First-time actor talks about playing Mowgli in 'The Jungle Book'

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Twelve-year-old Neel Sethi started his acting career in a big way - by playing Mowgli, the orphan being raised in the wild in Disney's live action version of "The Jungle Book."

The newcomer beat out thousands of hopefuls in a global talent search for the lead and only human role in the movie.

"This was my first audition. I never acted before," said Sethi.

Director Jon Favreau said Sethi had a lot of qualities that reminded him of the kid from the original cartoon.

"He had a lot of charisma," Favreau said. "I think the fact that he wasn't an actor, or had never auditioned before made him not feel the pressure that some actors, especially young actors, might feel."

Since Sethi was the only actor on set, he had to interact with puppets that were standing in for what would later become computer-generated animals. Although it was a mystery during filming, Sethi said he had a lot of fun and was mind blown when he saw the movie.

Filming took place over a nine-month period. One of Sethi's costumes was Mowgli's signature red loincloth.

"I kept growing so they kept needing to make more!" said Sethi with a laugh.

"The Jungle Book" is rated PG and is in theaters this weekend.