'Victoria' Judi Dench was very welcoming: 'Abdul' Ali Fazal

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Ali Fazal, who is working with Hollywood veteran Judi Dench in his maiden English movie 'Victoria and Abdul', said the actress was extremely welcoming towards him.

At the trailer launch, Fazal talked about the experience of working with one of the most celebrated international actors and said, "We shot for the film for about 50-60 days but the first time when I met Judi Dench, we had lunch together, just to meet each other and break the ice. I was literally on the floors! I touched her feet, shook her hand and hugged her."

"She was extremely welcoming. She made me at ease. And I think that relationship began there, while we were having lunch in London. After that, we became friends. As an actor, your job is half done when your co-star becomes your friend, especially when it's Judi Dench," he added.

Ali also said the Oscar winner wanted to come to India to promote the film as she loves the country.

"We had a lot of conversation regarding Indian films, though her perception of Bollywood was song and dance, I shared how we are much more than that. She loves our country. In fact, she was little heartbroken when she got to know that she is not coming to India; which is quite ironic because even Victoria never visited India," said the 30-year-old.

Directed by two-time Academy winner Stephen Friers, 'Victoria and Abdul' stars Ali Fazal in the lead role opposite Hollywood star Judi Dench.

The film is slated for a September 22 release in the US.