Judi Dench Features in Ali Fazal's 2016 Throwback Post

On January 19, 2026, actor Ali Fazal delighted fans by joining a viral social media trend featuring highlights from a decade prior. The actor shared a nostalgic collection of never-before-seen photos from 2016, a year he described as a massive turning point in his life. The centerpiece of the post was his "special appearance" from Hollywood legend Dame Judi Dench.

The photos captured the behind-the-scenes magic of their 2017 biographical drama, Victoria & Abdul, which began filming in the late summer and autumn of 2016.

The 2016 Highlights

In his Instagram post, Fazal shared several candid moments that provided a glimpse into the production of the Oscar-nominated film:

• Goofing Around: The first few images featured Fazal and Dench "goofing around" in costume following a formal photo op. Fazal noted that Dench, despite her legendary status, was incredibly "chilled out" and fun to work with on set.

• Agra and the Taj Mahal: Another set of photos showed Fazal with director Stephen Frears in Agra, India. These images featured the actor "all aged up" for the final emotional sequences of the film.

• Late Legends: The throwback also served as a tribute to fellow cast members who have since passed away, including the legendary Michael Gambon (who played Lord Salisbury) and Tim Pigott-Smith.

• Personal Milestones: Interspersed with the Hollywood BTS shots were photos of his wife, actress Richa Chadha, marking 2016 as the year their relationship and international careers both began to accelerate.

The Bond Between "The Queen and Her Munshi"

The 2026 throwback reignited interest in the genuine friendship between the two stars. Fazal has often recounted how he was initially intimidated by Dench, even asking her if there was a "protocol" like kneeling when they first met. Dench famously laughed it off, and the two bonded over shared stories of India—a country she fell in love with while filming The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

In the caption of his January 2026 post, Fazal wrote:

"Okok HERE IT IS.. here's my 2016 highlights. Ali has had an after moment from then on.. hehe the year we filmed the iconic Victoria and Abdul. Times are changing... we move sideways. I start to see everything on the same plane now—the past, the future, it all merges here."

Ali Fazal in 2026

The throwback post comes at a busy time for the actor. As of February 2026, Fazal is balancing his international career with his return to his most famous Indian role, Guddu Bhaiya, for the highly anticipated movie adaptation of the Mirzapur franchise. He also recently celebrated a heartwarming return home to a "war paint" welcome from his daughter, Zuneyra, following a month-long filming schedule.

Source - https://ianslive.in/judi-dench-makes-special-appearance-in-ali-fazals-2016-throwback--20260119211848

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