Ali Fazal has surely come a long way since his Give Me Some Sunshine days in 3 Idiots. The actor has not only starred in Bollywood movies but has also made a mark in Hollywood as a leading man in Stephen Frears' Victoria & Abdul.
When it comes to his personal life, the actor made his relationship with Richa Chadha public very recently. With things looking up for him, Ali turns 31 today.
In an exclusive tête-à-tête with Pinkvilla, Ali gets candid about his Hollywood journey, Richa and more:
How do you plan on celebrating your birthday this year?
It's going to be a busy one. I'm in Benaras, shooting. I'm not an evening party guy. I do like breakfast on my birthday with my friends, that's my escape (laughs).
Is there a special birthday memory from the past you cherish?
When I was a kid, I remember packing return gifts for people. And I also remember that instead of two eclairs, I gave all of them one because the other one went into my tummy. I felt very cool about it because I had scammed the entire family. I don't know why that is stuck in my head.
Your performance in Victoria & Abdul has been well received and the movie has performed well at the UK box-office. How overwhelming has the reaction been for you?
Very nice. It's elating and very flattering. The good part is that people are liking it all across and that's a great validation. Because sometimes we release films in our little bubble and we feel good when five people say good things and then actually, it's probably not very nice. But here we've released all over the world in 50 countries almost in Universal Studio territory. In Australia and UK, we've topped the box office. We went the first week in America. In Indian rupees, we've made around 180 crore. That's massive. So, it's great for a smaller film like this to make that money and get the appreciation.
How was it working with a Hollywood legend like Dame Judi Dench?
It's like making a new friend. You know, when we were kids, a friend from the opposite sex - there would be that tentativeness and hichkichaana. Then suddenly, you're best friends and all that fear is gone because you meet her. I remember walking on Day 1 when I met her at this lunch; I was a stranger who just walked in, and she came up and gave me the warmest hug. She didn't have to. That broke the ice. Over the next 3-4 months, we got to know each other.
Is there any anecdote with Dame Judi Dench from the sets of the movie?
I remember my Day 1 with her which was hilarious because there were like 200 people on set. It's that first scene where I am presenting her the Mohar in the film. I went to Judi and take 1, both of us look at Stephen Frears. And, Judi is like, 'How was that for you, Stephen?' He walks up and says, 'Judi, just act better.' (laughs) That's it! That was his direction. It was hilarious and 200 people broke out laughing. I mean, what do you tell Judi Dench? Let's do another take. But they've been friends forever. She's a prankster and hilarious. Obviously, not now, but she is known for making cushions for everybody that had these nasty words on them. So, everybody from her old days has one cushion rented to them from Judi Dench. Her eyesight is not very good now so she can't do it but that's the kind of woman she is. She tries these really obnoxious things for people so everybody has this one vulgar cushion in their houses. She's funny, she's got a huge sense of humour. Weirdly, she has very interesting hearing power. I remember on sets once, she had stopped a take before the action. Everybody was like, 'What happened, Judi?' Three seconds later, the sound guy goes, 'Oh yeah wait! I can hear it.' It's the aeroplane and she could hear before everybody. These are my little anecdotes.
What is the primary difference between working in a Bollywood and Hollywood movie?
On this particular film, it was a biopic. It's a true story. The whole process changes anyway, whether it be a Bollywood or a Hollywood film. It was the first time I signed on a biopic. For me, it was any way different from anything I've ever done in my life. There's nothing to be shameful about it, but Bollywood is 15-20 years behind in technology. We started late and we do look up to the West for their VFX or their sets and the kind of scale that they have. So, those things were different. There's obviously a little discipline that I feel is very interesting and something that we can learn from. The planning makes the difference. We finished dot on Day 53 as planned. That's it. It was beautiful.
While you made your debut in Fast 7, you had a limited role. However, in Victoria & Abdul, you play the lead character. How has that transformation been for you?
It's like how I started my Bollywood career. I started with a cameo in 3 Idiots. It's a big jump. It was really nice to come back to Universal Studios. I think I have a good relationship now with them. They were kind enough to take me and it was a big step for them as well to come down to India and casting. There is always easier routes for the west but you can see it's changing. They are taking risks, they want to come down and get the right person for the right part. It has changed a lot of things because suddenly, I can see a larger arena of cinema. There are so many more options. There's another world out there and so much work happening that it's never enough. It's a great time for actors and directors. People are taking risks. I hope there are more directors who can take that risk with me.
With Bollywood celebrities like Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone making a name for themselves in the West. However, there is a sense of them being more popularised in a way as compared to you. Does that affect you?
No, I can't. They've worked their asses off all these years. In Bollywood, they've got their fame and it's only natural that they will be popularised. They walk the red carpet and it will be national news and we've seen that. I'm certainly seeing the other side which really matters, in terms of my work and good, classy work. So, when the Academy acknowledges me or we're mixing with the right people, it doesn't affect me that my own country is not hailing me as whatever, it's fine. It's okay because I've just started out here also. I've had a couple of years and I've gained momentum. Now, I'm doing parts that I'm liking. I guess it is up to the media. I don't know and I can't dictate terms there.
There were reports suggesting that you will be starring in a Hollywood biopic. Can you elaborate on that?
We are in talks for two projects which are very interesting. However, it would be unfair if I speak now because I'm the first one on board right now.
You and Richa made your relationship public at the Venice International Film Festival and you have been dating for more than a year. Why did you choose this time to make your relationship public?
It's like normal people. They don't go out there...uska bathangad banane ki koi zaroorat nahin hai. It's my personal life. I mean, I'm wearing denim today but I'm not talking about it or what underwear I'm wearing. (laughs) It's something that I really cherish. I respect her a lot and she's one of the finest actors we have. We've both been working and have been busy the whole of last year. It was nice to have someone by my side. One of my best friends was there, Vijay Thomas in Venice. He came down and it was really nice to have them by my side. Relationship or no relationship, she's my best friend. My best friends were there and that's the best thing I can have.
What is your favourite quality of Richa's?
She doesn't reveal her style, man! (laughs) She's like our little Meryl Streep version of India because she doesn't give it out. She has this secret up her sleeve and she just does it on the celluloid. I keep trying to decipher it. I'll always look up to that.
Happy Birthday, Ali Fazal!