Actor Ali Fazal has been cast as the lead in a Hollywood movie starring Dame Judi Dench. Tentatively titled ‘Victoria & Abdul’, the movie will be based on the novel, ‘Victoria And Abdul: The True Story Of The Queens’ Closest Confidant’, written by Shrabani Basu.
Speaking to Bombay Times, Fazal said, “I’m living my dream. Abdul is a guy from Agra who goes to London and is thrown into a fancy place all of a sudden. That’s just what happened to me. Stephen liked my audition and I did reading sessions with Judi Dench”.
According to goodreads, the novel “Victoria & Abdul”, examines how a young Indian Muslim came to play a central role at the heart of the Empire, and his influence over the queen at a time when independence movements in the sub-continent were gathering force. While Ali will play Abdul, Judi will essay the Queen’s role. Interestingly, Judi Dench has already played this role in her 1977 movie, Her Majesty, Mrs.Brown.
Ali Fazal attributed his success in bagging the role to his command over Hindi, English and Urdu. The actor added that he hasn’t read the book since he didn’t want his reading to influence Stephen’s script or his acting. He said, ” I wanted to retain the innocence that Abdul had. From teaching the Queen Hindi and Urdu to becoming her confidante and political advisor — they shared a unique relationship.”
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Though this is his first lead role in an overseas production, the actor is by no means a stranger to Hollywood. Fazal played a cameo role in the seventh installment of the ‘Fast And Furious’, alongside actor Vin Diesel.
At present, the actor is busy promoting his film, Happy Bhag Jayegi. Directed by Anand L Rai, the movie has Ali Fazal, Abhay Deol and Diana Penty as part of it’s cast. Once this film releases, he will fly to London to begin shooting for Victoria & Abdul.
Feature image courtesy: Shortday.in