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The ‘6day India run’ of Victoria & Abdul still hurts Ali Fazal
There’s much talk these days about Indian actors going global, and Ali Fazal is one crossover star who really has made a mark. Now, on the verge of directing a short film, and with another international project — centred round the Iraq war — in his kitty, the actor tells us how much it hurt that his acclaimed film Victoria & Abdul (2017) didn’t find an audience in India, despite its success in the West, and two Oscar nominations.
“I’ve been surprisingly lucky, with the madness that happened with Victoria & Abdul,” says Ali, who portrayed munshi Abdul, confidant to Queen Victoria, a role played by Oscar-winner Judi Dench. “I got exposed to literally the entire world, as opposed to this one bubble... These are exciting times for actors, directors, and writers. Next month, I’m directing a short (film) I’ve written. Today, I know when I’m thinking of something, it’s executable. If you don’t cast me, I’ll go ahead and make it,” says Ali, who’s now starring in a web series.
Like many in the fraternity, the actor believes that there has been a drastic change in what audiences in India consume, but good projects have been neglected earlier, feels Ali. The week-long India run of his big international venture still hurts the actor, who earlier had a special appearance in the action franchise hit Furious 7 (2015). He says, “Victoria & Abdul hamare yahaan chhe din chali — mujhe pata tha pehle se, isliye dukh bhi nahi hua. But even so, I did feel bad, as (India is my) home. It was a 20-million dollar project that made 95 million across the globe.”
Another film close to his heart is Masaan (2015). “It’s a cult, iconic film, but it took a Cannes film fest to recognise it! The film got two awards (at Cannes)!” says Ali. The change, however, gives him hope: “I’m glad we’re coming out of that hell-hole. Films are working.” He adds that “technologically, we are a little behind”, but Indian cinema will get there.