Lahori launda makes it big in Bollywood

Going ape over Ali Zafar: Mere Brother Ke Dulhan premieres in the star’s hometown.

LAHORE:

For years Lahoris have followed and appreciated the multitalented Ali Zafar. Some people remember him painting portraits in Pearl Continental Lahore while some remember him singing at local family functions. Regardless of who remembers Zafar and how, one thing is confirmed that the young star has left an imprint on his own town.

The premiere of the Bollywood film Mere Brother Ki Dulhan in Lahore at the Cinestar multiplex theatre, which was hosted by J & S entertainment, proved to be a nostalgic event as fans of the star as well as a small group of celebrities came to support their hometown hero.

“It’s a great thing when young artists such as Ali Zafar and Atif Aslam get recognition in India. It has a big impact and is something we, as a country, get to learn from since the competition is tougher in India,” said designer Maria B.  “There is also that Lahore element here. People here know the way Zafar had to struggle by doing various gigs — it shows his commitment and talent.”

The low-key red carpet event, which was held on the patio of the cinema, was attended by hundreds of people who were lined-up to catch the first showing of Zafar’s film in the city. For many people, who were waiting to get in the premiere, the desperation seemed unending as the line to the ticket booth had stretched till outside the complex.

Two things worth noticing here were the general eagerness to see Zafar’s performance and secondly, the acceptance people showed towards Indian films. “We have to realise that Indian films are part of our culture and the fact that a big banner like Yash Raj is behind this film is exciting,” said designer Mehdi. “I’m here for Ali Zafar. We know that he is a good singer and now his acting success is a sense of pride for us.”

“One can tell how important it is for some people to come to the event, this is perhaps because the film has a lot of emotional value for them,” stated Ali Ahsan, a doctor. “We sometimes miss good entertainment due to the rigidness of our culture and that is why the Indian film industry has been so popular here. It is a form of escape for most of us.”

Ahsan explained that Zafar had been a popular figure in Pakistan but it was the fact that Mere Brother Ki Dulhan is a Bollywood venture that had excited and made so many people turn up to the event. He said that the film’s trailers were enough to show the difference (in film-making) between Lollywood and Bollywood. “This could be a starting point for people who aspire to go to greater heights as actors and film-makers,” said the hopeful Ahsan.

Financial analyst Maryam Piracha who was attending the premiere with her sister, explained that some of the hype was over the top. According to Piracha, the success of a Pakistani celebrity working abroad (actually on a small scale) is often magnified in Pakistan. “It’s definitely a huge achievement and Zafar is really talented but some of the hype is over the top,” said Piracha. However, she added that the event should be used to promote collaborations with India in the field of cinema, for the betterment of Pakistani entertainment.

The red carpet event proved to be a success as people seemed to thoroughly enjoy the film. Overall, the environment showed strong support for Zafar and his burgeoning career.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th,  2011.