1 How was the experience of working in LPNY?
We had a lot of fun shooting in three different cities, two of which (London and New York) are world hubs while Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And since each place had its own charm, that made the whole experience a lot more enjoyable. Now that the film is out and has received appreciation and great reviews, it feels even better to be associated with such a project. Overall, it has been a fantastic experience!
2 Your acting stint in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan was amazing. Do you think you’ve done an equally good job in LPNY?
It’s only my third film and I’m still learning. Whether it’s acting or singing, I like to consider myself a student rather than a master of a particular form of art. Abhishekh Sharma, the director for Tere Bin Laden, thought that this was my best acting so far.
3 LPNY is the first Bollywood movie in which you composed the music too. How was the experience?
It’s slightly different from composing music otherwise but nonetheless very refreshing, memorable and interesting. I love making music so it felt great to keep in touch with my musical side too. When I compose music for my own album, I do whatever I feel like. But in composing music for a film, I had to rely on the framework given and satisfy the entire team, not just myself.
4 Aditi Rao is a newcomer. Were you hesitant in working with her?
We needed a fresh face and Aditi was perfect for the role.
5 How was the experience of working in MBKD different from LPNY?
MBKD was a big scale commercial comedy with Katrina and Imran whereas LPNY is a love story revolving around two people. Also, MBKD targeted the masses and LPNY targets the youth, so both films are very different from each other.
6 With only three films, you’ve become a major name in Bollywood. What is the reason behind that?
I think it’s because I work extremely hard around the clock, and with a lot of sincerity and humility. Also, I don’t have any unnecessary biases in my heart.
7 Amitabh Bachchan recently tweeted that while in hospital, he heard your music and it comforted him. How did that feel?
Appreciation coming from a legend like Amitabh — who is known to appreciate art and someone who is into classical acting and music — felt really good.
8 Do you think there’s a constant pressure on you considering you’re representing our country across the border?
I obviously do think about what people are going to feel like back at home and what they’re going to think but then at the end of the day I really can’t please everyone. So I make it a point to keep my own conscience satisfied. I do what I think is right and hope people like my work.
9 Have you ever felt any bias from the audience, considering they know you’re a Pakistani?
No, I haven’t faced any biases. I’ve been welcomed with an open heart and a lot of appreciation. More than me, it’s the people who are responsible for making me who I am today.
10 Your fans would love to know about your future plans and projects. What’s next for Ali Zafar?
I’m doing a comedy film with David Dhawan called Chashme Baddoor. So that’s up next.
Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, March 25th, 2012.
COMMENTS (20)
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you look so smart.and we always welcomes all who is outside the country & this way India & Pakistan war will be finished.
@Bombay dude: Well our own citizen also stated he don't have unnecessary biases in his heart,I thought you'd know what he was implying there,know what I mean;)? As far as the nice treatment is concerned then let's not even go there since we both know what the truth is,eh?:P
@Dr Priyanka: lol i'm a huge SRK fan,can't stand Sallu though:P @ article,well done Ali,you're doing a fabulous job.Love you and proud of you!
@Bombay dude: see this idiot in this link..this is how you guys treat guest from across the border..huh no manners whtsoever ..
Well, whatever we say, the fact of the matter is that Ali has an admirable face. Plus, he is also working hard, making everything good for him. If he goes with this attitude, he will surely go a long way.
Good going yar.
Worst actor
"I don’t have any unnecessary biases in my heart."
Interesting quip out of the blue and had nothing to do with the question asked and appears to come from within. Is it Ali Zafars subtle way of saying that many of his fellow Pakistanis have unecessary biases? He sounds like a nice guy.
@Dr Priyanka: Paan Singh Tomar was brilliant, it could be better. Loved Kahani and am looking forward for Agent Vinod. Glad that there are more movies than same ghisa pita genre of triangle love stories
Ali Zafar has a good PR team i Pakistan. It projects him as a much bigger success than he is. Don't get me wrong he is talented and if he is does succeed in Bollywood it would be well deserved. But the question " With 3 films you are a big name" was surely set up. He hasn't had a single solo hit and his last movie was a big flop. The question "Were you hesitant to work with a new girl" somehow implies that it was very generous of 2 film old Ali to agree to work with a fresh Aditi. When Shah Rukh, Amir, Salman do not hesitate to work with new girls, how could Ali have refused to work with a girl selected by the movie producer?
Anyway he seems level headed and talented. Certainly wish him good luck.
I am waiting for chashme baddoor. The original lead actor in the 80's was Farukh Sheikh, but I'm sure Ali Zafar will smash it. Am fed up of bodyguards and Ra one etc etc. I want to watch Irrfan Khan's Paan Singh Tomar.
he poses as tom cruise in abovee photo
loved his emotional scene in LPNY, GOOD ACTOR
Ali Bhai til nw u did a vry gud job............................nd i believe u'll do mre nd mre gud wrk furthr.....................................m vry vry impressed by u nd waiting fr ur othr projects as wel..................al d vry bst 4 ur upcoming movie CHASHME BADDOOR...................god bless u.........tke cre
This guy is always on makeup!
good job :D
Ali did u cry after or during this Interview as well?.... U talk so sense man , i haven't seen such an intellectual in ages :D Nahi nahi Ali don't cry! nahi ALI!!!! don't be an emotional fool man ..U will get another movie man ...Just chill ... YEÀH YEAH Pakistan and INdia are friends now , HAPPY! now please stop crying.
So all the Pakistanis who think muslims and Pakistanis are not treated well in India, listen to your own citizen who can earn money in India without being biased. All hard working and friendly Pakistanis are always invited. People like Hafeez Saeed , please stay across the border.