Ali Zafar wraps up shooting for Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt film

Singer-actor says dream project ‘Deosai’ needs some more time

KARACHI: Exactly a year ago today, on the occasion of his 35th birthday, Ali Zafar announced his very own feature film, Deosai. While development of the motion picture may still be in limbo, the artist has wasted no time in venturing onto other projects.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Zafar revealed that although his dream project may have been put on hold temporarily, he will soon be starting work on another film. “I will be starring in a Pakistani film which is expected to go on floors in October this year,” stated the singer.

Not giving away too much information about the film, Zafar told that he would be making a formal announcement in the coming few days. Should the film materialise, it will mark Zafar’s much-awaited debut as an actor in Pakistani films after he backed out of Shoaib Mansoor’s Khuda Kay Liye at the last moment.



Regarding the fate of Deosai, the actor-cum-singer said the film has been put on the backburner for a multitude of reasons. “You see, Deosai is a very ambitious project. And the sort of technical expertise and equipment you need to film such a movie is not yet available in the country right now,” he explained. “Plus filming at the high altitudes of Deosai is also going to be a major issue.”

Aside from his acting commitments, Zafar also disclosed that he has hit the studio once again and is planning his fourth studio album. “I had been contemplating working on an album for a while but had been too busy working in films,” recalled the Channo singer.

But with things looking up for the music industry now, the actor is keen to return to his home turf. “The music industry is showing signs of improvement following the arrival of all these portals such as Taazi and Patari,” he stated. “And I also made my own studio so now I’ve finally decided to put it to use,” he quipped.

Zafar has been coming off a busy few months since his work on the eighth season of Coke Studio where he delivered one of 2015’s most popular tracks, Rockstar. Following that, he also composed the official anthem for the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Super League and performed at its opening ceremony.

While he remained tight-lipped over projects across the border, sources reveal he has recently wrapped up work in Goa on the upcoming Gauri Shinde film. The yet-to-be-titled project also stars Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan. According to the same source, Zafar would also be doubling up as playback singer for two songs in the film.

Shinde’s untitled project would be Zafar’s first Bollywood film since the 2014 release Kill Dil. He has previously starred in Bollywood films such as Total Siyapaa, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Tere Bin Laden and London Paris New York.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 18^th, 2016.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.