'Pak films are at a nascent stage'

Ali Zafar, the musician-turned-actor from Pakistan, has entertained us with his roles in Hindi movies. And now, he is back with his latest role as an assassin in ‘Kill Dil’, a movie which also stars Govinda, Ranveer and Parineeti Chopra.

This actor who was in the City recently, says that he is excited about his character in the movie.

“It’s a very different role compared to any other that I’ve played. The look, the dialect and everything is very different,” he says.

He is quick to add that it isn’t a negative role. “Between the two worlds of Kill and Dil, he is the slash in the middle,” says Ali. It wasn’t hard to portray the role.

“Surprisingly, it came very naturally. Tutu’s character doesn’t talk much and means business, and at the same time, he has a dry sense of humour. In real life, I’m somewhat like that. I don’t talk much and I’m bit of an introvert contrary to the image that others have of me. The role came naturally to me. There is some hardcore acting in the climax and I’m really glad that could explore all that.”

Ali, who is also a painter, says that performing arts and fine arts are all just forms of art.

“They all require creativity, perseverance, hard work and imagination. They are linked to each other. Being a singer has helped me be an actor. It’s about expressing oneself, be it on a canvas or through lyrics,” says Ali.

On Bollywood being one of the biggest film industries in the world, he says, “It has taken decades of consistency to come to this level.

On an average, in Bollywood, there’s a film churning out every day. Pakistani film industry has suffered a lot in the past.

It has recently started building its roots. Pakistani films are at a nascent stage. There have been some really good films recently. Different original stories are coming out now. Pakistan has its own way of telling stories and that will be its USP. It will take a few years, but the industry is on the right track,” believes Ali.

He goes on to say that a film that is a hit in Bollywood, does equally well in Pakistan. “All the Bollywood stars are appreciated in Pakistan. I was one of the first actors to have come here and had a substantial place in the industry.

"People have a certain sense of pride about this. I am careful, I make it a point to not do anything that would embarrass my people or my country, and I am never disrespectful to people here. You give respect and take respect,” he says.

Ali says that he is happy to see Pakistani talent coming to India. “Bollywood is big enough to accommodate talent from everywhere.” Ali’s character in ‘Tere Bin Laden’ continues to be special to him.

“That is what started the journey for me. A scene on the bridge that I had done in the climax of ‘London Paris New York’ is also memorable. Tutu in ‘Kill Dil’ is one of my favourites now.”