“You have to understand that she’s an individual and you can’t judge the entire community on the basis of one person’s behaviour,” Zafar told the IANS news agency, talking about Malik. “You shouldn’t even judge Pakistan through me. The whole Pakistan is not like Ali Zafar or Veena Malik.”
“And such individuals are there in every entertainment industry. In India also there are women who ride on controversies. It happens everywhere. It happens even in Hollywood,” he added.
Zafar says he makes sure he doesn’t do anything that could bring a bad name to his country. “I pay all my taxes. I make sure all paper work is in place and streamlined. I want to work in a manner that I stay away from controversies,” he said.
“Whatever films I do, I make sure that I don't do scenes or say dialogues or do stuff that could hurt people back home. In my capacity, I try and keep everyone happy but that’s just me. Everybody has their own style of working,” he said.
For Zafar, being controversial is not the best method to boost one’s career.
“It’s unfortunate ... I think one should avoid controversies as long as possible, they may help you in the short run, but I don’t think those who are talented need controversies to boost their career,” he said.
“It’s always good to stay away so that you can work smoothly. You try to stay away from trouble for your own sake and for the sake of other people. I think anybody who comes from there (Pakistan) to here (India) should be cautious and conscious, otherwise it puts others into bad light,” he said.
Zafar, a popular singer in Pakistan, forayed into Bollywood with debutant director Abhishek Sharma’s Tere Bin Laden (2010), which won him critical acclaim from all over. He was later seen in Yash Raj’s Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and right now he is looking forward to the release of his new film London Paris New York, which hits screens on March 2.
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Ali Zafar forgot to mention the worst enemies of Pakistan is Pakistanis themselves, the society is mired with negative, jealous, in secure people NOT all but some. For Pakistani Americans we know more about films & music in Pakistan than locals who are better informed about Hollywood. People in Pakistan needs to support it's own local artists more not use illegal downloads also patronize products that sponsor & create schools & institutions for technical coverage to spread across the world the tremendous talent from Pakistan.
Honestly, if I see one more article about a singular human being giving an entire country a bad name, I will throw something. No individual human can give you an accurate understanding of the values of a country or a culture that consists of thousands of people. You know what IS giving Pakistan a bad name, though? Legislation that systematically tramples on the basic human rights of minorities, women and children. When I see Veena Malik all I think is "That's a girl who likes to party." when I fill out a form to renew my passport and have to sign that I believe Ahmedis aren't Muslims whether I believe that or not, that makes me think "the government of Pakistan discriminates against people based on religion." Does nobody see the difference!?
the best exmple "rahat fateh ali khan!!..who endorsed pakistan in real manners..its too early to say even about ali.
Veena is not representing Islam and Pakistan, so why this fuz
Loneliberla: chill man, you have no right to go right at someone like this, he may be quoted from the interview where the question might be of the context. and my indian fellows, we judge you not through kareena kapoor, we can see you more clear in kashmir.
for all the actors and actresses "you all should be ashamed of what you people are doing, either you are acting in pakistani media or indian. (pakistani people acting in indian media despite of what they think and say about our nation you should be ashamed of yourself). Go and get something 'from former' actress Sara Chauhdary"
what is wrong with Veena? I would rather look up her than any others like Kasab or LET terrorists.
@sonam shyam: what is india?????!!!!! lol
Once again, hilariously bad comprehension skills by those commenting. Ali Zafar clearly says he should not be used to judge Pakistanis yet people here exclaim he has an inflated ego and is nobody to judge. That's like a murderer being caught red handed and after his confession people argue that he is innocent. Complete loss of logic.
It may disappoint a few Pakistanis but most Indians judge Pakitan through Ajmal Kasab, Hafiz Saeed, Zaki ur Rehman Lakhwi etc. The list of such dubious crininals is long and since Pakistan actually protects many of these guys therefore its very difficult for Ali Zafar and others to improve Pakistans image in India.
who is ali zafar to talk about veena? what he will say about his intimate scense in lpn? is it represent pak?
good statment!
@Loneliberal PK, This is not a delusion this is a reality which, I believe, you need to face. Even your family is judged by your acts.
He might be responding to the questions posed by the news-seeking newsmen... don't get so emotional @liberal
Ali is not defending. He is actually speaking in favour of her if u read between the lines. Which is that u should not put burden on her to represent her country. He's played it very diplomatically.
Now here's a man with character ! True hero for us. Source of immense pride
The sheer delusion that the world is judging Pakistan for what its models wear is simply outrageous. No, I think with the constant allegations of human rights violations, minority and women abuse, state-sponsored religious extremism and cross-border terrorism that we have to face everyday, Veena's photoshoot is the least of anybody's concern.
Veena's done nothing that countless models around the world don't do every year. Get a hold of yourself, Ali Zafar! Such sanctimoniousness does not behove you.
When u go in other culture's ur acts actually represent ur society
You give yourself far too much credit (read that as worth!) mate!
Veena malik did nothing wrong.ali should stop feeling ashamed of what veena did.she refused to be shackled by the misogynistic norms of our society.there is no need for ali to apologise for it.