FROM the stage to the big screen to a hugely-successful web series, Ali Fazal has never shied away from experimenting with different mediums. One of the few Bollywood actors to have made it to a major Hollywood production, the 29-year-old believes in constantly reinventing himself and creating his own path in the industry.
Future of entertainment
Fazal, whose mini web series, Bang Baaja Baaraat (season 2 is on the cards), gained him good reviews from critics and the audience alike, feels that the internet is the way forward for the entertainment industry. Produced by Yash Raj Films, and released on their YouTube channel, the series relates the story of a new-age couple and the days leading up to their marriage. The webisodes had its own share of cuss words and explicit content (with dildo jokes and sexual innuendoes abounding). “The whole idea of cinema is to offend,” says the actor. For Fazal, the web provides a medium where creativity can be showcased without restrictions and offers “at least one forum where we aren’t checked”.
Hollywood calling
With his maiden Hollywood venture, Furious 7, premiering on television this month, he shares that the multi-starrer franchise (and actor Paul Walker’s last film) was a learning experience for him. In Fazal’s opinion, the major difference between shooting for Furious 7 and a Bollywood film lies in the technology. “They are a good 20 years ahead of us,” he states. Currently wrapping up the shoot for Prakash Raj’s Tadka, Fazal also has another possible Hollywood project in the pipeline. Keeping mum on the details, he jokes, “I can’t talk about it right now or I’ll lose my job (laughs).”