Zafarnama

When Zafar started out as a musician in Pakistan in 2003,acting was just a hobby. “I did a few TV shows in my country,including the popular College Jeans. This was only to earn some pocket money so that I could record my music albums,” he states. But the popularity of his albums made him a familiar face in the subcontinent. And that is how director Abhishek Sharma spotted him. It was in Sharma’s film Tere Bin Laden (TBL) in 2010 that Zafar made his Bollywood debut. The film was a hit and the industry welcomed the actor into the fold. He followed this up with another box-office success,Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (MBKD),in 2011. But Zafar’s biggest project yet is Anu Menon’s London Paris New York (LPNY),where he plays the solo male lead for the first time. Apart from that,he has also composed the music for the film and lent his voice to his character. Later in the year,he will be seen in David Dhawan’s remake of Chashme Buddoor,where he will reinterpret the role Faroque Shaikh played in the original.

In the past,many Pakistani artistes such as Salma Agha,Mohsin Khan,Mohammad Ali,Zeba Bhaktiyar and Meera have attempted to establish themselves in Bollywood,but none left an impression. While Zafar chooses not to comment on why their attempts failed,Sharma explains the 31-year-old’s rise. “It has nothing to do with nationality. Ali is a package — he looks good,can act well and also makes music. After this,all you need is the right play of cards and a steady pace for the career,” says Sharma.

For an artiste from an unfamiliar territory to succeed in Bollywood,believes Zafar,one has to be willing to think out of the box. “I am glad Abhishek offered me a reporter’s role,” says Zafar.

But as Ali Abbas Zafar,director of MBKD,puts it,“Ali did not stop at that. When I offered him a role in a Yash Raj film,he was quick to grab the opportunity. It was not the lead role,but Ali knew that his talent would reach out to a wider audience.”

Aditi Rao Hydari,his co-star in LPNY,says it’s his easy-going nature. “He is not insecure and is always willing to share credit with his co-stars.” The musician-turned-actor may not be among the top five actors in the country,but he is gradually carving a niche for himself.