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Actor Dev Patel, who catapulted to success in 2009 when he starred in the Academy Award-winning film SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, was the guest of honor at the Chivas Icons event on May 2, 2017, at Play in the H Hotel.
The Chivas Icons was launched in October 2016 to recognize and celebrate individuals in The Gulf, who not only make a difference themselves but also inspire others to Win The Right Way. This event will recognize Dev for his work with the #LionHeart campaign, which helps vulnerable children in India.
The #Lionheart campaign was inspired, in part, by the 2016 movie Lion which starred Dev opposite Nicole Kidman and Sunny Pawar. It tells the true story of Saroo Brierley, an Indian child lost many miles from his home and his decade-long struggle to return to his family. Each year 80,000 children go missing in India, with a further 11 million living on the streets. The #Lionheart campaign supports three India base charities – Magic Bus; Childline India and Railway Children India – all of which do extraordinary work on the ground to protect children in India and around the world.
Dev Patel, commented:
“The ideal of sharing success resonates strongly with me. Success is not something that’s handed to you on a plate. It takes hard work, many sacrifices and years to achieve and, in my own experience, it wouldn’t be possible without the support of family, friends, and collaborators along the way.
“I am grateful for my life and the success I have enjoyed. I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to sleep; when I’m going to eat or how I’m going to protect myself. I have the freedom to make my own choices and choose my path in life. Unfortunately, this is not the case for millions of children in India and around the world. For this reason, I want to help others by telling culturally diverse stories that educate and shed light on the human condition. True success means using your own to help others who don’t have a voice or the freedom we take for granted. This is what Win the Right Way means to me. It shows that success is better shared and is a force for good.”
