Directors asked me not to be a part of this: Ali Fazal opens up on 'Mirzapur'

Actor also spoke about how he saw the OTT model coming

Versatile star Ali Fazal, renowned for his performances in both Bollywood and beyond, recently spoke about the significant impact of OTT platforms in the entertainment industry. He shared insights during an appearance at the India Today Conclave 2023, shedding light on his journey, particularly his role in the popular web series Mirzapur, which was one of the catalysts in catapulting him to fame.

Ali's candid conversation touched on the pivotal moment when he was offered the role in the series. At the time, OTT platforms were not as prevalent as they are in recent times. However, Ali revealed that he had a strong sense of the impending shift and believed in the potential of streaming services, as reported by Indian Express. Despite receiving advice from several well-known directors against joining the show, Ali had a vision that OTT platforms would become a disruptive force in the industry.

Reflecting on his decision to be a part of Mirzapur, he shared, "At the time when I was offered, there weren’t many shows happening. But I have had the fortune of doing my work on the other side of the world. I saw it coming. I saw the model working. I know a lot of known directors who asked me not to be a part of this (Mirzapur). What are you doing, this will happen in 5-6 years, [they would say]."

Ali also discussed his recent Hollywood project, Kandahar, in which he stars alongside Gerard Butler. When asked about the effectiveness of Indian filmmakers in the spy genre compared to foreign counterparts, he expressed confidence in the storytelling abilities of Indian filmmakers. He stated, "Yes. I don’t want to toot my own horn, but this is at par with any other film. And even in the West, we have seen very few spy or spy films or shows." Regarding foreign spy thrillers, he highlighted their rootedness in relationships and the charisma of spies. He added, "It is rooted. It is about relationships. And then of course the suaveness of these spies behind them. That’s fun."

Ali's recent project, Khufiya, directed by Vishal Bharadwaj and featuring acclaimed actors Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi, is currently streaming on Netflix. His journey in the entertainment world continues to be marked by his versatility and willingness to embrace new and evolving mediums, making him a prominent figure in both Bollywood and Hollywood.

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