Ali Zafar says no to secondary roles

The actor is not sure about his first project with Katrina Kaif and Imran Khan as co-stars.

While Yash Rah Films banner has plans to sign Ali Zafar for three of its forthcoming films, the actor is not even sure about the first project with Katrina Kaif and Imran Khan as co-stars.

“The announcement, if it came from the production house, is premature. I have not signed the film. I have not signed any film after Tere Bin Laden. I have not even met producer Aditya Chopra or director Ali Abbas Zafar. Yes, we’ve spoken about the film and I’ve liked my role (but) we’ll meet when I come to Mumbai this week,” Zafar said.

“The director narrated the script to me on Skype, all our communication so far has been virtual. I like the sound of the role. It is in the comic space. I guess they thought of me for the part because of my comic timing in Tere Bin Laden,” he added.

The pop star was asked if he was aware that the role was apparently offered to Riteish Deshmukh? In response Zafar said he wasn’t aware of the role’s past, but is determined not to play supporting roles.

“Aditya Chopra spoke to me for a long time, convinced me that it’s a role equal to Imran Khan’s. I am very clear on this issue and I told Aditya that I won’t play any secondary or supporting roles. He has assured me it’s a parallel role (to Imran Khan).”

Zafar said that he will take a call only when he meets the producer and the director in Mumbai.

“I’ve yet to decide on which films to do in Mumbai. But yes, I’m coming to Mumbai next week, although I am neck-deep at the moment organising relief concerts here in Pakistan after the floods, which are said to be the worst (natural) catastrophe ever.”

He has invited international pop stars Bono and Sting to join him on stage for a charity concert in Lahore. “But since I plan to have all these concerts only after Eid, I can take a break to come to Mumbai.”

Relocation to Mumbai is a serious possibility. Colleague and friend Abhishek Sharma has already confirmed that Zafar’s relocation will take place very soon. “He has some really good offers in Mumbai. And he is planning to relocate himself into Mumbai,” said Sharma.

For the moment, Zafar has applied for a special visa. “So I can move in and out of Pakistan and India freely. At the moment I am getting only multiple visas,” he said.

Published in The  Express Tribune, August 25^th, 2010.