Ali Zafar gears up for next B-town flick

The musician turned actor’s next film centers around a cross-border love story.

Following the success of his hit single “Channo”, Ali Zafar, an appreciated and loved pop artist of the Pakistani music industry, decided to push his boundaries and made his way to Bollywood — to explore a possible career in acting.

This possibility turned into a reality for Zafar as he transformed into a desirable figure after starring in films such as Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, London Paris New York and Tere Bin Laden. He is now ready to work in a new film — his fourth B-town project. The film’s title may change but its production is confirmed.

“I am making a film which stars Ali Zafar and Yami Gautami,” confirmed Eeshwar Nivas, director of the film, reported Mid Day. “It’s a love story. The film is tentatively titled Aman Ki Aasha, but we are contemplating other titles as well; it will go on floors in March 2013.”

The film also stars Yami Gautami, an actor who wowed the audience with her charm and acting skills in Vicky Donor. Zafar confirmed the news without giving away too much: “It’s a remake of a Spanish film adapted by Neeraj Pandey, being directed by E Nevas. I met Yami and she seems like a very sweet girl. I thought she was great in Vicky Donor.” He further added, “The script has something I feel passionate about — you will have to wait and see.”

As far as the storyline is concerned, it revolves around one of the most cliché plots picked by subcontinent film-makers: Indian girl falls in love with Pakistani boy — the role of the young girl is played by Gautami and the boy is played by Zafar.

Zafar has garnered immense recognition from the Indian film industry over the last few years and continues to do so. He recently also performed at The Global Indian Music Academy Awards (GiMA), which is quickly becoming one of the most sought after and respected awards when it comes to the music industry in India — maestros gather to honour talent.

In addition to performing on stage, Zafar also presented and shared the stage along with Irshad Kamil, AR Rahman, Prasoon Joshi and Mohit Chauhan, according to a press release. He seemed quite happy with the eclectic performance, saying: “I performed 100% live on GiMA with a live jazz band. We wanted a Broadway musical kind of a feel to the performance so I gave a bluesy and jazzy feel to my songs since I am into that.”

“It’s always important to keep reinventing yourself as an artist I believe. It was an honour to perform with such seasoned musicians,” he further added, humbled by the collaboration with such talented and skilled artists.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 11^th, 2012.

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