📌 Key Points
- Ali Fazal was initially apprehensive about playing Guddu Pandit in Mirzapur.
- Filmmakers warned him against the web series, advising him to stick to films.
- His Fukrey director, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, recommended him for the role.
- Mirzapur became a massive success, pioneering the OTT era in India.
Bollywood actor Ali Fazal recently shared his initial apprehension about taking on the iconic role of Guddu Pandit in Mirzapur. He revealed that several filmmakers had warned him against the web series, urging him to focus on films instead, amidst the nascent OTT revolution.
Ali Fazal’s Initial Apprehension About Mirzapur
Bollywood actor Ali Fazal won widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Guddu Pandit in Mirzapur . As the hit franchise gears up for its big-screen adaptation, the actor has recalled being apprehensive about stepping into the gritty world of Mirzapur and revealed that several filmmakers had warned him against taking up the role.
Ali also revealed that he recently learned that his Fukrey director, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, was the one who had recommended his name to the makers of Mirzapur. The actor recalled that he was still establishing himself in the industry at the time and was advised to stay away from the project.
Filmmakers’ Warnings and The OTT Revolution
“I was scared at that time. I did not know what the format would be. It was the first time that the first few shows were being made (in India). The filmmakers were telling me what was I doing (by saying yes). They said, ‘do films’. I saw this changing era of OTT and shows. I felt a revolution was about to come. The way the script was written by Puneet Krishna, the world he has made of Mirzapur, it was really commendable,” he said.
Since its debut in 2018, Mirzapur has established itself as one of India’s most successful web series. Set against the backdrop of crime and political power in Uttar Pradesh, the show went on to spawn two successful seasons that earned praise from both audiences and critics.
Mirzapur’s Success and Upcoming Adaptation
Alongside Ali, the series featured an ensemble cast including Pankaj Tripathi, Divyenndu, Shweta Tripathi, Rasika Dugal, Vijay Varma, Isha Talwar, Harshita Gaur and Shriya Pilgaonkar.
Divyenndu and Pankaj Tripathi are set to return as the fan-favourite Munna Tripathi and Kaleen Bhaiya, respectively. A new addition to the cast is Jitendra Kumar, who takes on the role of Bablu Pandit, a character portrayed by Vikrant Massey in the first season. Ravi Kishan has also joined the cast in a pivotal role. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on September 4.
Ali Fazal’s decision to trust his instincts and embrace the changing landscape of entertainment proved to be a career-defining move. His portrayal of Guddu Pandit not only brought him widespread acclaim but also cemented Mirzapur’s place as a groundbreaking Indian web series.
