Over the years, only a scarce figure of performers have proven their mettle in all disciplines of the performing arts. Pakistani singer, actor and soon to be screenwriter Ali Zafar certainly falls into that category.
The singer-turned-actor will next be seen in the Shaad Ali-directed romantic-action-comedy Kill Dil, co-starring Ranveer Singh, Parineeti Chopra and veteran actor Govinda.
Speaking about his experiences working on the film, Ali told us, “The experience of working in a film like Kill Dil has been unique. I can safely say that in all of my years as an actor I have never enacted a role such as this.”
The Tere Bin Laden star added that the character he plays is a departure from his previous performances where he was seen with a more innocent and carefree disposition.
Though three of his five Bollywood releases have been hits the number doesn’t bother Ali that much as he likes to follow the “quality over quantity” formula when doing films.
“Just look at my debut film for that matter; unlike other actors, I did not choose to make my debut with a romantic film but chose to do something different and offbeat instead,” says Ali.
Back in the heydays of Pakistani music industry, Ali played a similar character of a gun-slinging bandit, in one of his music videos, Aag, which was directed by Ahsan Rahim. He recognises the similarities between both the characters but asserts that Kill Dil has made him draw a “full circle as an actor”.
“My character in the film is colourfully dark. He is not only a cold-hearted killer with a poker face but has his own brand of tongue-in-cheek humour,” said the Channo singer.
The film, which boasts of a stellar cast namely Parineeti Chopra, and Ranveer Singh; it is also being touted as Govinda’s comeback film.
Ali narrated an encouraging incident from the recently held private screening of the film where the veteran actor expressed admiration for Ali’s acting. “Govinda was so impressed by some of my scenes in the film that he held my hand and lifted it during the screening. He remarked that I would go a long way from here and that Hollywood is not far away for me,” said the actor.
Overwhelmed by the gesture, Ali was glad that all of his hard work had been fruitful. The singer has also put his vocal talent to use in the song Nakhriley, terming it as one of the “most technical” songs he has ever sung.
“Not only have I provided vocals to the song but have also shook a leg to it. It is one of the most expensive Bollywood dance numbers to date and I had to learn the dance steps for almost five to six days,” exclaimed Ali.
Recently, Ali took to Twitter to express his displeasure about the way artists are ignored by authorities in Pakistan. Elaborating on that, he said, “As artists, we are representatives of our country’s culture but unfortunately Pakistani talent by and large has not received the support it should have.”
The release date of Kill Dill may be nearing but Ali is already looking ahead of time, when he will switch gears and come behind the scenes to direct his own Pakistani film.
The actor reiterated his love for his country saying, “I have always been conscious of the fact that my next major venture is to bring my knowledge and skills to Pakistan and impart them to the people. I want to implement whatever I have learnt so far, as it can prove to be beneficial for the growth of our industry.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 8th, 2014.
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