Ali Fazal recalls being told ‘Don’t grow your hair, you look like a girl’; shares how breaking arm exposed him to Bollywood

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Currently, Ali Fazal is widely recognized as one of the esteemed actors both in Bollywood and Hollywood. Yet, it was only after suffering a broken arm at boarding school that he found himself immersed in the world of entertainment. During an interview, the actor shared a memory about being advised to keep his hair short to avoid resembling a girl. Keep reading!

During a recent conversation with Lilly Singh, Ali Fazal reminisced about his childhood in an Indian household. He was asked if there were tasks he was expected to perform and others he was forbidden from doing as a male. The actor who made his debut in 3 Idiots, shared experiences such as being advised, “Keep your hair short, or you’ll look like a girl.” and “Why do you enjoy cooking so much? There’s an abundance of it.

He also mentioned that in India, a man raised in various cities often encounters persistent notions about alpha masculinity and traditional views on manhood, along with the thought that “She’s a girl, she is helpless.” In his opinion, it is typically the brothers who are subjected to such discrimination.

Continuing with the interview, the actor-producer revealed an interesting story about how a broken arm led him to the world of entertainment. To put it simply, he said, “I broke my arm, yes.” Upon further discussion, he explained that he was an avid basketball player during his school days. So, while playing sports at a boarding school, he unfortunately sustained the injury on his arm.

Due to the significant importance of being a sports person within society, he felt insignificant when compared to 500 boys at school after the accident. “However, my friends helped me find solace in drama, debating and other activities,” said the actor from Khufiya, explaining his journey into acting.

It’s interesting to note that, when queried about shedding tears as a kid, Fazal found it surprising to remember he never did so. However, in movie theaters today, he often finds himself overcome with emotion and shedding tears. Intriguingly, this actor admits he struggles to watch violent content, which seems ironic given his involvement in one of television’s most violent shows, Mirzapur.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Ali will be next seen in Metro In Dino, followed by Lahore 1947.

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2025-04-28 20:52