The multi-talented pop star, actor and composer topped the list, which has largely been dominated by celebrities from India in the past, narrowly beating two-time winner Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, who came in second this year.
Zafar, who was pleasantly surprised by the win, said, “I am very flattered and never expected to be given this title. I still don’t know how I made it to this list, let alone top it. I saw a tweet frenzy right before the poll, which resulted in my trending worldwide on Twitter, so I had an idea about the volume of votes polled, I didn’t expect to top the list though! I would like to thank my fans who voted for me, from the bottom of my heart.”
Speaking to The Express Tribune, when asked how it felt to have trounced all his equally handsome competition, Zafar said, “I am a Hrithik fan too! Anyone would feel good having received the title, but beating anyone else to it is not the reason why I’m happy. It’s the fact that so many people made an effort to vote for me that has me smiling.”
Eastern Eye showbiz editor Asjad Nazir, who compiles the annual list and is chairman of the judging panel, said, “Such was the volume of votes received from different continents, that the star of hit film Chashme Baddoor and soon to be released comedy Total Siyapaa was trending worldwide on Twitter. This is something that has never happened before, and showed that Ali is inarguably the biggest global celebrity Pakistan has right now.”
Guess who else made it to the list? Everyone’s beloved, drool-worthy TV actor Fawad Afzal Khan of Humsafar fame! Fawad rose 18 places from last year to the 25th spot on this year’s list.
Other notable names in the list included Shahid Kapoor (4), Salman Khan (5), Ranbir Kapoor (6) and Shahrukh Khan (14).
So what did Ali’s wife Ayesha Fazli have to say about all of this? She laughed, and light-heartedly said, “Well, it’s not news for me at least, I am glad the world has finally acknowledged it too!”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 13th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (16)
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give the guy a break, the reason people like him so much is coz of his humble attitude, he maybe average in acting or signing whatever but his heart and attitude makes up for it. by the way the man has amazing voice for voiceovers and a great comedic timing :)
He's more of a model than a true singer
I think One Direction's Zayn Malik deserved that title much more than him. He too is of Pakistani origin. Stop admiring overrated/Bollywood labeled people with no talent what so ever.
@IKrules: I agree but Imran Khan in his 20s and 30s was still no match for Fazal Mahmood, the first super star cricketer from South Asia and Pakistan. Fazal had Beautiful Sea Green Eyes and was taller than Imran. Unfortunately, media was not that advanced in that era in contrast to Imran's. You may like to view a video which speaks for Fazal, link of which is pasted below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFk6R3IfW44
Ali Zafar is the most self promoting person...he actually tweets and ask people to vote for himself!
"This is something that has never happened before, and showed that Ali is inarguably the biggest global celebrity Pakistan has right now"
So, how about proving your worth in the Pakistani film industry?...to me Shaan Shahid is the biggest Pakistani celebrity
More than his looks he seems to be a decent human being with non-munafiq attitude.....very unlike his other Pakistani counterparts and fellow Pakistanis....
How about our Imran Abbas? He is much hotter than Ali Zafar?
He is cool and Sexy man!
I like him He is sexy indeed.
Eastern eye ??????
Ali Zafar is a pretty boy with limited acting skills his music is average and all his Bollywood films have been puff pieces. He has done nothing to lift the image of Pakistani cinema he may have a robust public relations team but in his films he tends to stick with safe roles confirming his poor acting skills if he wants to be considered he needs to do films outside his comfort zone, but wait he doesn't have one he is banking on his looks & that will have a limited traction!
I feel bad for a lot of other good looking Pakistanis who are nowhere on this list of 50 men. Those who made it to the list and those who didn't need to realize the power of public relations. Ali Zafar is always on the top of his game but so are the people behind him. Unfortunately, our celebrities act like stars before they become one. playing hard to get for interviews might have worked in the 90's but today the more available a celebrity is to media, better exposure he gets. I remember a famous singer's manager rudely demanding money for his interview. It's been 2 years that I never bothered to dial his number again.