Jalil Patel

Jalil Youseff Hisham Patel (Born August 25, 1984) is an Indian film actor, model, and singer who appears in numerous Bollywood films, advertisements, and music videos.

Patel, also credited as "Ja'Tel", made his acting debut with the film Pagal Chawalwala (2005). He gained critical acclaim with his powerful and heartwarming performance as 'Amal' in "Ek Khwab Anmol" (2006), and won a CineBest "Best Male Debut Award" for his role. He went on to star in some of Bollywood's greatest fan favorites in the past few years, such as Khiladi Zindagi Ka (2007), and his latest release, Haseena Ka Deewana (2008), which were all major hits at the box office and has helped cement his status as Bollywood's fastest rising star.

Career

Patel made his acting debut in the 2005 comedy film "Pagal Chawalwala" where he played a supporting role. Although he was cast in an ensemble, his on-screen presence landed him auditions for his second film. This film was,"Ek Khwab Anmol", translated "A Unique Dream". In this film, he plays autistic Amal (which means Bright & Pure in Hindi), a teenager of college years who becomes a best-selling inspirational author thanks to the persistance of his tutor. The film went on to become one of India's most beloved films that year. It won numerous CineBest awards including 2006's Viewer's Choice Award. Jalil himself won a Best Male Debut Award, and consideration for Best Special Performance.

Since then and 2008, Patel has starred in two more hit films. 2007 Action movie "Khiladi Zindagi Ka", or "The Player of Life", reunited him with Ishan Adarsh, the director of "Pagal Chawalwala". It became a top fan favorite that year with a high gross at the box office and was also a major critical success. Because of the different genres he has starred in, critics were taking notice of his range. This earned him his first CineBest Best Actor nomination and also consideration for Best Actor. In 2008, Patel acted in his latest release, "Haseena Ka Deewana" ("Crazy AbOUT a Girl"). It was moderately successful at the box office, but served to gain him even more noteriety for his range and depth. Because of Haseena, Maharashtra Today hailed him as "The Man who can do it All!" in a featured article. He began a relationship with co-star, Soraya, and the two are currently dating.

Patel has released two music singles in 2009, and has also since appeared on numerous Indian talk shows. His latest movie is currently in production and is scheduled for a late 2009 release.

Personal life

Patel is the only son of Lebanese parents, Youseff and Rashida Saab. At the age of two, Patel's father was a victim of the Lebanese Civil War. Rashida then became a refugee and was taken in by Ashan Patel, who was an Indian Cashew merchant. Jalil was adopted and eventually changed his last name. The middle name Youseff in "Jalil Youseff" is in reference to his father.

Patel is an avid weightlifter and fan of American sports, namely professional wrestling. He trains five days a week and is notorious for his strict diet and having to eat every two hours while on-set. He credits his weightlifting hobby to his desire to have an athletic physique like a wrestler. In 2008, he was voted 17th best-looking man in the Middle East and by 2009, became #4. Patel claims that one of his goals is to soon become #1 in the Middle East and eventually the United States as well.

Patel is currently dating Egyptian/Indian actress and model, Soraya, after they became involved while filming "Haseena Ka Deewana".

Emergence in America

During his time away from the screen, Patel reached an informal agreement with a budding American Public Relations agency named "G3" regarding a visit to America beginning in April 2009. The purpose of the visit was two-fold: First, as a way to put G3 on the map for securing a huge foreign star, and second, a way to give Jalil & Soraya coveted American exposure. Patel & Soraya have kept a low profile since arriving, taking part only in private tours of American landmarks such as Fanuel Hall, as well as viewing his favorite American sports in person, such as baseball and wrestling. He made his first official American public appearance at Boston Univeristy on May 8, 2009. After visiting Fenway Park, he was introduced to a crowd at Brown Arena where he made a short statement and then danced with the live crowd.