Freida Pinto: split from Dev Patel came from 'midlife crisis'

Freida Pinto says she and Dev Patel are still friends, calling their seven-year relationship a "monumental shift". Photo / AP

Freida Pinto has hinted that her split from Dev Patel was caused by a "midlife crisis at 28".

The 32-year-old actress and her Slumdog Millionaire co-star ended their seven-year relationship in 2014 and Freida has admitted that a lot of things in her life changed when she started questioning herself.

She told the Daily Mail's Weekend magazine: "For me it started at the age of 28, 29. Maybe it's the body. Maybe it's something about moving into womanhood from being a girl. You start asking, 'What do I really want?'

"There comes a point where you've got everything you want - career, love, family - but you've ignored yourself. Life hits you and you think, 'What about me? What do I really want?'

"You can be with someone and it can be really good for your growth. That's what Dev was for me. The seven years I was with him were so impactful. But I ended up being single when I started thinking about these other things.

"For the first time, I finally understand the concept of self-love and self-care. I'm single and happy, and busy. I haven't been single for a long time. It's like being born again."

Despite their split, Pinto insists that she and 26-year-old Patel - who is currently dating Australian actress Tilda Cobham-Hervey - are still good friends.

She said: "You can't share such a monumental shift in life, then not be friends. That would be the saddest thing ever."

- Bang! Showbiz