Dev Patel is a powerhouse, says Dame Judi Dench

London -- Veteran actress Dame Judi Dench seems to have become a fan of Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel. The 77-year-old says her The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel co-star is the most energetic actor she has ever met, reported Contactmusic. The Oscar-winner also says she will watch Patels career closely. "He's probably got more energy than any actor I've met in 56 years of being in the theatre. He is a powerhouse, like a very strong battery and he always wants to try new things; each take is never quite the same so it's very, very exciting. Plus, he's utterly delightful and I will watch his career fantastically closely," Dench said. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, directed by John Madden, will release in India on May 18.