He is one of Pakistan’s more popular exports to India, who won a million hearts with his maiden Bollywood venture, ‘Tere Bin Laden’. Ali Zafar, the Pakistani pop icon, says he has no plans to test the waters in Lollywood. “Whatever films you do in India eventually reach theatres in Pakistan. The distributors in Pakistan told me that all the theatres there are booked for my next release,” says Ali.
Having said that, is Ali neglecting his fans back home? “Though I do a lot of work here, I manage to divide my time between the two countries,” says Ali. The actor-singer, who is in India to promote his latest film alongside Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif, confesses that music is his priority. “I consider myself a musician first. Bollywood gives me a chance to stay in touch with my musical side as I also get an opportunity to sing,” he says.
He adds, “I ventured into Bollywood at a time when I wasn’t getting the right kind of exposure in the music scene. As an artist, I want to achieve the same high that I got with music.” His timing couldn’t have been better, what with new age filmmakers raising the bar with edgy films. “I guess I came to India at the right time. This is the time when there’s room for experimentation,” he says.
Ali reveals he has already shot some portions of his next film, directed by Anu Menon. Besides singing the tracks for the film, Ali will also compose the music. The balancing act, he says, is not tough. “When I am not on the sets, I compose music,” he says. The grapevine has it that the actor has been roped in for his next film, ‘Chashme Buddoor’. “You have to check that with the producers,” he adds.
Though Ali spends more time in India, he is aware of the political unrest in Pakistan that has resulted in loss of lives. “The problem has to be tackled at the grassroots level. My heart goes out to all those who lost their lives and I hope this menace comes to an end,” he says. ToI
