The very likable singer-composer-actor Ali Zafar is unable to be in India for the release of his new film, the endearingly romantic Dear Zindagi. Ali, who used to be a frequent visitor to Bollywood and India to act in films and perform live on stage, was last seen in Shaad Ali’s underwhelming Kill Dil, then an ‘item song’ in the sequel to Tere Bin Laden.
Ali has been missing from the publicity and promotion of Dear Zindagi and spoke to us only on the condition that the ban on Pakistani artistes is not mentioned.
Any regrets about not being in India for the release of your new film?
Ali Zafar: No regrets in life. It has given me enough to cherish and savour already. One should be grateful for what one has.
Dear Zindagi ...your thoughts on this lovely film & the very lovely Alia Bhatt?
AZ: I still remember the day I was watching Gauri's English Vinglish and telling myself that I would love to work with this director one day. And so it happened. I am blessed, I guess.
What was it like working with Alia, Gauri Shinde and Shah Rukh Khan?
AZ: Alia is as lovely a person as she is on screen, and great to work with. I found Alia to be a thorough professional engrossed in her character. Gauri is extremely passionate about her writing and work, and is a real gem. SRK is SRK! What can one say about him?
Gauri told me you have a very well-written and interesting character to play. Tell me about your character.
AZ: I play someone very unlike me. A good-looking, charming musician-singer who she happens to meet one fine night and ...
Singer or actor - which role do you like more? Which vocation are you focusing on ?
AZ: I love making music and then sing it to an audience. But I love making movies too.
Tell me about your current activities, as a singer and an actor?
AZ: I've been working on my fourth album and my first Pakistani feature film.
Is it true that your brother is getting ready for a career in the entertainment business?
AZ: He is super talented. Perhaps more than I am. He's going to be the next big thing, Inshallah!
You and Fawad Khan seem to be frequently seen as Pakistan’s most eminent imports. Is there are feeling of rivalry?
AZ: We share a very warm rapport. There has never been any sense of competitiveness between us. In fact, I've always supported him and his movies. He's someone I’ve always admired. He is far more talented than I can ever be. We might come together for a film. It would be a pleasure working with him.
Do you have a message for your fans, audience and listeners?
AZ: Keep watching. Keep listening. With an open heart and an open mind. Love each other. Peace.
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