MUMBAI: Two pioneering young names from India excelling in the west, Ali Fazal and Freida Pinto are now coming together! The duo, who will soon fly to Australia, are the key guests at the upcoming Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2018. Ali and Freida have been making a unique space for themselves in the West. They will be delivering a talk to Australian audiences on the topic of Indian actors making it big in Hollywood! This cross-cultural topic will have them expressing their views on the challenges and the need to overcome the stereotypes associated with being a non-American actor working in the West. Freida, who’s flying in from Los Angeles, her current home, will also be attending the Australian premiere of her film, Love Sonia, and Ali has been elected as a Jury member for the Short Film Awards category at the festival. 

What do you think of Ali Fazal and Freida Pinto?

Ali said, ‘It’s always interesting to talk to people of different countries and backgrounds. It gives you great perspective. This in fact is my first time to Australia, and to get a chance to interact with film lovers and film students on a topic about crossing over is exciting and there’s so much to speak about. I remember during the promotions and post the release of Victoria and Abdul, when I spoke to people of such varied backgrounds, everyone had such interesting ideas of cinema and its role. So I’m looking forward to this discussion alongside someone as talented as Freida.’

The panel discussion will also have director Tabrez Noorani, whose film Love Sonia is the opening film at the fest. The fest will be held at Deakin Edge in Melbourne on 11 August, and audiences from across Australia comprising students and the general public will be in attendance.