Dev Patel was nervous approximately Nicole Kidman meeting

The 26-year-vintage actor - who stars as Saroo Brierley in 'Lion' opposite the Australian actress as his adoptive mom - anticipated his co-famous person to be "candy and gracious", even though he become still in awe of her.

but Dev located it "stunning" operating with Nicole - who has followed children - Isabella, 23, and Connor, 21, with ex-husband Tom Cruise - and faith, 5, and Sunday, 8, with partner Keith urban - as she changed into just as devoted to the film as he changed into, specially because of her family heritage.

He said: "I knew she changed into going be very sweet and gracious -- she simply offers off that strength. once I were given over the nerves of meeting Nicole Kidman. I saw how she absolutely installed the whole lot in the role.

"i'd been prepping for 8 months, but she'd prepping for most of her lifestyles in a way because she is a mother with adopted youngsters.

"there was a real fact there. It became beautiful being in such an intimate overall performance area with her."

For the movie, Dev needed to develop his hair longer and he admits his locks looked "genuinely awkward" at a few points, even though he hasn't worried an excessive amount of approximately what he seems like as he is not troubled approximately "grooming".

He advised Vulture: "[My hair] went through some absolutely, absolutely awkward phases. i'm now not clearly one for grooming, so I just permit it grow wild. it is funny that it's gotten interest whilst genuinely I simply experience like i have got a mop on pinnacle of my head."

Dev didn't meet the real Saroo till after he'd started filming, but they were given alongside properly as soon as they were given collectively.

He stated: "the primary scene I shot for the movie become virtually the climax, which changed into very hard emotionally. Then we started the Australian portion of the film -- that is when I got to fulfill Saroo as that is wherein he nonetheless lives along with his family.

"however it felt like i would known him for almost a 12 months, that's how lots time i might spent preparing; watching all the videos I ought to, soaking up all of his interviews and his talks. We immediately clicked over a really best breakfast."