It may be the most talked about movie of the moment but it isn’t just director Danny Boyle who has cause to celebrate the success of Slumdog Millionaire.

At Bickers newsagents and post office in Eastry the Patel family are just as excited about the rapturous reception the Golden Globe-winning, Oscar-nominated film has been receiving.

For Hillie, Maganlal and Majula the triumph of Slumdog is nothing compared to the overwhelming pride they have for its star, Dev Patel.

While the 18-year-old might be a newcomer to the big screen he is a much-loved nephew and grandson to his family in Eastry.

His aunt Hillie said reaction to the film has been quite something and has all happened so quickly.

“We are so thrilled for my nephew, who is just Dev to us, not some big movie star,” she said.

Hillie added that he seems to have been taking all the glitz and glamour of premieres and awards ceremonies in his stride.

“We met up with him after the Golden Globes and he was just his relaxed, usual self but he was pretty exhausted.”

Maganlal described his grandson as a “kind, loving boy”.

“He speaks to us before he goes away and then tells us what has been going on when he gets back,” he said.

Dev, whose previous acting experience was in the television drama Skins, visited Eastry in the summer for a family party.

Hillie said: “We are a close family and Dev is like a big brother to my sons Rohan and Rahul.”

She added that the success of Slumdog is sure to open many doors for her nephew, who obviously has a bright future ahead.

But no matter how well-known he is now and how famous he may become he will still be “just Dev” to the Patels.