Actor Ali Fazal says his role in "Victoria & Abdul", a never-before exposition on the indefinable friendship between Queen Victoria and her loyal trusted Indian Man-Friday Abdul Karim, doesnt represent his political views on colonialism.
The actor doesn't rule out trouble over his role in the film as some would see him as a British stooge.
He said: "We can't stop people from thinking what they want to. I didn't see the role as representing my political views on colonialism. I am just playing the role of a man who was unique and powerful and persuasive."
"I got a chance to work with Judi Dench in almost every scene. How many Indian actors get that chance?"
Ali Fazal, who recently shot for the film in England, has returned with happy thoughts.
"I got a chance to work with so many stalwarts from British cinema. Judi Dench, of course, who is a legend. Then there was my director Stephen Frears. He is the man who made some of British cinema's salient trendsetters. I love 'My Beautiful Laundrette' and 'Dangerous Liaisons'."
"Then there was the writer, Lee Hall, whose 'Billy Eliott' is one of my favourite films. Besides Judi, I also had the chance to work with distinguished actors like Michael Gambon, Simon Callow wnd Eddie Izzard. Eddie is trans-gender actor of immense power and popularity. Just being around them was a learning experience," he said.
Ali's affinity to his character Abdul Karim was instinctive.
"There isn't much documented history on him. Abdul Karim was a secret from Queen Victoria's palace that was best forgotten. But I read what I could. When I arrived in England for the shooting, I was shown a picture of Abdul Karim. Then they put up a portrait of me as Abdul Karim. The two pictures fused in my mind. It was surreal," he said.
The best compliment that Ali received was from director Stephen Frears, who said Ali reminded him of Shashi Kapoor.
"Stephen has worked with Shashiji in 'Sammy & Rosie Get Laid'. He has asked me to meet Shashiji and convey his regards. He has also asked me to meet Roshan Seth. Since he lives in Delhi and I am shooting in the Capital for 'Fukrey 2', I will meet Roshanji soon," he said.