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Ali Zafar Pakistani Pop Star.....!
Pakistanis love Tere Bin...: Ali Zafar
TOI Crest, Aug 21, 2010, 12.22pm IST
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Tere Bin Laden’s lead, Pakistani pop star Ali Zafar, has unshakeable faith in the umbilical cord that ties New Delhi to Islamabad. But why? He answers some questions for TOI-Crest
How did you enter Tere Bin Laden (TBL)? Abhishek Sharma gave me a detailed narration. The story was hilarious and consolidated. It was a new form of filmmaking and a story that needed to be told. When Osama bin Laden’s name is mentioned, it creates darkness. For the first time, its antithesis, humour, was used. You can say serious things humourously.
Acting and singing apart, did you contribute inputs? I helped with the look and language of the film as it's set in Pakistan. I helped with sets and dialects. Noora, for example, speaks not only in Punjabi but a particular kind of rural Punjabi. I recorded conversations in Pakistan on my phone and played them to Pradyuman to convey that twang.
Was there anything you advised the team not to show? I was concerned they don’t show Pakistanis with long beards, wearing scarves...stereotyped images. I wanted Pakistanis shown as similar to Indians.
Were there difficulties? None. The film was kept under wraps during shooting which happened before 26/11, when the situation was fine.
What was the best part about making TBL? Learning that culture is independent of borders. An idea cannot be restrained. I appreciate how the director and producers took on a risk signing a Pakistani actor. It’s good to be brave.
How has TBL done in Pakistan? TBL is not releasing commercially in Pakistan. The State feels there are extremist elements here with no sense of humour. They may use the film as an excuse for violence. Of course, people are watching it on pirated DVDs. Ordinary Pakistanis love TBL. My parents are very proud. Pakistanis stars don’t get big roles in Bollywood.
What about Salma Agha? (Laughs). Okay, the men don’t get big roles! This is the first time a Pakistani male actor starred in a hit Bollywood film. This shows growth in creative and mass consciousness.
Do Indians and Pakistanis view terror the same way? No, they don’t. There is, obviously, a distance of opinion. Let me explain. 26/11 was an incredibly disturbing event. But it is Pakistanis who suffer the most from terror globally. When Pakistanis are blamed for terror, they don’t feel good. The Pakistani youth is liberal and progressive. They don’t like being stereotyped. Life is difficult for Pakistanis internationally. India should understand the calamity facing Pakistan, how grave and complex our situation is. Terror, in turn, is linked to equally complicated issues. For peace, complex issues must be analysed. It will happen. India and Pakistan are destined to be friends
____________ "I am a dreamer,I collect all the smiles from My yesterday,
Neatly pack them into words and hide them in my heart,
I call them "MEMORIES" Music has no boundary.
Joined: November 2006
Posts: 10619
Location: Virginia
Re: Ali Zafar Pakistani Pop Star.....!
Ali Zafar makes it to the big screen
Read more: Pakistanis love Tere Bin...: Ali Zafar
____________ "I am a dreamer,I collect all the smiles from My yesterday,
Neatly pack them into words and hide them in my heart,
I call them "MEMORIES" Music has no boundary.
Ali Zafar turns film composer with London, Paris, New York, plans to create new sounds with acoustic instruments I'm just doing my job.
I can't let success go into my head. It should make me more humble.
--Actor Ali Zafar
After Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, singer-actor Ali Zafar's fan following has increased. When he was in London shooting for the coming-of-age love story, London, Paris, New York, crowds would gather on the streets with posters and albums, to have them autographed. There were times when their increasing numbers forced them to stop the shooting.
The film also marks Ali's Bollywood debut as a composer after proving himself as a playback singer with films like Tere Bin Laden, Love Ka The End and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. The popular composer, lyricist, singer, actor and model from Pakistan, known for hits like `Channo...', `Rangeen...' and `Dekha...' is kicked about his first score for a Hindi movie.
“It's not going to be conventional. I want to create sounds that are fresh like our film,“ he reasons. “And since the film touches on different emotions I can experiment with genres. I will use as many `live' instruments as possible to give the songs an organic feel.“
He points out that he's been doing everything on his own, from writing the songs and setting them to music to recording them at his home studio: “It's an intense process but wonderfully satisfying.“
Since the story unfolds in three cities-London, Paris and New York-Ali's songs too will reflect the character of each city. “The London song will be happier, with simpler notes, as compared to the one set in Paris that will be edgier.
The New York track will be more refined,“ he elucidates.
Meanwhile there's been talk of him being signed on for another Yash Raj production after Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, but Ali shrugs off those rumours. “I'm sure I'll get a call if there's something. Otherwise I've already got my biggest compliment from Yashji (Yash Chopra) who at the film's success party complimented me on my performance,“ he says.
Two hits have propelled Ali into the big league. The actor, who will start filming the new Chashme Buddoor, is modest: “I'm just doing my job. I can't let success go to my head. If anything, it should make me more humble and approachable.“
____________ Music forms a part of me again It gives Shape to my faceless Expressions...To my Thoughts. {Alochana}
After Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, singer-actor Ali Zafar’s fan following has increased. When he was in London shooting for the coming-of-age love story, London, Paris, New York, crowds would gather on the streets with posters and albums, to have them autographed. There were times when their increasing numbers forced them to stop the shooting.
The film also marks Ali’s Bollywood debut as a composer after proving himself as a playback singer with films like Tere Bin Laden, Love Ka The End and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. The popular composer, lyricist, singer, actor and model from Pakistan, known for hits like Channo, Rangeen and Dekha is kicked about his first score for a Hindi movie.
“It’s not going to be conventional. I want to create sounds that are fresh like our film,” he reasons. “And since the film touches on different emotions I can experiment with genres. I will use as many ‘live’ instruments as possible to give the songs an organic feel.”
He points out that he’s been doing everything on his own, from writing the songs and setting them to music to recording them at his home studio: “It’s an intense process but wonderfully satisfying.”
Since the story unfolds in three cities— London, Paris and New York— Ali’s songs too will reflect the character of each city. “The London song will be happier, with simpler notes, as compared to the one set in Paris that will be edgier. The New York track will be more refined,” he elucidates.
Meanwhile there’s been talk of him being signed on for another Yash Raj production after Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, but Ali shrugs off those rumours. “I’m sure I’ll get a call if there’s something. Otherwise I’ve already got my biggest compliment from Yashji (Yash Chopra) who at the film’s success party complimented me on my performance,” he says.
Two hits have propelled Ali into the big league. The actor, who will start filming the new Chashme Buddoor, is modest: “I’m just doing my job. I can’t let success go to my head. If anything, it should make me more humble and approachable.”
____________ Music forms a part of me again It gives Shape to my faceless Expressions...To my Thoughts. {Alochana}
Ali Zafar drops his shirt for the first time but getting six-packs was not part of the plan
Akshay Kumar and John Abraham got the mercury soaring with their shirtless act in Desi Boyz, and now Ali Zafar is all set to add to global warming by showing off his newly-acquired, toned bod in his next film. The actor, loved for his chocolate-hero looks, has opted for a lean mean look for his movie London, Paris, New York; BT gives you a sneak peek.
Actors like John Abraham and Akshay Kumar have gone shirtless recently. You are now joining the league. Nervous? n I had done the same for my music video Ek Pal, so I wasn't nervous about going shirtless. I had no qualms about doing it. I'd have felt weird if it was forced, but this goes with the flow of the movie. I have always been into fitness, but this time I have put in more effort. I had to get lean, but six-pack abs aren't my priority.
Did you hit the gym big time before shedding your shirt? I was careful about what I was eating. I cut down a bit on carbs. I didn't stress too much about it. I have my own form of training. I like mixing aerobics, weight training and other things. I was staying opposite Hyde Park in London, so I would go there for a run. That helped me a lot. The day before you shoot, you do try and be a bit careful about what you eat.
Are six-pack abs on your wish list? It's good to have six-pack abs, but that isn't on top of my mind. Every actor doesn't need to sport six-pack or eight-pack abs. For this movie, I have tried to go for a lean, toned look. Some actors even get abs painted before a shot, but that's not for me. I think it's important to be fit and get under the skin of the character. I mean, normal people don't walk around with six-pack or eight-pack abs, right?
Contd. on pg 8
Who according to you has a great bod in Bollywood? I think John Abraham has a great physique; also Akshay Kumar is really fit.
Besides acting, you are composing the music, writing the lyrics and singing for you this film. Isn't it hectic? It's been tough writing, arranging the music, recording and shooting for the film in three locations around the world. But I thoroughly enjoy it because I am a workaholic. I can't sit idle for a minute. Also, I am partial to music, so I love composing.
You have been shooting all around the globe. Do you enjoy living out of a suitcase? I don't have much of a choice. Nobody likes to live out of a suitcase. Also, this time around I have been shooting in London, Paris and New York, and now Chashme Buddoor is being shot in Goa. It becomes very difficult to set up base when you are travelling constantly. As for my family, they are based in Lahore and travel periodically to spend time with me.
You entry in Bollywood has been pretty smooth... I have worked extremely hard for it. I had three offers to choose from for my debut. In one movie, I had to play a rockstar, while the second was a rom-com, but I chose Tere Bin Laden, where I didn't even have an actress opposite me. I choose what my heart tells me is right. I love doing edgy stuff. And that unconventional movie proved to be an advantage for me. The camera doesn't intimidate me because I have done music videos as a singer and acting was the next step.
Post Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Katrina Kaif was going to star in a video for you, is that still on? I have yet to write a song for her. We all have really hectic schedules, but that video will definitely happen sometime in the future.
Who according to you has a great bod in Bollywood? I think John Abraham has a great physique; also Akshay Kumar is really fit.
Besides acting, you are composing the music, writing the lyrics and singing for you this film. Isn't it hectic? It's been tough writing, arranging the music, recording and shooting for the film in three locations around the world. But I thoroughly enjoy it because I am a workaholic. I can't sit idle for a minute. Also, I am partial to music, so I love composing.
You have been shooting all around the globe. Do you enjoy living out of a suitcase? I don't have much of a choice. Nobody likes to live out of a suitcase. Also, this time around I have been shooting in London, Paris and New York, and now Chashme Buddoor is being shot in Goa. It becomes very difficult to set up base when you are travelling constantly. As for my family, they are based in Lahore and travel periodically to spend time with me.
You entry in Bollywood has been pretty smooth... I have worked extremely hard for it. I had three offers to choose from for my debut. In one movie, I had to play a rockstar, while the second was a rom-com, but I chose Tere Bin Laden, where I didn't even have an actress opposite me. I choose what my heart tells me is right. I love doing edgy stuff. And that unconventional movie proved to be an advantage for me. The camera doesn't intimidate me because I have done music videos as a singer and acting was the next step.
Post Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Katrina Kaif was going to star in a video for you, is that still on? I have yet to write a song for her. We all have really hectic schedules, but that video will definitely happen sometime in the future.
____________ Music forms a part of me again It gives Shape to my faceless Expressions...To my Thoughts. {Alochana}
Though others say my voice is good, I wasn't confident of it being used for a song. Aditi Rao Hydari, Actor
Actor Aditi Rao Hydari, (below) is hitting all the right notes. After recently winning an award for her performance in the film, Yeh Saali Zindagi, she has turned singer for her upcoming movie, London Paris New York.
The actor reveals that her costar, singer-actor Ali Zafar (left), encouraged her to sing. “Ali was always singing on the sets and I would casually join him. He is the one who encouraged me to sing and built up my confidence,“ she says.
Hydari further adds that she has always had a penchant for singing. “I can't imagine a life without singing. Though others say my voice is good, I was not confident of it being used for recording a professional song,“ she says.
Hydari also admits that Zafar also guided her through the recordings. “He brought out the best in me. He would say that if God has bestowed someone with a gift, then it should be utilised.“
The actor who is also a trained bharatanatyam dancer, has sung a rock ballad and a club song with Ali for the film's soundtrack, which also boasts of other music genres like pop, electronica and blues.
“It's my first complete commercial film. Its a romantic comedy and it revolves around a tale of two youngsters in their twenties.“ says the beauty.
Directed by Anu Menon, the film is about a couple that meets at the bridges of three rivers, Thames, Siene and Hudson, in the cities of London, Paris and New York respectively.
Hydari has also been approached by Zafar to be a part of his forthcoming album which may also feature Katrina Kaif exercising her vocal chords.
Apart from the singing, Hydari will be seen in director Shivam Nair's next project along side actor Irrfan Khan. “We are yet to sign on the dotted line. I loved the script and I am excited,“ she adds.
____________ Music forms a part of me again It gives Shape to my faceless Expressions...To my Thoughts. {Alochana}
Indo-Asian News Service New Delhi, January 27, 2012
Ali Zafar
Sony Music acquires rights of London, Paris, New York
The music rights of romantic comedy London, Paris, New York have been reserved by Sony Music. All seven songs in the album have been written, composed and sung by Ali Zafar, who is also the movie's lead actor. The album, which will be digitally available starting Jan 30, will also have the movie's actor, Aditi Rao Hydari lending her voice to a song called Voh Dekhane Mein. The release of the album will be in the first week of February across key retail outlets.
London, Paris, New York follows its characters' personal journey and their love story as they meet in London, flirt in Paris and fall in love in New York for a night each over eight years.
The songs of the movie blend strongly with the theme of the scene and location. "This generation-next movie comes with a variety of songs where the multi-faceted creative talent, Ali Zafar, has sung all of them giving each song his own distinctive style that merges perfectly with each moment in the film," Sanujeet Bhujabal, marketing director, Sony Music India, said in a press statement.
"The freshness quotient of the music will be loved by all music fans whether young or those who are young at heart," added Bhujabal.
The soundtrack also features voices from Sunidhi Chauhan, Haldika Kiani and Pakistani Sufi singer Sanam Marvi. The film, directed by Anu Menon, will release March 2.
____________ Music forms a part of me again It gives Shape to my faceless Expressions...To my Thoughts. {Alochana}
Genre: Romance, drama Cast: Ali Zafar, Aditi Rao Hydari Director: Anu Menon Synopsis: Twenties are often the most significant and also the most tumultous times in our lives. The film aims to capture this angst of the twenties, the most dramatic period of a person's life -when we have to find a career, we have our first significant relationship and most importantly, it is the time when we form our identity in the world. The film centres on two people -Lalitha and Nikhil.
Lalitha is a middle-class south Indian girl, who is on her way to New York to study politics with full scholarship, and Nikhil is a rich Punjabi boy, who goes to study filmmaking in London on his fathers' money.
The two decide to hang out together one evening in London and find that they are completely drawn to each other even as their future lies on separate continents. The film follows their personal journey and their complicated love story as they meet in London, Paris and then New York for one night over a period of eight years.
The film is in three chapters and each chapter will be shot in a manner that mirrors the mental state of Nikhil and Lalitha. The three bridges on the three rivers -Thames, Seine and Hudson -are the witness to the three states of love between these two.
____________ Music forms a part of me again It gives Shape to my faceless Expressions...To my Thoughts. {Alochana}
Bollywood has churned out tons of romantic comedy films in the past, but its latest offering, London Paris New York, directed by Anu Menon, seems to be fresh and different from the old ones. What sets this film apart from them is its realist depiction of feelings of two young boy and girl.
The wonderful chemistry between Ali Zafar and Aditi Rao Hydari is the main attraction of the film London Paris New York. Ali Zafar's tilting music and Sameer Arya wonderful picturisation, fitting dialogues and beautiful locales are the other highlights of the film.
Twenties is the time when one needs to structure his personality in this world and this is the time when every experience first momentous. These feelings of tumultuous and excitement of a boy and a girl have been beautifully painted on the screen by Anu Menon. In other words, the film mirrors the torment and ordeals of the youth.
London Paris New York has an inventive and ingenious plot, which illustrates the sentiments of adolescents in love. While exploring relationships, Anu Menon deals with authentic and identifiable circumstances that young viewers can relate with their lives. Fortunately, the director deter from including exaggerated drama that we are so acclimatized to watch in Hindi movies.
Nikhil (Ali Zafar) is a rich Punjabi kid from Bandra in Mumbai and he is going to study film making in London. Lalitha (Aditi Rao Hydari), who is a middle class South Indian girl from Chembur in Mumbai and is on her way to New York to study politics. Although they are completely different from each other, they happen to meet in London and they are completely drawn to each other. Their special voyage of love as they meet in London, Paris and New York over eight years. What happens in the climax will form the crux of the film.
In addition to playing hero, Ali Zafar has taken other responsibilities like music and lyrics and he has handled each department ably and done a wonderful job. As hero, he has grown a notch better in acting than his performance in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. His music and lyrics are good and the song 'Woh Dekhne Mein' is pick of everyone. As heroine, Aditi Rao Hydari has also done wonderful job. Her looks and expressions are stunning and they to capture every moment, every scene most radiantly in the film. Other actors are also good in their respective roles.
Overall, London Paris New York is a good entertainer and one can absolutely feel fresh air and life in this coming-of-age love story.
Director: Anu Menon Cast: Ali Zafar, Aditi Rao Hydari Music: Ali Zafar
____________ Music forms a part of me again It gives Shape to my faceless Expressions...To my Thoughts. {Alochana}
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Thursday, December 01, 2011 
“It’s not going to be conventional. I want to create sounds that are fresh like our film,” he reasons. “And since the film touches on different emotions I can experiment with genres. I will use as many ‘live’ instruments as possible to give the songs an organic feel.”
