An Indian-origin author’s book on Queen Victoria’s relationship with her trusted Indian aide Abdul Karim in the late 1800s would soon be made into a film in which Oscar-winning British actress Judi Dench will play the protagonist. Victoria and Abdul: The True Story of the Queen’s Closet Confidant by author Shrabani Basu was released nearly six years ago.

It captures the relationship between the British monarch and her trusted Indian aide Karim in the late 1800s. “I’m absolutely delighted that my book is in such safe hands. To have Dame Judi Dench play Victoria is absolutely perfect. With Stephen Frears directing and the screenplay by Lee Hall, it’s a dream team,” said Basu, the London-based journalist and author of books like Spy Princess and most recently For King and Another Country.