Ali Fazal’s transition to Hollywood has not diminished his immense popularity among his Indian fans, who continue to adore him for his iconic role as Guddu in the Prime Video series “Mirzapur.” This show has garnered significant acclaim and is one of the most well-known series in India. In a recent conversation with Jist, Ali revealed some interesting insights about his journey with “Mirzapur,” including an intriguing revelation about his initial role offer and his biggest insecurity on set.
Ali Fazal’s Choice of Character and His Dedication to Authenticity
Initially, Ali disclosed that he was initially offered the role of Munna, a character that was ultimately portrayed by Vikrant Massey. Despite recognizing that Munna was a more author-backed character, Ali decided to take on the role of Guddu. He believed that he could infuse more depth and uniqueness into the character. Ali expressed his conviction, stating, “I wasn’t even offered Guddu first, I was offered Munna. I said this is a very author-backed role and it’s a great role, but I think I can bring something more to this (Guddu).”
Ali’s dedication to the character extended to his appearance as well. He engaged in a creative struggle with his director concerning Guddu’s look. Ali couldn’t envision the character with a full head of hair, and he stood his ground to ensure the character’s authenticity. He recounted, “For Guddu, I had to almost fight with my director at the time that I didn’t see him having hair.”
Ali Fazal’s Physical Transformation and Artistic Dedication in Mirzapur
In addition to his commitment to the character’s appearance, Ali underwent a rigorous physical transformation for the role. He needed to bulk up, but instead of resorting to protein shakes or additives, he chose to make dietary adjustments and engage in intense workouts. This process was demanding and, as Ali noted, somewhat monotonous. He revealed, “My most boring time in my life was working out for Mirzapur. I couldn’t sleep. We would work out for three hours every day, and while doing that, we have to maintain our peace because we are creators. I refused using the wrong means.”
Ali’s dedication paid off, as he successfully embodied the character of Guddu, endearing himself to fans across India. However, the journey was not without its challenges. Ali shared that he battled a significant insecurity on set, stemming from his physique. He felt unprepared and insecure about his body, which led him to hunch and harbor self-doubt. Nevertheless, his unique portrayal of Guddu extended to even his walk, as the director recognized and praised his performance. Ali recounted the director’s words, “The first time I walked on the set, the director praised my walk. He said ‘genius, keep it.’ But where is it coming from? Everyone is constantly watching you.” Despite his initial insecurity, Ali’s portrayal of Guddu became a standout feature of “Mirzapur.”
In this candid conversation, Ali Fazal offered a glimpse into the artistic process and the personal challenges he faced while bringing the character of Guddu to life on the set of “Mirzapur.” His commitment to authenticity and dedication to the role contributed to the show’s immense success and solidified his place in the hearts of his Indian audience.
