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Subhash K Jha (DNA; August 9, 2016)

Enlarge ImageDame Judi Dench, one of Britain’s most distinguished actors, will be sharing screen space with Ali Fazal in British auteur director Stephen Frears’ Victoria & Abdul. And Judi Dench will be watching Ali’s new film the Indo-Pak saga of friendship Happy Bhag Jayegi.

Says Ali, “Yes, she has expressed a desire to watch Happy Bhag Jayegi. Judi is very interested in India and Indian cinema. We spoke about our cinema over lunch. And when I told her about my new film she said she wanted to see it. As soon as it is ready we’ll take it to London to show her. I am most happy to show her this from among my films. It’s a film I am proud of.”

Ali’s first meeting with the 81-year old Judi Dench was memorable. “At lunch in London I went down on my knees in front of her and kissed her hand. Of course, I am going to be flirting with her. Our friendship in the film gives me the right to.”