of darker skinned ladies doing very well in Indie Indians AND in Tamil Telugu. They wouldn’t stand a chance in Bollywood for the types of roles they would prefer.
I’m not denying the scandals, every industry has them, but it is what it is.
Im an Indian and still have family there and visits very often. The fact is Freida is not at all talented (just look at her performance in Slumdo) nor is she attractive by Indian standards at all. Side dancers in Bollywood films are more attractive then her. So I dont think she deserves to be a Bollywood star when she is neither attractive nor talented.
What most of we stern media dosent know is that she had a fiance on whom she cheated on we cheated on withe cheated on Dev. Te cheated one moment movie became famous se cheated one dumped her fiancee and when media found out about it she even refused to acknowledge the man and said he is just someone looking to exploit her name. Of course her claims were false when the photos of her engagement party were published, mind you the man was supporting her she was struggling to get a break. So she came across as someone who dumped her fiancee the moment she got famous .
As far as not getting break in Bollywood well Deepeka Padokone is the current top actress in Bollywood at the moment and she is very dark. Every country ave different beauty standards so I dont know y india gets flack for considering fair women attractive.
I’m Indian too, actually live there and not just visited, and anyone with half a wiki’s worth of Bollywood knowledge will know that Deepika Padukone is the daughter of a very well-known badminton player and was a famous model even before she debuted in films. She had connections, unlike Freida who was pretty much going to any audition she could get.
And you can keep defending this ‘fair skin’ preference of India’s all you want, but as a woman who’s probably the same skin tone as Deepika Padukone I can testify that it’s a poisonous beauty standard that excludes the majority of Indian women and pretty much tells them that if you’re not fair you have to “make up” for it in some other way (supposedly my features pass muster in some people’s eyes to compensate for the fact that I’m an NC40 in MAC).
I was born in India as well and lived their till I was 16, so yes I know India very well. And yes Deepeka Padokone is daughter of a badminton player and she modeled before becoming an actress. but the discussion is on actress not being accepted for being dark skinned and not how they dont get work because of it which is not true at all.
As far as actress not getting work there are millions of very fair and beautiful women who are also not getting work because they dont have connections. Ill say to be a successful Bollywood actress/actor you need bollywood connections more then anything , if you gave that then youll be successful despite begin fair or dark.
And again every country have different beauty standards because of which some ARE excluded and some are included, I dont whats the bi deal about this.
Freida Pinto is neither beautiful now talented so she should et a break in Bollywood? Looks like she isnt getting much work in Hollywood as well so Hollywood is racist too? .
Why India and by extension the Indian diaspora that I belong to gets flak for preferring fair woman? Cos millions of dark skinned girls are left feeling hideous or at best non-entities.
im dark indian woman and i never felt hideous . Maybe we should make women not base their self confidence on their looks like my mother did. I see the same company selling fairness cream in Indian and tannin products in UK. It just shows me women all over the world are not happy with themselves and rather making people change what they consider attractive, since beauty lies in the eyes of beholder, we should teach them to be more then just their looks IMO.
I don’t consider Freida Pinto the greatest beauty ever and I don’t feel like seeking out her movies, but I wouldn’t classify her as unattractive either. I think she falls on the spectrum of attractiveness required in Hollywood (thin, small bones, good muscle tone, high cheekbones, certain symmetry to the face, stylish, etc). Objectively speaking, I don’t really think the descriptor “hideous” or “non-entity” could be used in relation to her on a Western scale of attractiveness even though I wouldn’t go out of my way to stare at her photos or watch her in a movie.
There are some Bollywood actresses who have extraordinary faces, but physique-wise I’m not sure how some would be viewed in Hollywood because of the emphasis on having some degree of muscle and tone on a slim frame (not just being slim, but being somewhat in shape where the arms or stomach aren’t flabby). By contrast, I think Freida has the type of physique and high cheekbones Hollywood likes.
I looked up Deepika Padukone on the internet, and she doesn’t look particularly dark to me. I don’t know if the lighting has affected the photos, but she doesn’t look particularly unconventional. Unless she’s supposed to be considered dark next to a white person?
Perplexed: photos are very deceiving. They always use a lot of light to make them appear lighter.
In terms of comparisons, using Western actors, think of a scale that has Archie Punjabi on one side (light skinned) and Parminder Nagra on the other end (dark skinned). The ladies mentioned throughout the thread fall somewhere on that spectrum.
I think he’s adorable, charming and very sexy. I have a thing for thin, gangly guys so go f-yourself Testino.
Sooooo Freida totally shattered his heart, right? That’s the feeling I get from the way he talks about her and their breakup. Poor guy. Come on over here sugar, I’ll help ya feel better!
Awwww (: This is the first I’ve read from any interview with him… he seems pretty awesome.
Yeah, Mario Testino can f*ck right off. I will never get how someone can judge another person’s worth just based on looks. But my opinion, for what it’s worth, Dev is pretty good looking guy. And a sense of humor, sensitivity, kindness and warmth will always be sexy to me.
If anyone thinks either he or Frieda Pinto is attractive or hot then please visit India at least one time in your lifetime as it will be a land of eye candy for you . Im Indian and by Indian standards both of them are very average people, for a lot even less then average and never ever be considered attractive at all. Im also Indian and he does nothing for me. You wish to see hot men then search hritik Roshan, Upen Patel, Arjun Rampal etc. These are hot men.
You’re assuming that what is attractive to you is attractive to everyone. Who knows what draws us to someone? It’s not just the way someone’s features are arranged on their face, it’s their smile, their eyes, their spark, their intelligence, humor and kindness. Too many so-called handsome men also vain, which never an attractive trait.
I’m sorry Minx, An Old Prude speaks the truth. It’s not about what your personal tastes, but what is considered asthetically and objectively good looking. With rare exception, by Bollywood standards, Dev Patel doesn’t hold a candle to any of the men Bollywood turns into stars.
And old prude, be still my beating heart for those men, and they dance too!!!! 🙂
I googled them, too, and yes, many are very attractive. They do nothing for me, though, personally.
Really?
Because Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Kapoor, Ajay Devgan, Arjun Kapoor, etc are no oil paintings either. Dev is pretty ok-looking next to them, and probably has more talent in his little finger than many so-called handsomer “actors”.
one shot,
First of all its Ranveer Singh not Kapoor. Its Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor.
Now i really question whether you are really a resident of India if you cant tell the difference between the above 2 men mentioned or if you think Dev is a better actor then SRK or hritik Roshan or Ajay Devgan. Yes every industry have good looking actors and some not so good looking. The actors you mentioned are famous for their acting talents and not looks and I was talking about ONLY LOOKS here.
But then again since I dont live in India anymore you think I shouldn’t say anything about my own country, so i really dont wish to speak to you anymore.
Really Oneshot. At this point you are trolling because all those men as good looking. Exception Ajay Devgan who has a lot of charisma.
And this isn’t about their talent. Bollywood is more lookist (I know not a word!) than Hollywood at this point which is why so many ex-models/beauty queens do so well.
Interesting. I’m not familiar with Bollywood, but I googled the people you mentioned and thought they were ok, not great. I googled some of the ladies mentioned above, and some were very pretty and some were just ok. Pinto seems just as beautiful as those mentioned.
I did notice that a lot of the seemingly “really attractive” people in Bollywood seem to have lighter eyes. Is that a thing?
Geez, if looks is all you go by, how miserable is that? Guess what? when we’re all old and wrinkly, looks don’t matter.
When did I say i only go by looks? Im sorry but this is a celebrity site and we are talking about physical beauty and not what is considered attractive in a man you would like to marry. The fact is 99% people in India will not considered dev and Freida attractive because they aren’t by Indian standards and if anyone find him PhYSICALLY attractive then you will find a lot of common men in India very very PhYSICALLY attractive.
Now if you wish to discuss non physical attractiveness Im all for it 🙂
As an Indian woman, I ask you to please stop this patronising colorist nonsense.
We don’t need people like you to speak for us, and I for one would certainly pay no mind to the view of someone who doesn’t even live in the country (by your own admission).
WOW, Im as much of an Indian as you are and have a right to say whatever I wish to about MY COUNTRY and MY PEOPLE as you can whether I still am an active resident there or not. Its still my country and I dont need people like you to tell me what I can or cant say.
If you dont share my opinions then fine but dont tell me I cant say something because i dont live there.
@OldPrude I also agree. My husband is Indian (and F*kin sexy as hell like Hritik) and we often attend weddings, anniversary parties, etc. and TRULY many Indian girls in my local community would be considered a lot more beautiful by both Hollywood and Indian standards than Freida. She honestly would not stick out in a crowd at any Indian function I’ve ever attended (I think this is why a lot of Indians seem to wave her off & are genuinely confused about the hype around her). I don’t think she is unattractive, I just don’t think about her at all. I sometimes feel that many (not all) US people that are gushing over her “beauty” have just never been exposed to Indian beauty very much, or they are trying to be seen as non-bigot, accepting person by parroting that “yes she’s SO Beautiful” mantra that is being overly used about her. My SILs often joke “Stop trying to make Freida happen, she’s not going to happen!” ala Regina George. I have no idea what F is like IRL so I have no previous bias against her to unjustly opine that I don’t think she’s attractive/beautiful. And just for the record, I don’t think it because she has a darker skin tone, Priyanka Chopra is also dark and a really huge deal in Bollywood (she is gorgeous).
But I feel like I might get stones thrown at me because I’m not following the masses jumping off a cliff with this “Freida is a GODDESS!” stuff. LOL.
Name ANY beautiful celebrity and you’ll find people with the opposite opinion. That’s why no one should base their worth on appearance.
I dated a guy who was “prettier” than I was for years in college, and this came up repeatedly, especially when people had been drinking. We were young and mostly laughed it off, but it stung when it came from strangers, especially when they were saying it thinking I couldn’t hear. Helped a lot that he wasn’t vain, and didn’t buy into it.
Wow, what a rude thing to say to someone! He was a little dorky looking in Slumdog Millionaire, but he has grown up quite nicely. I think he’s hot now!
Dev’s a hot dude. Perhaps Mario hasn’t seen an episode of Skins and just assumed he just the guy who appeared in Slumdog.
Dev has always been attractive but is more so with this new look. Mario Testino should never judge anyone given how unattractive he is.
There’s two Marias so I’m going by this now, lol.
What was said to him is shallow, petty, and rude–then again, that pretty much sums up the industry.
In this one moment, Dev got treated like a woman, those who used Hugh and Pierce’s wives as examples were spot on. Typically, the number of women who “date down” outweighs the number of men, yet it’s the men that get our attention (or pity based on comments I’ve seen) 😒
Some people just need to learn when to STFU, more importantly, personality matters!!! You can be the most beautiful person ever BUT if your personality is poo, your appeal drops considerably.
On shallow note, he’s quite attractive to me, I’d gladly run my fingers through his hair 😍
Well if I’m being shallow here then Testino needs a mirror.
Can you please someone explain me, what is it with the family politics and not going to weddings? Why is it? It is some Indian thing? I am really curios, thanks!
There are a lot of family politics when it comes to Indians. It is the ultimate insult not to attend the wedding of a family member. Weddings are a very big thing in Indian culture. However, there is a lot of drama in Indian families (I am speaking from experience). There are certain family members you try hard to avoid. There is a lot of gossip and lies spread and the jealousy is out of control. Dev probably can’t stand having to hear rude comments at weddings about his relationship with Freida. The gossiping Aunties are a force to be reckoned with. Ugh.
“The gossiping Aunties are a force to be reckoned with” TRUTH!
I married into the culture and I was baptized by the fire with it b/c some of my hubby’s aunties are especially CRAY. They’re trying to make their own lives mirror whatever nonsense they’re watching on Zee TV (while sipping on their chai in their nightgowns)…smh
@DTX, dying with laughter about the Zee TV reference.
DTX
I feel for you and my very British husband will also agree wit you 🙂
The phrase you don’t marry a person but his/her family as well is made for Indian families. Basically your business is your entire family’s business. They gossip, take cheap shots at you, judge you all the while you cant answer back and have to be polite because they are your elders. My mother still have to listen for letting my dad indulge me too much and hence spoiling me so badly that I got the guts to marry a British man. I still remember the day I told my dad about my then BF, my whole family in India went bonkers. I had 20 uncles, aunts, cousins etc calling me as if i have said or done something so horrible,. My late father was a darling and supported me after meeting my husband but till this day my mother have to listen how I went out of control and ended up marrying a White man and now will have grand kids with blue eyes.
Maybe Testino was trying in (a very unfortunate way) emphasize that Dev must be an amazing guy b/c Freida picked him?
Now, I’d be the “Freida” girl in this story and I have to say it upsets me when people do that to those I choose to date. I was born looking the way that’s considered pretty these days, what does it have anything to do with whom I’m supposed to fall in love with? I have a type – quiet, serious, lanky engineers, but I remember once going out with a very good-looking guy (women would literally stare at him when we walked into a restaurant, haha) and people constantly complimenting us on being “so well suited together.” It felt really weird and insulting, like I had no say in whom I should like because of the way I look. The society had decided on that for me and appreciated that I fulfilled their expectations.
YES to all of this. I’ve been through similar experiences. Just because you’re conventionally attractive people feel they have the right to tell you who’s beneath you and who’s at your level.
I find most of the great looking guys I meet have the WORST personalities. I’d take a less attractive man who’s awesome in every other way 10 times out of 10 and society can suck it 😉
And odd that people say you’re “well suited” merely because you’re both attractive. To me well suited means your personalities blend well and you complement each other.
Yep, people are shallow. If you look good together, then you’re “well suited.”
I LOVE DEV!!!!!!!!!
Dev Patel is exotically handsome. Mario Testino is a fat faced FUG with an under bite. They were a beautiful couple.
My ex broke up with me because I’m not Indian (I’m white and older than him) and he said he couldn’t marry me. Something along the lines of “my family would be shocked…” meaning, I guess, not just his parents but aunties and whatnot.
Shallow Gal says one name.
Sendhil Ramamurthy.
The rest can just take a seat.
He is very attractive. 🙂
thanks, i never heard of him. you are right, he is gorgeous
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder & Dev does not move my meters at all, but Mario was rude. What I have always found so odd about Dev & Freida as a pair is their age difference. He’s 6 years younger, so she at 24 was a successful professional model (Elite Agency) who’d had her own TV travel show, previously in a long term relationship (engaged for 6 years) & she starts dating an 18 year old? Very strange.
I like Dev Patel so much more than Anwar from skins, ha ha.
When I was in university, I recall a somewhat unfortunate-looking but thoroughly delightful young woman who was dating this super-cute boy. At some point, one of her frenemies said to her — with scorching disbelief in her voice — “He really likes you?”
To which the answer was, “He likes me better than he likes you.”
Honestly, some people seem to think “hotties” aren’t human beings, that they instead present themselves as some sort of bingo prize to the potential mate with the greatest number of superficial qualities. And when presented with evidence that the hotties prize more substantive qualities more, they sit around like Mario Testino going, “Buh?”
He’s attractive but Freida Pinto’s beauty is other worldly. I’m sure he knows this too. Sounds like he was sharing this story for sympathy.
Mario’s work is beautiful but this is disgusting. I don’t even know what to think, I admire Mario a lot.
He is not “normal-looking”, he is very, very handsome.
I don’t think people of different countries should have to change their language to fit our sensibilities. Benedict and Patel do not need to apologize to anyone because in their country it is not offensive. They should be able to use whatever language they know without having to tiptoe around us.
I think most people are sensitive about stuff but you can’t expect them to not ever speak in the way they are used. Get over it people.
As far as Testino, no amount of money can buy class.
When people from the UK and British colonies say “colored” it refers to people who are Of East Indian descent-it doesn’t mean African American and it isn’t derogatory
Homely (in the eye of the beholder) fellows go out with gorgeous women all the time in Mario Testino’s world; it’s that Dev Patel wasn’t conventionally handsome in his view AND didn’t have an eight-figure balance in his savings account that must have been startling to the old dear. E.g. I don’t imagine Testino had this conversation with Dodi Al Fayed.
It really baffles me how some people take it as their right to judge others based on their looks or over-all attractiveness.
This has happened to me A LOT and I think the absolute worst was when a guy who was kinda trying to hit on me (while my boyfriend was also present, yet caught up in a discussion with somebody else) told me how “yeah, your boyfriend is okay.” And after a long pause “I’m sure he’s funny.” This coming from him, out of the blue (I NEVER asked or cared for his opinion!!!) after having mustered my bf from head to toe with a dismissive look … I know it sounds so harmless and insignificant but the tone of this dude’s voice and the look on his face … I can’t tell you how hurt and upset I was for my boyfriend. (And for me as well, even if the comment wasn’t aimed at me.) So I can understand how upset Dev must’ve felt. And just imagine Freida … If Mario thinks she was oh-so-hot and out of Dev’s league … why trash talk him, her loved one?
Would you ever want somebody talking trash about your loved ones? If I was Freida I would have been furious.
Oh, and btw: I think Dev is absolutely beautiful. He reminds me a lot of my bf and I think nice man are to die for. Not money or abs or crazy bone structure. Take that, Mario.
Obviously everyone has different perceptions of beauty and thats totally fine……just REALLY RUDE to say it directly to someone’s face.
I’m so disappointed to learn what Mario Testino said. I always liked him and he came off as one of the more “normal” photographers in the fashion industry. But I guess he is just as big an ass as most of them. I never found Dev appealing but his current interview has changed my mind. He sound so lovely and I find his insecurity surprisingly endearing.