Bollywood Star Ali Fazal Had 'Goo-Goo Eyes' Meeting Dame Judi Dench

In 1887, a young clerk, Abdul Karim was summoned all the way from India to United Kingdom to serve at Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, an event commemorating her 50 years on the throne. Surprisingly, the 24-year-old caught the Queen’s eye, and an unlikely relationship between them ensued, causing an uproar within the royal household. Standing by her devoted friend, Victoria promoted him to become her teacher and spiritual advisor.

The story of their friendship, the battle royale it created, and their devotion and respect for each other all come to life in Stephen Frear’s beautifully crafted historical drama “Victoria and Abdul,” which stars Judi Dench as Victoria and Ali Fazal as Abdul.

While the extraordinary true story of their startling friendship is not well-known around the world, it has certainly caught Fazal’s attention like a lightning rod.

“It was conveniently brushed aside by India and by Britain since it was a very confusing relationship,” the Bollywood star told Patch. “There’s got to be something very interesting about it— something more.”

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“People consider ‘opportunist’ a negative word, but it’s not,” explained the 30-year-old star. “In Abdul’s case, he was young, well-educated, and ambitious, and an opportunity presented itself to break through that social barrier— that’s what attracted me to this man.”

Although he was nervous meeting Judi Dench for the first time, he was equally excited to get to work with her, according to Fazal.

“Of course, I had goo-goo eyes when I first met the Dame,” recalled the Indian actor. “What an honor for me to meet her! I was nervous, but the minute that I walked into the room, she gave me the warmest hug, and the rest is history. She made me feel comfortable and at-ease. She is a gem of a person, and everything an actor should be. We started talking and shared notes on India. She loves India, for sure.”

Other memorable moments for Fazal was the location shoot at the Osborne House. The film production was the very first one ever to be granted access to the seaside residence of Queen Victoria.

“This is where Victoria wrote some of her memoirs,” he mentioned. “I was at-awe and feeling weird, seeing it for the first time. The icing on the cake was that no crew has ever filmed there since the death of Queen Victoria. Bertie, The Prince of Wales at that time, made sure to shut the Osborne House.”

As for working with Stephen Frears, the actor explained why he found his directorial technique liberating.

“Stephen was my old grumpy man. I love the guy,” he said. “I think he’s a genius; that’s why he is how he is. He lets actors come in with what they have. He doesn’t control you. In fact, he guides you through the process. It was fun working with him.”

The movie does not have any timeline, but Abdul’s costumes signify the different milestones of his friendship with Queen Victoria.

“I’m glad you mentioned it because nobody has ever mentioned that observation to me before,” gushed the actor. “Indeed, the movie doesn’t have any timeline; those costumes are really meant to transport you back to that era. It did for me, and I hope the audience would feel the same.”

And did he find it very grueling to get into those costumes?

“I must admit it was, but let me tell you that every minute of this movie project was well worth the experience for me,” according to Fazal.

“Victoria and Abdul” opens everywhere on Friday, September 29.

Watch the "Victoria and Abdul" trailer:

More movie news:

• Reviews of 'American Made,' 'Our Souls At Night,' 'Flatliners' And 'Till Death Do Us Part'
• Reviews of 'Victoria and Abdul,' 'Battle Of The Sexes,' 'Kingsman: The Golden Circle,' 'Ninjago,' 'Stronger'
• Inside The Making Of 'Battle Of The Sexes' With Directors Valerie Faris And Jonathan Dayton
• Interview with 'Battle Of The Sexes' Star Andrea Riseborough
• Stars Shine At 'Kingsman: The Golden Circle' World Premiere
• What's New On Netflix: October 2017

Top Photo: Ali Fazal (L) and Judi Dench attend the 'Victoria & Abdul' premiere during the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 10 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Brian de Rivera Simon/Getty Images)