Actor Dev Patel, who is gearing up for the release of his forthcoming India-based film "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", says initially he was nervous with the experienced heavy-weights in the film-cast.

The movie, which is coming out Friday, features Dame Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy and Tom Wilkinson along with Indian actors Lillette Dubey and Tena Desae.

"It was phenomenal - and that's an understatement. It was amazing for me just to watch them. I was nervous with this weighty cast, of course, but John gave me the confidence to be free. Even the smallest scenes were great lessons for me," said Dev in a statement.

Dev, known for his character in Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire", has a personal connect with the film "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel".

"My mother has actually worked as a caretaker for the elderly and I was enticed by how vivid these characters are, by their sarcasm and their wisdom. I fell in love with the script because every character shines in his or her own different way and you believe in each of them," he added.

Directed by John Madden, the movie revolves around a hotel in Rajasthan, advertised as India's answer for Britain's retired people.