‘No acting required’ for chemistry with co-star – Dame Judi
DAME Judi Dench admitted she had no problem finding herself attracted to co-star Ali Fazal when filming for Victoria and Abdul.
The York-born film star said there was “no acting required” as she described her instant chemistry with the Fast & Furious 7 star who takes centre stage with her as young Indian clerk Abdul Karim in this month’s release.
Speaking to the Radio Times magazine, she promised: “You’re in for a treat. He is very, very tall. He is extremely beautiful and he is an utterly delightful, charming man... and a good actor.”
Asked if she was drawn to him straight away, she said: “No acting at all required.”
Her role as the world-famous monarch in Victoria and Abdul is the latest in Dame Judi’s long list of major parts, which includes M in the James Bond movies, Philomena and Miss Matty Jenkyns in hit period drama Cranford.
But she said that she “loathes” being labelled with terms such as “iconic” and “national treasure,” preferring comedian Tracey Ullman’s portrayals of her as a troublesome pensioner in her sketch show.
“It’s so anarchic, I love it. It’s much more like me than anything else... I invented swearing!”
Sharing one particularly naughty anecdote where she flashed her bottom at Harvey Weinstein and Oprah Winfrey in the Royal Opera House, she added: “I was wearing black silk trousers and a top and I came round and said: ‘Yes, I have it still (a faux tattoo of the producer’s name)’.
“But that’s Harvey – I know him well and I’ve flashed my bum to him so many times.”
Commenting on her future in the industry, Dame Judi, 82, added: “I’m not going to say the word retire – that’s rubbish!”
Her hobbies, she said, include embroidering saucy motifs on cushions to give as gifts and spending time with her daughter Finty and grandson Sam.