While Indian actors are finding their prominent and well-deserved ground internationally, Ali Fazal has become the first Indian actor to be featured in a major Hollywood production in a titular role. Fazal will be seen opposite cinematic legend Judi Dench in the upcoming Focus Features and BBC Films’ Victoria and Abdul.

Victoria and Abdul

Victoria and Abdul | Poster

The film tells the extraordinary true story of an unexpected friendship during the later years of Queen Victoria’s rule with an Indian clerk, Abdul in her court. Set is the 1800s, Abdul Karim, a young clerk, travels from India to participate in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, he is surprised to find favor with the Queen herself. As the Queen questions the constrictions of her long-held position, the two forge an unlikely and devoted alliance with a loyalty to one another that her household and inner circle all attempt to destroy. As the friendship deepens, the Queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes and joyfully reclaims her humanity.

Speaking on the launch of the trailer, Ali said, “It was a surreal moment to bag this role and that too when I got selected for the film over some of my peers who were in consideration for the same role, especially those whom I look up to and whose work I admire. Shooting for this film was a milestone in the short career I have had so far. I did a small cameo in 3 Idiots and then came the bigger roles in Bollywood, I did Furious 7 with a cameo and now a lead in Victoria and Abdul is a sweet coincidence. Working with Judi, Stephen, Micheal Gambon, Eddie and such an amazing team was more than what I could have asked for”.