In the 2009 film “3 Idiots,” directed by Rajkumar Hirani, he played the small but memorable role of Joy Lobo, a talented student of Engineering.
Despite his limited screen time, his portrayal of Joy Lobo in “3 Idiots” was notable and added depth to the film’s narrative.
Ali made his bollywood debut with the film “Always Kabhi Kabhi,” released in 2011. In the movie, he played the significant role of Sameer Khanna, one of the main protagonists alongside other young actors.
Despite not being the lead, his performance in the film contributed significantly to his early recognition in bollywood.
Ali Fazal gained recognition for his role in the 2013 film “Fukrey,” directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, where he portrayed Zafar, one of the main characters.
His portrayal of Zafar was praised because he effectively used humor and portrayed a young man involved in adventurous plans in a way that many people could relate to. The film’s success solidified his reputation as a talented actor in bollywood.
In the Hollywood film “Furious 7,” released in 2015 and directed by James Wan, he played the role of Safar, a tech expert who assists the main characters.
His role in the film marked his debut in international Hollywood cinema, expanding his reach beyond bollywood and introducing him to a global audience.
Ali starred in the web series “Bang Baaja Baaraat” where he played the role of Pawan, showcasing his versatility in both comedic and dramatic situations, and further establishing him as a talented actor in the digital entertainment space. “Bang Baaja Baaraat” was his debut in a web series.
He also starred in the film “Khamoshiyan.”
In 2016, Ali Fazal starred in Anand L. Rai’s romantic comedy “Happy Bhag Jayegi,” alongside Abhay Deol and Diana Penty. He played the role of Guddu, a musician.
The film received positive reviews and achieved box office success due to its charming storyline and comedic performances.
In the 2017 British-American film “Victoria & Abdul,” directed by Stephen Frears, Ali starred alongside Dame Judi Dench. The film is based on the real-life relationship between Queen Victoria and her Indian servant Abdul Karim.
His portrayal of Abdul Karim garnered widespread acclaim, highlighting the cultural exchange between the characters against the Victorian England setting. His performance was praised for its nuanced and authentic depiction of the historical narrative.
In “Fukrey Returns,” the 2017 sequel to the original “Fukrey” film, his character Zafar remains a crucial member of the gang, alongside other main characters.
His portrayal of Zafar maintains his street-smart and resourceful persona, which adds to the film’s comedic elements and contributes to its adventurous plot twists.
Ali starred in the lead role of the Amazon Prime Video series “Mirzapur,” which achieved significant success and garnered him immense popularity.
He portrayed Guddu Pandit, a young and ambitious man from a crime-ridden region of Uttar Pradesh who becomes deeply involved in the world of crime and power struggles, striving to assert his authority and control over Mirzapur’s underworld.
In 2021, Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha co-founded “Pushing Buttons Studios,” a film production company, to create engaging and meaningful films that resonate with audiences.
Their venture reflects their shared passion for storytelling and commitment to producing quality content in the film industry.