Dame Judi Dench said she sees India as her spiritual home and she can't wait to go back.

She was speaking ahead of the release of Victoria & Abdul which explores the 'hidden' true story of the unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) and her humble servant from India Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal).

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Dame Judi Dench said she happy reprising the role again, "I was very pleased that this suddenly came up.

"I had become absolutely absorbed in her story when we made Mrs. Brown and done all the homework, so, why say no?

"I admire Victoria as a remarkable person, and this was an irresistible story that had only recently come to light."

Whilst she didn't film  in India for Victoria and Abdul she had fond memories of the country.

"I have felt a deep connection with India for several years, nurturing it ever since I filmed The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel there.  It’s completely my spiritual home. I can’t wait to go back."

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She thought Queen Victoria’s initial reaction to seeing Abdul for the first time may not have been amicable.

"It is quite easy to imagine how Victoria, by then cross and a bit tired, suddenly looked up and saw somebody at last to talk to and somebody at last pleasing to look at.

"He came to the Golden Jubilee to present her with a coin, but, seeing him, she wasn’t so interested in the coin…

"Abdul was like an injection of youth and enthusiasm for Victoria.

"She could enjoy conversation with him, and he also afforded her something new to learn – language, culture. It was like a blood transfusion for her at that time. She adored him, and wanted to make the effort for him.

Portraying the role of the young clerk Abdul Karim - also known as the Munshi – is Indian stage and film star Ali Fazal.

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He said, "I immersed myself in materials of the time period, spending two months on research including extensive handwriting and voice work. Further conversations with the director led to a greater understanding of how the characterization could best progress.

"Stephen is one of my favourite directors, and I wanted my performance to be consistent with his vision of the story.

He added, "It became a little spiritual for both of them. Reading the letters between them, you see that through learning Urdu, she started thinking about God in many ways."

Victoria and Abdul is released in cinemas on Friday 15 September.