‘Six-pack abs are not my priority’

Akshay Kumar and John Abraham got the mercury soaring with their shirtless act in ‘Desi Boyz’, and now Ali Zafar is all set to add to global warming by showing off his newly acquired toned bod in his next film. The actor, loved for his chocolate-hero looks, has opted for a lean mean look for his movie ‘London, Paris, New York’; here’s a sneak peek into his recent interview. Actors like John Abraham and Akshay Kumar have gone shirtless recently. You are now joining the league. Nervous?
I had done the same for my music video ‘Ek Pal’, so I wasn’t nervous about going shirtless. I’d have felt weird if it was forced, but this goes with the flow of the movie. I have always been into fitness, but this time I have put in more effort. I had to get lean, but six-pack abs aren’t my priority.
Did you hit the gym big time before shedding your shirt?
I was careful about what I was eating. I cut down a bit on carbs. I didn’t stress too much about it. I have my own form of training. I like mixing aerobics, weight training and other things. I was staying opposite Hyde Park in London, so I would go there for a run. That helped me a lot. The day before you shoot, you do try and be a bit careful about what you eat.
Are six-pack abs on your wish list?
It’s good to have six-pack abs, but that isn’t on top of my mind. Every actor doesn’t need to sport six-pack or eight-pack abs. For this movie, I have tried to go for a lean, toned look. Some actors even get abs painted before a shot, but that’s not for me. I think it’s important to be fit and get under the skin of the character. I mean, normal people don’t walk around with six-pack or eight-pack abs, right?
Who according to you has a great body in Bollywood?
I think John Abraham has a great physique; also Akshay Kumar is really fit.
Besides acting, you are composing the music, writing the lyrics and singingyou’re your film. Isn’t it hectic?
It’s been tough writing, arranging the music, recording and shooting for the film in three locations around the world. But I thoroughly enjoy it because I am a workaholic. I can’t sit idle for a minute. Also, I am partial to music, so I love composing.
You have been shooting all around the globe. Do you enjoy living out of a suitcase?
I don’t have much of a choice. Nobody likes to live out of a suitcase. Also, this time around I have been shooting in London, Paris and New York, and now ‘Chashme Buddoor’ is being shot in Goa. It becomes very difficult to set up base when you are travelling constantly. As for my family, they are based in Lahore and travel periodically to spend time with me.
Your entry in Bollywood has been pretty smooth.
I have worked extremely hard for it. I had three offers to choose from for my debut. In one movie, I had to play a rock star, while the second was a rom-com, but I chose ‘Tere Bin Laden’, where I didn’t even have an actress opposite me. I choose what my heart tells me is right. I love doing edgy stuff. And that unconventional movie proved to be an advantage for me. The camera doesn’t intimidate me because I have done music videos as a singer and acting was the next step.
Post ‘Mere Brother Ki Dulha’, Katrina Kaif was going to star in a video for you. Is that still on?
I have yet to write a song for her. We all have really hectic schedules, but that video will definitely happen sometime in the future.