The first Pakistani actor to have such a huge Indian fan base, Ali Zafar seems to be playing his cards right. The painter, singer and composer, known for hit songs like ‘Channo’ and ‘Chal Dil Merey’, entered our consciousness with his debut movie, ‘Tere Bin Laden’ (2010).
The surprise box office hit which has now become a cult-film of sorts, this film was followed by a movie offer from comedy king, David Dhawan. Then came Zafar’s big break, ‘Mere Brother Ki Dulhan’ by Yash Raj Films, where he almost overshadowed the lead actor, Imran Khan.
In his upcoming movie, ‘London, Paris, New York’, Zafar plays the lead opposite Aditi Rao Hydari of ‘Yeh Saali Zindagi’. More from the 31- year-old actor who is enjoying his Bollywood experience:
Music
I grew up listening to Sufi, ghazal, old Hindi songs and western music. My father was a professor at the University of Punjab and he used to listen to a lot of music. I feel that’s how I imbibed my flair for music early on. I play the harmonium and guitar and plan to learn piano. I have composed the music for ‘London, Paris, New York’. It was unplanned. I asked my director (Anu Menon) to tell me a situation from the movie. I wrote the lyrics for ‘Voh Dekhnay Mein’ and composed a demo tune. Menon liked the song and that’s how I ended up composing for all the songs. In fact, Hydari has also lent her voice for a few songs. She has a silky voice.
Films
There are limitations in Pakistan’s film industry in terms of infrastructure. Though there are good movies like ‘Khuda Kay Liye’ (2007), most of the films are loud and violent. I have acted in a few Pakistani serials to fund my first music album and personal expenses. Bollywood is big-hearted and has shown a lot of support and love for artistes from our country. If you are talented, there is a room for you in this industry.
Working with Yash Raj Films was an enriching experience. I was having fun and it did not seem like work. Of course, having two talented actors, Katrina Kaif and Imran Khan, as costars, was another good factor. Katrina used to play the guitar and hum along with me on the sets. We are planning to jam for a song one day, but nothing serious.
I am a spiritual person. I don’t want to get carried away by fame and money. They are impermanent.
Coming Up
I play Nikhil Chopra, a young boy who meets Lalitha (Hydari) in three different cities at different intervals. It’s a sweet love story. While we were shooting in Paris, it was really cold, like -2°C. We have already started shooting for Sai Paranjpye’s 1981 cult comedy ‘Chashme Buddoor’, directed by David Dhawan. He offered me the lead role and everybody in this industry says one should work with David Dhawan at least once. He is a fun guy. South actors, Siddharth and Tapsee Pannu are also there in the movie.
‘London, Paris, New York’ is scheduled to release on March 2.
Checklist
Favourite musicians: Pink Floyd, Bryan Adams and Kishore Kumar
Between the pages: I read books on spirituality, psychology and history and enjoy the works of Deepak Chopra, Daniel Wallace and Richard Armstrong. I write a lot of poetry, short stories and journals
Personal style: Jeans and T-shirts, but I love Armani jackets
De-stress: I make music