Ali Fazal became a household name after Mirzapur.
Ali Fazal recalled when many known directors asked him not to sign Mirzapur at it was an OTT series.
Ali Fazal is one of the Bollywood actors who adapted to the OTT space early with web shows like Mirzapur, Forbidden Love and Ray among others. At a recent event, Ali spoke about how he predicted the OTT boom in India after seeing the potential of the medium abroad. He also revealed that several Bollywood directors advised him against signing Mirzapur, one of his most popular works.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2023, Ali said, “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. Mujhe waha dikh gaya tha (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). Ki yeh kya kar rahe ho? Ye to aayega 5-6 saal mein (What are you doing, this will happen in 5-6 years).”
“The OTT model had been done in the West. So yeah, it is definitely a disruptor. We love our theatres, and I always do a film that is going to be out there. That is there in every actor,” he added.
After two superhit seasons, Mirzapur is returning for a third season in March 2024. The web series will also feature Pankaj Tripathi, Sheeba Chadha, Rasika Dugal and Shweta Tripathi Sharma in prominent roles.
Meanwhile, Ali is currently seen in the Netflix film Khufiya. Helmed by ace filmmaker Vishal Bharadwaj, Khufiya also stars Tabu and Wamiqa Gabi. The spy thriller was made available for streaming on Thursday, October 5.
Ali will also feature in a documentary about his wedding with his Fukrey co-star Richa Chadha. Directed by Rahul Singh Datta, the documentary is titled RiAlity. It is expected to be released either later this year or early next year.
