The contest, staged in lively Dolores Park in San Francisco, drew hundreds of viewers and twenty hopefuls all aiming for the best Dev Patel look-alike award. The Nov. 10 event featured participants reproducing Dev’s signature styles, from Slumdog Millionaire to his recent debut as director with Monkey Man. Bay Area software engineer Jaipreet Hundal took the honors of the day, winning the $50 prize in competition with his very laid-back charm, though he did arrive a little late for the occasion.
Organized by Sitara Bellam and Tasnim Khandakar, San Francisco locals, what started as a light-hearted, laughing matter amongst friends as a look-alike contest of Timothée Chalamet that was happening in New York’s Washington Square Park a few days ago has grown into something huge as it attracted a crowd to Dolores Park and ignited the interest of movie buffs of South Asian cinema.
Hundal’s triumphant performance came as he waved coolly to the judges and referred to the long-haul flight from “London,” embracing fully the actor’s gentle yet magnetic presence. His easy-going nature contrasted with many of the other contestants who performed acts that seemed dramatic, like one man who suddenly sprang into an impromptu dance.
The city yearns for things like this, Khandakar said, beaming with pleasure at the turnout and community excitement to celebrate a South Asian actor. Many in attendance echoed the comment, praising the paucity of South Asian presence in Hollywood.
I was drinking while celebrating with political organizer Jagdeep Hundal, who overjoyed at having won his first prize contest ever, said he would spend the money on burritos at a local institution, El Farolito. For organizers and attendees, this day was about much more than fun and look-alike availability; it was joy, diversity, and community in the heart of San Francisco.
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