Ali Fazal is an Indian actor known for his roles in Fukrey, Victoria & Abdul, and Mirzapur. From stage plays in boarding school to international film sets, he has built a steady, versatile career in film and streaming
Ali Fazal’s rise feels like a story told in quiet, determined steps. Unlike overnight sensations, he has built a career with small, steady choices.
He trained on stage, accepted varied supporting parts, and then used a string of thoughtful roles to become one of India’s best-known actors in both mainstream and independent spaces. He has worked in Hindi cinema, British period drama, Hollywood action, and high-profile streaming series.
Along the way he became a producer, a public voice on creative independence, and a husband and father.
This biography covers his early life, rise to fame, major works, producing ventures, personal life, stats, FAQ, and legacy.
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Table of Contents
Ali Fazal’s Biography
Early life and education
Ali Fazal was born on 15 October 1986 in New Delhi and raised in Lucknow. His family roots are from Lucknow, where he spent much of his childhood.
He briefly studied at the International Indian School Dammam, then at La Martiniere College in Lucknow, and later attended The Doon School in Dehradun.
It was at school that he discovered acting and fell in love with theatre. He participated in stage productions and found the craft rewarding and instructive.
After school, Ali moved to Mumbai to pursue higher studies and completed a bachelor’s degree. Those early years in boarding school and college helped him develop a calm, observational acting style. They also gave him the discipline he would need for long shoots and varied roles.1
It still holds.. whatta trailer captain.. hope to face your lens one day! Really… ❤️🙏🏽 https://t.co/vssK1dR1UH
— Ali Fazal M / میر علی فضل / अली (@alifazal9) September 14, 2025
First steps into acting: Theatre, Short Films and Small Roles
Ali’s professional acting journey began on stage and moved quickly into films and television. His first screen appearance was a small part in the 2008 film The Other End of the Line. He then took on supporting roles in bigger Hindi films and appeared in a television miniseries.
These early parts did not make headlines, but they allowed him to learn camera work, timing, and how to shift between genres.
He took jobs across the scale of the industry commercial films, offbeat dramas, and independent features. That range would become a hallmark of his career. The experience also gave him the patience to accept small roles when scripts required it, rather than pursue stardom at all costs.
Breakthrough: Comedy and mainstream visibility
The film that first brought Ali wide recognition was the 2013 comedy Fukrey. In an ensemble cast, he delivered a memorable performance that made viewers notice him.
The film’s success brought him more offers in mainstream comedies and family entertainers. He then followed it with other films where he handled both humor and earnest moments, proving he could fit into varied commercial formats while still standing out.
Fukrey’s success established him as a dependable supporting actor who could hold his own alongside more established stars. The movie gave him room to build his public image: approachable, grounded, and versatile.
International break and Victoria & Abdul
Ali’s international visibility grew with his role in the 2017 film Victoria & Abdul. In this biographical drama about Queen Victoria’s relationship with Abdul Karim, Ali played a central role opposite Dame Judi Dench.
The film was widely covered in international media and introduced Ali to audiences beyond India.
This role was important not only because it increased his global profile, but also because it allowed him to work with directors and actors who approach filmmaking in different traditions.
Ali later described the experience as formative, noting how observing seasoned actors on international sets sharpened his own craft.2
Hollywood, Cameo Work and An International Reputation
Alongside Victoria & Abdul, Ali has appeared in international productions, including a cameo in a big action franchise.
These projects, even if brief, reinforced his reputation as an actor who can cross cultural boundaries. He used these chances to build connections, learn new methods, and come back to Indian cinema with more varied tools in his acting kit.
Mirzapur: streaming fame and the rise to stardom
One of Ali Fazal’s most widely recognized roles is Guddu Pandit in the Amazon Prime Video series Mirzapur.
The show blends crime, family betrayal, and harsh realism with heightened drama. Ali’s arc, from a simple young man to a bruised and determined force, won him both fans and critical attention.
Mirzapur became a cultural phenomenon across India and among Indians watching content internationally.
The series’ success made Ali a face of modern Indian streaming drama and helped him command roles with greater depth and responsibility. His transformation into Guddu is often cited as one of the key moments in his career.
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Producer and Pushing Buttons Studios
In 2021 Ali and his wife, actress Richa Chadha, founded Pushing Buttons Studios. The company aims to back creative, risk-taking storytellers and produce content that might not fit the usual commercial mold.
Under this banner they have produced projects that emphasize fresh voices and innovative ideas. Their production debut attracted attention for its focus on coming-of-age stories and for backing films that travelled the festival circuit.
Their move into producing reflects Ali’s desire to shape the kind of stories he wants to see as a viewer and an artist. It also shows an entrepreneurial side: understanding the economics of creativity and risking personal resources to support outsider projects.3
Personal Life: Marriage and Family
Ali Fazal married fellow actor Richa Chadha in October 2022. The couple chose to have an eco-friendly ceremony in Lucknow and have often discussed their shared values in interviews.
In July 2024, Ali and Richa welcomed their first child, a daughter. They have been open about balancing work and parenthood, and about their mutual support for each other’s careers.
Ali’s personal life is often visible in the media, but the couple tends to keep private moments private. They have, however, used their public platforms to advocate for art, to discuss the practical challenges of production, and to talk about the responsibilities of public life.
Acting Style and Craft
Ali’s acting style is quiet and observant. He often lets small gestures and quiet looks tell a scene’s emotional truth.
Specialists who have worked with him note his willingness to prepare thoroughly whether learning local dialects, training physically for a role, or studying a character’s history. He is not an actor of grandstanding; instead, he prefers to build authenticity in small, believable details.
He has also spoken about learning on international sets and about the value of collaborating with directors who give actors room to explore.
That mix of discipline and curiosity has allowed him to adapt to both commercial and independent settings.4
Awards and Recognition
While Ali has not only chased awards, recognition for his work has come through festival attention, critical praise, and public love, especially for Mirzapur and his international projects.
His production house’s films have also begun to attract festival notice. Awards aside, Ali has earned an audience that trusts his choices a key form of recognition in today’s crowded media landscape.
Notable Filmography
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The Other End of the Line (2008) — early small role
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3 Idiots (2009) — small but visible supporting role
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Always Kabhi Kabhi (2011)
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Fukrey (2013) — breakout ensemble comedy
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Bobby Jasoos (2014)
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Furious 7 (cameo, 2015) — brief international exposure
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Victoria & Abdul (2017) — major international role
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Fukrey Returns (2017) — franchise success
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Mirzapur (Prime Video, 2018–2024) — major streaming role as Guddu Pandit
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Girls Will Be Girls (producer via Pushing Buttons Studios, 2024) — production debut
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Thug Life (2025, Tamil; small role in Mani Ratnam film) — his first foray into Tamil cinema (note: received mixed reviews and varied box office response).
Stats Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Ali Fazal |
| Birth date | 15 October 1986. |
| Birth place | New Delhi. Grew up in Lucknow. |
| Education | La Martiniere (Lucknow), The Doon School, St. Xavier’s College (Mumbai) (B.Sc). |
| Years active | 2008–present. |
| Notable works | Fukrey, Victoria & Abdul, Mirzapur. |
| Production company | Pushing Buttons Studios (co-founded with Richa Chadha, 2021). |
| Marital status | Married to Richa Chadha (4 October 2022). |
| Children | One daughter (born July 2024). |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where was Ali Fazal born?
A: Ali Fazal was born in New Delhi and brought up in Lucknow. He has described Lucknow as the place where much of his early life unfolded.
Q: When did Ali Fazal start acting?
A: He started on stage in boarding school and made his film debut in 2008 with The Other End of the Line. After some supporting roles, he gained wider recognition with Fukrey in 2013.
Q: What is Ali Fazal best known for?
A: He is best known for his roles in the comedy Fukrey, the British drama Victoria & Abdul, and the Amazon Prime Video series Mirzapur. These works span mainstream comedy, international drama, and streaming crime drama.
Q: Is Ali Fazal married? Who is his spouse?
A: Yes. He married actress Richa Chadha in October 2022. The couple have worked together professionally and co-run Pushing Buttons Studios. They welcomed their daughter in July 2024.
Q: Has Ali Fazal produced films?
A: Yes. He co-founded Pushing Buttons Studios with Richa Chadha in 2021 and has produced projects aimed at creative storytelling. Their production Girls Will Be Girls is one notable example.
Q: Has Ali Fazal worked internationally?
A: Yes. He gained international exposure with Victoria & Abdul and had a cameo in a global action franchise. International projects helped expand his profile outside India.
Q: What kind of roles does Ali Fazal choose?
A: He balances mainstream and independent work. He chooses roles that allow him to explore different facets of human behavior, often preferring authenticity and emotional truth over spectacle.
Q: Any upcoming projects?
A: Ali continues to work in films and streaming shows. He and his production banner are active, backing new filmmakers and festival projects. For the latest project list, check recent entertainment news or his production house announcements. (News and project slates can change frequently.)
Conclusion
Ali Fazal represents a modern actor who navigates multiple worlds: mainstream Bollywood, independent cinema, international films, and streaming dramas.
He has built a career on steady craft, openness to diverse roles, and a willingness to take creative risks through producing. Whether on screen or behind the camera, he looks for projects that feel honest.
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