'I want to do an action thriller'

Singing star Ali Zafar has acted in many a rom-com but he craves a dangerous life on screen

He forayed into Bollywood in 2010 with Tere Bin Laden. A year later, he starred in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan sharing screen space with Imraan Khan and Katrina Kaif.

The success of the two films made him confident enough to sign up London Paris New York last year. The film failed to set the box office on fire, but Pakistani actor Ali Zafar’s love for rom-coms remained undimmed bringing him a plum role in Chashme Buddoor, directed by David Dhawan.

The 32-year-old actor agrees that light films are his forte, but is quick to add that he has tackled different kinds of comedy. “I enjoy doing comedy because it is not superficial. It comes from the tragedy,” says Ali.

Citing Chashme Buddoor as a prime example, he says: “In the film it is a tragedy that Sid’s friends want to spoil his relationship with Seema, convincing him that she is not a good girl. When this is brought alive on screen, people laugh at it. The tragedy faced by Sid creates a comic situation.” 

Now for the obvious question: How does it feel to be compared with Farooq Shaikh? His obvious answer: “I like Farooq Sheikh’s work but my film is completely different. My character’s name is Sid. He is a straightforward and decent guy.

I have played it my way.” Considering his penchant for frothy roles, is acting a cakewalk now? “It is not easy. My approach is to feel every emotion and portray it on screen. I imagine the scene in real life, I simulate my response and carry it on screen.

However, it becomes tough when the director has a different view about a particular scene,” he says.

Ali has done four films in three years. “Two of my films have been successful. Now I am waiting for the film that will strike a chord with the audience. Jokes apart, I do think I have got quite a good response from the audience.”

Didn’t he feel insecure while acting in multi-starrers at the beginning of his career? “It depends on the script. So far it has brought me accolades. So, I am not complaining,”  he replies.

About London Paris New York, he insists it was made for a niche market. “It may not have been a successful film but it gave me artistic satisfaction.” We let that pass and ask him to name his dream role instead. Pat comes the reply, “An action thriller!”

The actor, who has a legion of female fans for his velvety voice, is keen to strike a balance between music and acting. So far, he has lent his voice to one or two songs in every film that he has signed. When ribbed if playback singing is part of his contract, he says: “Directors know I am a singer, so they ask me to sing.”