Ali Fazal has worn many hats in his career — from Bollywood hits to international projects — but his latest revelation proves he also moonlighted as a language expert on a Hollywood set. During a candid chat on Shekhar Tonite with Shekhar Suman, the actor shared how he ended up playing an unexpected behind-the-scenes role on the film Victoria & Abdul.
The Unexpected Role
Ali Fazal starred alongside Dame Judi Dench in the 2017 film, which tells the real-life story of Abdul Karim, a young Indian clerk who became a close confidant of Queen Victoria and taught her Urdu for fifteen years. While preparing for the part, Fazal dove deep into historical letters and poetry. But his contribution didn’t stop at acting. During the shoot, he found himself correcting the Urdu dialogues — specifically the nuktas (diacritical marks) that can change the meaning of words entirely. “My experience was beautiful in Hollywood,” he recalled, describing how the production team initially had a rigorous verification process for every linguistic tweak.
Earning the Crew’s Trust
According to Fazal, any small correction he suggested — even a misplaced nukta — would go through a long chain of approvals. “It would go to the BBC, then different people would check it from the right places, check, check, check…” he explained. Eventually, the filmmakers realized he knew what he was talking about. “They said, ‘Okay, yeah, you know what, just let us know if it’s correct or wrong.’” What started as a minor advisory role turned into full-fledged linguistic oversight, with the team relying on Fazal to ensure the Urdu poetry and shayari in the film were authentic.
A Love Story in Urdu Poetry
Fazal also revealed that Victoria & Abdul is, at its heart, a love story — one told through the delicate art of Urdu verse. He read the actual letters exchanged between Abdul Karim and Queen Victoria, which further deepened his understanding of their bond. The actor’s behind-the-scenes efforts highlight how seriously international productions take cultural accuracy, especially when dealing with languages and poetry that carry deep emotional weight. For Fazal, it was a chance to not only perform but also protect the integrity of a story that bridges two worlds.