MUMBAI: Pakistani singer-actor Ali Zafar believes that music is the language of love and art indeed can play a major role in bridging the gap between the two nations. “I love performing in India. In fact, Mumbai has become a second home for me after ‘Tere Bin Laden’. It feels good to see artistes from both sides exchanging ideas and views. Art definitely can help in bringing the two nations closer,” Ali makes a point.
About ‘Tere Bin Laden’ not getting any award despite being nominated at almost every Indian award function, Ali says, “I’m not at all depressed or disappointed for not winning an award. I feel honoured that I got so many nominations. It’s good to win awards and they are not everything. Sitting and watching these award functions with industry people has been great fun. I was excited about ‘Tere Bin Laden’ and will work with the same positivity in my future projects,” says Ali, who launched his album ‘Jhoom’ under the banner of Yash Raj films Limited last week.
‘Jhoom’, he says, is a very soulful album. “The album has ghazals and Sufi poetry. It’s serious and mellow. I don’t believe in commercialising music and I try to put my soul into every single composition. I didn’t think about the selling point of the album when I was writing the songs. Everything is just straight from the heart,” he reveals.
The other thing that’s close to Ali’s heart these days is the film he has signed as an actor under the Yash Raj banner. ‘Mere Brother Ki Dulhan’, also starring Katrina Kaif and Imran Khan, will mark his entry into mainstream cinema.
“I’m not bothered about the banner. I’ll always look for the script and the people who are making the film. I should enjoy whatever I’m doing,” says Ali.
So what does he enjoy more — singing or acting? “I enjoy both. But I think my soul is more of a musician,” he answers, adding quickly, “I want to be known as someone who contributed to society through his art and expressions. It doesn’t matter whether it’s singing or acting. I like to express myself through my art and will continue doing the same in the years to come.”
CLOSE ENCOUNTER
◆ Favourite Bollywood director: Rajkumar Hirani
◆ Favourite co-star: I’m working with Katrina Kaif in ‘Mere Brother ki Dulhan’. I think she is wonderful
◆ Your definition of love: Love defines you, you don’t define love.
◆ Your ideal woman: Someone who is kind and peaceful. I’m already married.
◆ Future plans: Doing great roles and good music.
◆ Would you like to known as a singer or an actor? I’d leave that to the audience.