Educating girls can make the world a better place: Ali Zafar

Pakistani singer and actor Ali Zafar is not only a powerhouse of talent, he is also a social activist in his own right.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Ali Zafar talks about his current projects, as well as his commitment to social work.

The artist has kept busy as of late - "I recently got done with 50 shows in 60 days. I have also just finished creating more great music for my album. My first production in Pakistan is also on, and we have also wrapped up my next Bollywood film, we finished shooting in Goa for it, but the director and the producer will make an announcement in due time," he revealed to Hindustan Times.



"There are some other initiatives that I have been busy with too, such as the cause of educating girls and building schools. And my team Islamabad United won the Pakistan Super League, which is like IPL,” the rockstar added.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCLABi-Nuid/?taken-by=ali_zafar

Education is a cause that is dear to Ali, especially female education, which requires ample attention. Talking about this issue, he explains the reason behind his commitment to education.

"My parents were professors - my mother is the first post doc scholar in library sciences in Pakistan, and my father was the chairman of the fine arts department of the Punjab University (Pakistan). So, I understand the importance of education and therefore the cause of education is very close to my heart."

"I understand that education can change things, and make this world a better place. I have been sponsoring the education of more than 100 girls. We recently started building schools (after the Peshawar incident) and about 27-28 schools will be complete midyear," says the 35-year-old, who who just recently started talking about his social initiatives publicly.



Explaining why he is now speaking out about his social work after previously keeping quiet about it, he said, "Yes, I did (shy away from talking about my charitable events). Now I do, because I want to motivate and inspire others."

The star recently performed at a charity event in Dubai which was in honour of teachers around the world. There, he mingled with celebrities like Salma Hayek, Matthew McConaughey, Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan and Parineeti Chopra.

Performing at @GESForum in Dubai for a great cause ! @salmahayek @juniorbachchan @MathewMcConahey @ParineetiChopra pic.twitter.com/NC4mNYeOIX

— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) March 13, 2016

Referring to the event, Ali shared, "For the cause of education, I had gone to Dubai about an initiative which was part of the Girl Rising event. I performed some fusion of jazz with my songs, also performed classics like Imagine by John Lennon. I performed Sun Re Sajaniya and Madhubala, then Abhishek Bachchan came on stage and I called Matthew and Parineeti too, and we all sang and danced. It was fun."



"It was very warm meeting Salma and Matthew. With Matthew, we chatted even after the event. We hung out and discussed international politics, acting, education and more. He is one of the friendliest and most down-to-earth persons I have ever met, and most talented certainly," he added.

Ali has always stood up for social initiatives and supported them, and here's to wishing he continues to succeed in his endeavors.