Ali Fazal has just returned from a long spell of shooting for Stephen Frears’ Victoria & Abdul, where he plays the title role alongside the legendary Dame Judi Dench. The 81-year-old Judi, who is best known for playing M in the James Bond series, is a legend in her own lifetime. Though it was secretly a dream-come-true for Ali to be playing a pivotal part with Dame Judi, he didn’t approach the part and his co-star with awe.
“That would’ve killed the comfort level. If I’d gone to England as an open-mouthed fan of Judi’s, we’d never have been able to hit it off the way we did,” says Ali, reminiscing about the life-long friendship he’s formed with the actress.
At 30, Ali is 50 years younger than the ageless Judi, but that’s done little to deter them from being close. “We were friends from day one. Every morning, I’d go to her van playing songs from Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, and would dance with her. Whether it was Mehendi lagake rakhna or Mere khwabon mein, it had to be Judi, DDLJ and me each morning,” he recalls.
Dame Judi Dench
Judi, on her part, has been a frequent visitor to India and loves the country’s food, cinema and culture. Says Ali, “Her spirit, zest and energy were highly inspiring. No matter what she did, or the fun we had, she never forgot her work. She was always looking at her lines. We’d be out shopping and she would suddenly break into Urdu lines. What I learned from Judi was a renewed sense of commitment to my work. Before doing the movie with Judi, I had only heard of actors living their roles. During the film I was actually living my role, thanks to the level of commitment I saw in Judi.”
The friendship between Queen Victoria and her Indian man Friday was unique, explains Ali, talking about the movie. “It’s hard to define and was even harder for people to accept in those times. I could say the same about my friendship with Judi. We’re bonded for life now.”
He recounts the time when he was shooting at the Taj Mahal and video-called the British actress to show her around. “She loves India and the Taj Mahal, and she wanted to see it. I had promised I’d show it to her when I was shooting for the film there, and I did,” he says.
