When Kosar Ali got the call she would be playing Victoire in the new STARZ series remake of Dangerous Liaisons, she was surprised since her first audition didn’t pan out like she thought.
“It was really, really bad. I wish people were there to see it because it was really bad! But they saw something in me and asked me to come back. I got the role, but there was a lot of work to be done around the character, which was a lot of fun but also nerve-wracking. In the book the character was a white woman, and I’m a Black woman, a Muslim woman, so I had a lot of research to do. I think I had my ‘Oh my God’ moment halfway through filming the show,” the rising star exclusively tells GRAZIA USA.
The new series, which is based on the 1782 novel of the same name, focuses on the early years of narcissistic rivals and ex-lovers, Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont. “It was a book and there have been other remakes. Interestingly enough, I hadn’t read any of the books,” Ali admits. “But the character I play only has a minor role in the book. In the series, they’ve built on her character and added a lot more to her. She’s sort of the catalyst of the series, but she’s also kind of the detective of the show. She’s always carrying out all the tasks, and I think without her, none of the drama would have unfolded.”
Nonetheless, the Rocks alum loves how outspoken Victoire is. “It’s fun for me because I’m not that brave with my opinions,” she quips. “Being part of this project was a really long journey, but it was such an educational one for me as an actor. I learned so much about myself. For nine months I was with other incredible actors, so it was really fruitful.”
Though the cast — Paloma Faith, Michael McElhatton, Nathanael Saleh, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Lucy Cohu and more — was filled with stars, Ali’s ultimate takeaway was to not sweat the small stuff while on set. “I didn’t go to drama school and I didn’t come into acting in a traditional way. I always had massive imposter syndrome. I would think, ‘Do I even know what I am doing? What am I doing?’ It was nice to be around other people who were having fun with it.”
After learning more about her character, Ali shares she’s more confident. “Victoire is very outspoken, but she also carries a lot of power, wisdom and confidence on her shoulders so that was refreshing. I’ve definitely carried that into my own life. I feel like I have a bit more power and confidence, which is nice.”
Ali feels “honored” to be part of this stellar STARZ show, but she is happy to bring diversity to the entertainment world. “It’s a beautiful thing, but of course it comes with a lot of pressure, too. I guess there’s a feeling like you always have to get it right, but I hope these roles don’t necessarily have to be highlighted going forward — hopefully it’s just normal one day.”
But Ali is “glad to be that person” that people can look up to. “I’m very honored, and it’s an incredible thing,” she notes. “When I grew up, I would watch period pieces like Pride & Prejudice and there were no Muslim, Black people on screen who wore their hijab. It absolutely fills my heart with so much joy that people will see me as a role model — my family, my sisters, my friends, so they’ve very much a part of me, and it’s a beautiful thing but also surreal.”
For Ali, acting was definitely not in the cards, as she came from a very educational-based household. Since both her sisters studied medicine and science, she didn’t think she would end up in showbiz. “After I did my first film, I got nominated for some awards. I found myself through acting. Before that, I didn’t think I had a voice or knew exactly what I liked. I felt a bit lost in the world so I am grateful for acting because it gave me somewhere where I feel like I can do something I am good at. It’s a nice feeling of belonging somewhere. I’m also obsessed with it!”
Clearly, Ali is more than just good, as she was nominated for a BAFTA last year for her debut role in the critically acclaimed breakout hit Rocks. Her role as Sumaya won her two British Independent Film Awards for Best Supporting Actress and Most Promising Newcomer.
“It was such a weird thing because everyone around me was so happy and excited,” she recalls of getting the accolades. “I was very proud and happy about the reception the film got, but it took me a while to celebrate and honor myself. When I was first nominated I was like, ‘What does this mean?'”
She adds, “I think I was in Prague filming Dangerous Liaisons just before the awards show. That’s when it hit me me that this is not casual. I was like, ‘This is insane!’ It was a crazy roller-coaster in my head, but I was overjoyed. To be celebrated and recognized for your work is such a lovely thing. I’m excited for what the future holds.”
As for what’s next, Ali would like to explore different roles and be open-minded about anything that comes her way. Ali would love to work with Mahershala Ali, as she believes he’s “incredible” and “fell in love with him” after watching Moonlight, in addition to Timothée Chalamet.
Not only is Ali executive producing a few short films, but she is hoping to direct things she’s written, too.
“There’s something really beautiful about creating your own world and creating your own characters in your own realm,” she says. “Storytelling is such a unique thing and so many people can tell their stories, so that is exciting to me.”
Though Ali still “battles imposter syndrome every day,” she admits this is where she’s supposed to be. “I’m doing my thing, I’m doing my work, I’m enjoying my work and having fun!” she concludes.
Dangerous Liaisons is now streaming on STARZ.
