Bollywood hunk Ali Fazal has bagged a role opposite Oscar-winning actress Judi Dench in the move adaptation of Shrabani Basu's 'Victoria & Abdul: The True Story'. Fazal will play the role of Indian clerk Abdul Karim, while Dench will play the 'Empress of India' Queen Victoria.
24 year old Karim arrived in England from Agra to wait at tables during the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Over the span of an year, he established himself as a prominent figure at the court, and struck an unlikely friendship with the queen. He became her "munshi" and taught her Urdu, Hindi, and about Indian affairs. Their intense relationship almost led to a revolt in the royal household.
Fazal is known for his roles in '3 Idiots', 'Fukrey', and 'Always Kabhi Kabhi'. He is also featured in American TV series 'Bollywood Hero'. The forthcoming film will be produced by Working Title Films, and directed by Stephen Frears. Filming is scheduled to take place in India, Scotland, and the Isle of Wight.
