MUMBAI: Ali Zafar made a promising Bollywood debut with Tere Bin Laden in 2010. He went on to showcase his acting abilities in Indian films, including some backed by the popular production banner Yash Raj Films (YRF).
The acclaimed singer-turned-actor hopes that his maiden Pakistani film Teefa In Trouble crosses boundaries and leaves a mark in India.
Ali is the actor, producer, singer and writer of the action flick and romantic comedy, which will hit cinema screens across 25 countries on July 20. Is India, with whom Pakistan shares a bitter-sweet relationship, part of the list?
“Hopefully. It is on the cards. If everything goes well, then yes,” Ali said.
“We have made the effort and given our best shot. It is all about giving and getting respect. It is a film, it is entertainment. I hope that it gets screened in India and makes a mark. More stuff like this should happen. My job is to try. I don’t think about the negative side at all,” added the Channo singer.
Only a handful of Pakistani films like Khuda Kay Liye and singing sensation Atif Aslam’s Bol made it to the Indian market. When asked if Ali would like to change this, he said, “As an artist, I feel that our work should be heard and viewed by as many people as possible in the world. I think peace, maintaining a cordial relationship and love are what we all want to prevail.”
However, the music of the film is available in India. Ali has also joined hands with YRF for the international theatrical distribution of his home production.
“We feel honoured and proud that a banner like YRF is distributing my first home production. I have worked with Yash ji (late film-maker Yash Chopra) and the production house,” said Ali, who has worked with the banner for films like Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Kill Dil.
“The most important language spoken there is the language of love; the way we have shot the love story in our film and the romantic song Chan Ve. You will find a lot of Yash Chopra and YRF vibes in them,” Ali stated. Asked about any more YRF films in pipeline, he said, “Let’s see. Right now, it’s just Teefa In Trouble.”
The forthcoming film is a family affair with Ali’s wife Ayesha Fazli serving as the co-producing and brother Danyal Zafar co-writing with him.
“We shot the entire film like a family. Even the director, Ahsan Rahim, is a close friend and like a mentor. As a producer, it was my job to make everyone feel at home and work like a family. There is a message in the film also – it’s about the journey more than the destination. The process needs to be really enjoyable,” he said.
“Our objective was to make a film that is first of its kind, that has its unique identity and flavour. It can be watched with family again and again.”
Watch the trailer below:
