Pak singer-actor doesn't feature in Dear Zindagi trailer. Will he be dropped from the film altogether?
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 18, 2016)

Even as the fate of Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' (ADHM) hangs in balance, the filmmaker has decided to play it safe for his upcoming co-production, Dear Zindagi. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt and Ali Zafar, but the Pakistani singer-actor will not feature in the trailer to be attached to ADHM.

The development comes amid the tension surrounding the release of films featuring Pak actors, and speculations are rife that Zafar's role may eventually be snipped.

However, an industry insider informs, "Ali is not part of the trailer, but chopping off his role completely isn't possible since he is crucial to the narration. His fate will be decided after the release of ADHM."

While Ali remained unavailable for comment, a source close to him confirms he was informed by the makers about not being included in the trailer. "These are unfortunate circumstances. He has no option but to make peace with it," adds the source.

Rumour mills have also been abuzz that the makers are scouting for a young composer to create a special song, possibly as an alternative to Zafar's two songs in the movie also starring Aditya Roy Kapur, Kunal Kapoor and Angad Bedi.

Director Gauri Shinde, who is busy with post-production of Dear Zindagi, chose not to respond. Dharma sources confirm the cast has been asked to stay mum.

Now, reports of the film missing its November 25 release also abound. The film's spokesperson, however, says, "Dear Zindagi is on schedule. The film is in post production."