‘Bollywood is my first love’

Actor Ali Fazal is currently busy shooting for another big Hollywood project, Death On the Nile that co-stars the Wonder Woman (2017) actor, Gal Gadot. The actor, who starred alongside Judi Dench in Victoria & Abdul (2017), is glad to be a part of the “ensemble cast and a prestigious film”. “I am just trying to have some fun, and see what I can bring to the table. It is a whodunit, so I don’t want to reveal more about my role,” Ali quips. Excerpts from an interview.

Has your focus now shifted to Hollywood and foreign projects?

Currently, I am focusing on the film (Death On The Nile) and going forward, I don’t really have a strategy that I will only focus on Hollywood. I just have to manage my time well, kyunki main thoda batt gaya hoon. I’ve to keep everything in order. I don’t want to leave Bollywood, it is my first love. I believe everything can be balanced and can go hand-in-hand.

Do you feel plum roles still go to star kids and is it difficult for you to bag roles, even today?

It’s difficult to bag such roles and it’s something that’s happened to me earlier. Now, of course, projects come to me because of the process that I went through in Bollywood. In Hollywood, it was really fast for me. I did one cameo in Fast and Furious 7 (2015) and then I landed my first lead role in this Hollywood film.

You are in a relationship with Richa Chadha. Any plans of taking it to the next level?

I think it has gone to every level. I love things between us — it’s lovely and spiritual. She is my best friend and I enjoy her company. Uske aage mujhe sharam aati hai baat karne mein (laughs).

What’s that one quality about Richa that attracts you? Something that maybe you don’t have and which, she adds to your life.

She has empathy towards the world and not just the people around her or in our country. I’ve never seen that in anyone, except for people who are spiritually centred and she is one of them. To be able to empathise with everyone is hard and she does that. She is a very soft person, even though she may come across as very tough. And, I am a fan of her acting. I try to learn from her.

Now, of course, projects come to me because of the process that I went through in Bollywood. In Hollywood, it was really fast for me. I did one cameo in Fast and Furious 7 (2015) and then I landed my first lead role in a Hollywood film.

ALI FAZAL, ACTOR