Acclaimed actor Fahadh Faasil recently made headlines, not for a new film, but for the unexpected sight of him using a 17-year-old, ultra-luxury non-smartphone that once cost a staggering Rs 5 lakh.
Fahadh’s Digital Detach
It’s no secret that Fahadh Faasil prefers to keep a low profile, especially when it comes to technology. He is known for staying away from social media and intentionally not owning a smartphone.
His colleagues have often confirmed this choice. Actor Vinay Forrt, for instance, previously mentioned that Fahadh uses a “basic phone that is not sophisticated at all,” reinforcing his preference for a more traditional approach to communication.
A Viral Glimpse of the Past
The actor’s unusual phone choice came into the spotlight during the puja ceremony for director Abhinav Sunder’s film, ‘Mollywood Times’. Fahadh was spotted speaking on his mobile phone, a rare public sighting that immediately drew the attention of media and fans.
A video clip quickly went viral, stunning eagle-eyed tech enthusiasts. It showed Fahadh using a keypad phone, but it was far from an ordinary feature phone. It was an ultra-luxury device, a relic from nearly two decades ago.
Unmasking the Luxury Feature Phone
Content creator Effin M, known for celebrity gadget insights, identified the phone as a Vertu Ascent Ti. This model, first announced in 2007 and released in 2008, is no longer in production.
The Vertu Ascent Ti was renowned for its premium craftsmanship. It was meticulously built using titanium, sapphire crystals, and hand-stitched leather. At its launch, this exclusive device carried an hefty price tag of around Rs 5.54 lakh (approximately $6,600).
While discontinued, such devices can still be found on pre-owned websites, often fetching prices in the range of Rs 1–1.5 lakh today. Another report speculated it might be the Vertu Ascent Retro Classic Keypad Phone, which costs even more, but is currently out of stock.
An Actor Off the Grid
Fahadh Faasil is widely regarded as one of India’s most talented actors, consistently delivering powerful performances. His choice of a non-smartphone aligns perfectly with his persona of living off the radar, focusing on his craft rather than digital connectivity.
Following a successful 2024 with notable movies like ‘Aavesham’, ‘Vettaiyan’, ‘Bougainvillea’, and ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’, Fahadh is now gearing up for his first release of 2025. He will reunite with his ‘Maamannan’ co-star Vadivelu in ‘Maareesan’, scheduled to hit screens on July 25.
- Fahadh Faasil uses a Vertu Ascent Ti, a luxury keypad phone.
- The phone was originally launched in 2007-2008 and is now discontinued.
- Its initial price was approximately Rs 5.54 lakh, made with titanium and sapphire.
This unique mobile choice further cements Fahadh Faasil’s reputation as an actor who truly marches to the beat of his own drum, valuing privacy and simplicity even in a highly connected world.
