In conversation with Naina Kumar.
This Globetrotter star proves talent has no bounds. Breaking boundaries and creating a potent narrative for Indian actors while his path breaking performances carves a way for Indian artists overseas. The Most Desirable (no more a bachelor) man of the Tinseltown, has aced both Bollywood & Hollywood with his sheer diligence and craft. Ali Fazal is a flawless actor who has captured the west and east film industry’s imagination with his precise grip. Fazal made his screen debut in the film The Other End of the Line ’07, but his small but significant role as Joy Lobo in 3 Idiots ’09 stirred the audiences. A dreamer who regards each of this film as his passion project has everyone by the edge of their seats with his versatile character portrayals; from his suave performance in Death on the Nile to the powerhouse spy in Kandahar to his exceptional performance as Guddu Bhaiya (Mirzapur) that has become a cult on its own. We caught up with the powerhouse for our cover story; let’s hear from the enigma himself.
Kandahar is a stirring action film. How was your experience doing this power packed action thriller?
It’s been an exhilarating experience as have most films of mine, especially the ones that have been studio films such as this. The action obviously calls for a lot of training, the best part of the experience was gaining a skill and for an actor that’s Sone pe Suhaga (gold), we all love gaining new perspectives and skills with every narrative that we become part of. This is the, you know, the king of all action directors, Ric Roman Waugh, who happened to be directing and leading this wonderful project with Gerard Butler, myself, and all the others. I’m really excited and happy for all the responses
How did you train as Kahil? How tasking were the stunts?
Kahil was a very complex character to begin with. I love that it was a team collaboration with Rick when it came to developing this character. I was able to give my inputs to Rick over the time that we spoke to each other at the workshop. And some beautiful scenes came out of them. Michelle, our fortune, our writer, he was in tandem with all of us at all times. So he knew exactly what was happening because, you know, we kept adjusting a few things here and there. The stunts were hard enough already and I had to go into weeks of training before the film started. I would be on set way before everybody else, at least in the main cast. And we pulled off some really great scenes that I’m proud of. My stunt team, the action team, they were really helpful; made sure everything was very safe. And yeah, I didn’t have a single fall. We had to be perfect. And that’s how it was.
When a character is offered to you, what are your criteria for accepting the role/project?
I just feel like if five other people can play that part, then maybe I’m not best suited for it. But of course, for me, the entire world that comes out of the script that I read needs to be close to 50%. Because I think if I end up predicting the whole thing and literally picturing the whole thing in my head, then it’s already done. It’s made in my head. I like the unpredictability of the teams that will bring the film off the page. And that’s where the real magic lies.
Your next Bollywood release is Khufiyan. Give us a little scoop on the film.
Well, I think the biggest scoop is it’s a Vishal Bhardwaj film, the double scoop is that Tabu is acting in it. And maybe we can call it a ‘triple Sundae’ because there’s Wamiqa Gabbi as well and you know I’m the sprinkle on it Laughs. No, I’m truly, you know, excited and very, very proud of that film. I don’t know when it will come. I think it’s on Netflix’s roster. So I don’t know the dates yet, but I think this year definitely. And yeah, that’ll be my second spy film of the year. It’s very different from Kandahar, it’s a different side of the spy world, pretty intelligent taken by the maestro Vishal ji.
Ali Fazal is someone who loves introspection. True or False?
Very true, I do, I do introspect, most of the day sometimes people think i’m day dreaming a lot but there’s always something in my head. There is always something in my head. There is a reason. I think it is very important for actors to deep dive first into themselves and then on to the rest of the world and the narratives and stories we have to read and be part of.
Based on your collective Hollywood experience, how different is the work process from Bollywood?
Well, the economics is very different because Hollywood films, assuming it’s made in London or America, they theatrically open in a lot of countries altogether. Whereas, Bollywood is part of the Indian film industry, which is a big industry territory within India. Of course, the big leagues open at theaters outside. It’s a question I’ve always wondered how to answer. I don’t think I can really compare. I don’t think there’s an answer. Each industry has so much going on, talent, artists, creators and projects, they vary yet the core remains the same; creating great content to entertain and educate.
One thing Bollywood should learn from Hollywood and vice-versa.
I think, maybe Bollywood can start imbibing more of the union system to protect the rights of technicians and actors and all the artists across the board. In fact, all collaborators on a film set and even otherwise, I think it goes a long way, but it requires a certain sense of planning and method, which I’m not very well aware of but I know it works in other industries and it can certainly work here. And Hollywood could take more noir Bollywood films that actually can work wonders given a chance to play in the North American box office.
You have worked with so many filmmakers in both industries, any special mention to your favorite ones and how did they aid you bring more to your character?
Each one has been phenomenal. I worked with Stephen Frears, who expects you to bring your game because he’s cast you for it. And he doesn’t interfere much. On the other hand, Vishal Bhardwaj throws in seeds that grow, but they’re all manipulated seeds in a good way, you know, very controlled manipulation, which I think brings him what he wants eventually, but through the perspective of the character and the person playing that character in question. He is a legend; to be able to work with him is an actor’s dream and delight and I experienced it. Kenneth Branagh, he comes from the discipline of theater and I’ve seen that translate. The man won Oscars for Belfast; he’s unstoppable. I have learned great discipline from him. I’ve been lucky. I hope I keep getting luckier.
Tell us more about Pushing Buttons Studios co-founded by you and Richa Chadha. Is this your passion project?
Well, all of these are passion projects. That’s the whole game. That’s the point of, you know, making movies and being able to tell stories in all the ways possible. And I think the world has become smaller and we can all collaborate. There’s a space for everybody. Pushing buttons is just another way to, you know, push into the narratives that we want to tell and grasp and be part of bringing more people with us through us on different journeys. We are very proud of our ventures. Our first film is ready and hopefully will be out very soon.
Guddu Bhaiya is a legend. In real life have you ever channeled your inner Guddu Bhaiya?
Of course, I must have at some point. There are different facets to the character; it’s not just your regular ruthless gun-toting gangster. There are certain things that are part of me. Otherwise, I’d be lying. It has to be part of me.
Luxury is subjective. What is luxury for Ali Fazal ?
It is the fight for time and my home food. Time that I can spend with Richa, I think that really has become the sole purpose of everything. I know that the rest of the time when I’m working, I’m having fun and we’re making movies, but sometimes you want to take a break. I think a lot of travel really takes a toll. Being home close to your loved one is a luxury definitely.
Did you always aspire to be an actor? Which other profession do you think you would have aced?
I think I would have aced marketing strategies for studios, for film marketing. I think my ideas are sometimes bizarre, but then I see them working. I think I would be ahead of that time. I did not always aspire to be an actor. I was a science student. I was very inclined to become a doctor. Physics and biology were one of my top subjects.
How do you describe your Style as an actor?
It depends on the faces I wear every day. Not to say that I’m putting on facades or faking it. We all have expressions that are decided in context that day, that moment, in time and space. So my style changes according to that or remains the same sometimes. We don’t have to keep changing. I like consistency. I love my suits, my boots, my jeans, and my denim. Moreover I have to love myself in every mood and style of the moment.
