Freida Pinto: 'I gave Dev Patel Mumbai accent advice'

Freida Pinto has revealed that boyfriend Dev Patel sought her help when perfecting his accent for Slumdog Millionaire.

In an interview with InStyle, the Rise of the Planet of the Apes actress recalled advising Patel not to impersonate characters on the comedy series Goodness Gracious Me when trying to adopt the Mumbai way of speaking.

Pinto said: "With the accent, he was a bit nervous. But all I told him was, 'Don't do the whole Goodness Gracious Me thing.' That just makes it very comical and it's not required for Slumdog Millionaire."

She also praised Patel's comedic skills, adding: "I always tell him that he's got to teach me. His comic timing is like no other. He's got it, it's just effortless."

Pinto and Patel began dating after meeting on the set of Slumdog Millionaire in 2008.

Pinto recently confessed that she and Patel have a love-hate relationship with Skype as web chats are a "tease" when they can't spend physical time together.

Watch the trailer for Slumdog Millionaire below: