Showing posts with label Shahid Afridi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shahid Afridi. Show all posts
Harbhajan Singh won’t explain an act of humanity-Geeta Basra
8:20 AM
Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 13, 2020)
Surprised that even in such times of crisis “many still have time to find fault in others”, actor Geeta Basra has come out in support of her husband Harbhajan Singh. Ever since the cricketer and his contemporary Yuvraj Singh courted controversy by tweeting in support of Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi’s call for help for those in need during the Coronavirus outbreak, the former has remained tight-lipped about it.
Ask her why, and Basra, 36, explains, “He says he knows what his country means to him and doesn’t want to explain an act done for humanity. He lives for India and will die for India.”
Soon after Harbhajan and Yuvraj’s tweets, #ShameonYuviBhajji was trending on social media. Yuvraj responded to the criticism with a tweet that was retweeted by Harbhajan.
Basra says, “This goodwill gesture was to help Afridi, with whom they have played cricket, and have years of friendship, and he’s trying to do his bit for his country. They tried spreading the word to their fans all over the world. Let’s not bring religion into this. Even the virus isn’t making any discrimination. They would’ve done the same if anyone from any of the other teams like West Indies or England would’ve sought help.”
The celebrity couple has also distributed ration to 5,000 families in Jalandhar, Punjab to help the needy in this time of distress.
Muslim fundamentalists think that I only oppose them, Hindu fundamentalists think they are always the target-Javed Akhtar
8:04 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; May 9, 2019)
A police van is stationed outside Javed Akhtar’s Mumbai home when we meet him on Monday afternoon. Even we are closely monitored as we enter the building. As soon as we meet him, the senior lyricist and poet lauds Mumbai Police and clarifies that they have deployed security at his home on their own, after the Karni Sena’s threat to him on Sunday, over his comment on banning the ghoonghat and burqa. The fringe outfit demanded an apology from the writer within three days, threatening him with “dire consequences”. Concerned by the unsettling language of fringe elements, Javed sahab settles down and explains that he is scheduled to meet the police commissioner later in the day to talk about the issue. He reiterates that his statement was meant for women empowerment, and that he has been striving to achieve gender equality for the longest time and receiving threats isn’t new for him, especially from Muslim fundamentalists. Excerpts:
In the wake of your comment on banning the burqa and ghoonghat together, the president of the Maharashtra wing of the Karni Sena told TOI, ‘The burqa is associated with terrorism and (is a question of) national security. We have asked Akhtar to render an apology about ghoonghat within three days or face the consequences’. What’s your reaction to this?
People who are asking me to apologise perhaps don’t know that my friends and I have been relentlessly fighting the burqa, naqab and purdah practice for 20 years. We have spoken against triple talaq years ago, when it wasn’t in the news. My credentials in these matters are impeccable. I have always stood against the regressive mindset of the minority community, because to bring about a change, you should first look at the community that you were born in. That’s your first duty. I have mentioned ghoonghat once and you want me to apologise? Are you trying to destroy my credibility in my fight against the mullahs? You want me to lose face in front of the people I’ve been fighting against for years? Is this what you want to achieve? Everybody knows that ghoonghat is not a religious belief, but a tradition. I have received messages where people have told me that the ghoonghat tradition is withering away and it’s only left in villages. If it’s not that prevalent anyway, why react this way?
They also said, ‘We will gouge out your eyes and pull out your tongue if you don’t apologise. We will enter your house and beat you’...
Haan, consequences ki detail bhi di hai. People can oppose. We can mutually disagree. Their idea of morality and culture is different and what I say can be outrageous to them. If you are upset, then you can even go to court and sue me, but this is not the way to function in a civilised society, where you are being forced to apologise. You can’t say that intolerance has increased or freedom of speech has been curtailed, because if you do, then you will be labelled as anti-national or pseudo secular, etc. This is not the India that I have grown up in. We are known for our ability to co-exist. It saddens me a little as I am proud of our democratic constitution that grants you the freedom of expression. We can say things here that are not possible in our neighbouring countries. Different points of view should be heard.
Did you fear that your statement might trigger such an uproar?
I don’t know why they have made this into such a big issue. I have always opposed the burqa. Most of the time, these Muslim fundamentalists think that I only oppose them. Likewise, Hindu fundamentalists think that they are always the target. My point is, any form of covering the face, whether it’s a ghoonghat, naqab or burqa, any tradition whether religious or social, which expects a woman to cover her face, is a hindrance to her empowerment. That should be banned. Maybe, in Sri Lanka it’s done for security. In our country it should be done for women empowerment. It may or may not be a threat to security, but it is a threat to a woman’s progress.
Why did you feel the need to equate the burqa and the ghoonghat? A burqa covers a woman from head to toe, while a ghoonghat partially covers the face. Why the need for ‘if you are banning the burqa, then ban the ghoonghat’?
There is no ‘if ’. It’s not tit for tat. I am not trying to balance things out. Why would you cover a human being’s face? Anything that restricts freedom and progress should be stopped, period! I didn’t speak from the security point of view. I spoke about women empowerment. It’s not about equating. Whether you are covering a woman’s face for religion, tradition or values or culture... you are still covering her face. There is no difference. Why restrict women?
Several countries have banned full-face veils...
France has stepped ahead of others and I appreciate that. You can’t wear your religion on your sleeve in public offices. That way France is even-handed. You can’t show your religious identity so overtly. Country comes first. I like that.
However, in October 2018, the United Nations Human Rights Committee said that the ban imposed by France on face-covering veils is a violation of human rights...
I totally disagree with this. To say that it’s a choice of a woman? No. You have banned sati, haven’t you? Did you say it should be a choice of a woman? You said it’s wrong, so stop it. Should it be a choice of a minor or her parents or the man marrying a child whether to indulge in child marriage or not? There are certain practices that are wrong and you don’t have to wait for your communities to decide that for you. Some things need to be imposed. I have always opposed triple talaq as well. These things can’t be a matter of choice. If it’s wrong, it needs to be abolished. Uncle Tom was a happy man, but Abraham Lincoln still chose to abolish slavery.
Why shouldn’t a burqa or ghoonghat be a matter of choice?
I feel that because most women can’t decide that out of free will. There will be peer pressure. They are brainwashed since childhood and conditioned to believe that that’s the way forward. Some women may feel that if I wear the burqa, I will win some brownie points from my community, the men folk in the family will be happy and that will give me more elbow room. There are many reasons... First give them that freedom for 100 years and then ask them if they want to wear a burqa. Let a few generations live without the naqab first and then give them a choice to decide if they want it back.
Recently, a woman’s video went viral where she criticised young girls for wearing short dresses and ‘inviting rape’.
So all the women who wear long dresses, saris, salwar kameez and lehengas, which cover them from head to toe are never raped? Within women, a lot of women are brainwashed into believing the wrong things.
Shahid Afridi revealed in his book that he won’t allow his daughters to play cricket. He wrote, ‘Cricket? No, not for my girls. They have permission to play all the indoor games they want, but my daughters are not going to be competing in public sporting activities. It’s for social and religious reasons that I’ve made this decision and their mother agrees with me.’
I didn’t have an idea that for women, cricket is haram in Islam. But what else do you expect from this Pakistani intellectual giant like Shahid Afridi?
What’s your take on religious identity?
Be it kebab and biryani or my love for poetry... I have cultural commonalities with my community — North Indian Urdu-speaking Muslims. But I am not religious at all. I don’t share my community’s beliefs as far as religion is concerned. I am an atheist.
Check out Qandeel Baloch's last interview
8:47 AM
Pakistani model and social media sensation Qandeel Baloch has reportedly been shot dead by her brother in Multan. She spoke to us at length just three days ago. Excerpts from what was probably her last interview...
Zinia Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; July 17, 2016)
We spoke to her on Thursday
after she became a Twitter sensation for her twerk video, Ban. On
Saturday morning, Qandeel Baloch, 26, was killed, allegedly by her own
brother, for being the fiery, outspoken and independent woman she was.
Often referred to as Pakistan's answer to Poonam Pandey, she was happy
to speak to us over the phone. At no point did the model-actress, who
told us that she had sought police protection, talk about any threat
from her brother. In fact, she wanted to work in India if a good film
offer came her way. And of
course, she was eloquent while expressing her love for Imran Khan,
speaking about her misadventure with a mufti or her ex
husband and child. Here are a few excerpts from perhaps her last
interview.
What made you twerk in the video, Ban?
I tried it, but frankly, I don't know how to twerk. Maine galat kiya. I should have taken classes before doing the video, which I didn't. Right now I am not relaxed because of the court cases on me, but once I am free from it all, I would like to do my own music video. I can sing rather well. In this video, I didn't look into the costume bit, but I'll be cautious next time onwards.
Was Miley Cyrus your inspiration?
No, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga are my inspiration... The production house, which made the video, wanted to feature a controversial figure and there's no one better than me at the moment.
The lyrics go like, Tere thumke pe lag jana ban. You must have been sure that the video would be banned sooner or later...
The storyboard, the costumes and the feel of the video were a bit too much... The two-three music channels that are there in the country are never going to play it. I did it solely for the internet. I can't imagine this video getting so popular! In Pakistan, I have got tremendous backlash for the video, people have lodged complaints and I am being dragged to court. Woh samajhte hain ki main Pakistan ko badnaam kar rahi hoon iss tarah ke kaam karke. Many said I am not a Baloch and I have nothing to do with the community; in general, the feeling is that I am doing everything to bring shame to Pakistan. But I will not stop. Sar pe dupatta toh pehen ne wali main hoon nahin.
After Taher Shah, you are the second internet sensation from Pakistan who is getting trolled outside the country...
Please don't compare me with Taher Shah. He is a joker, while I am an artiste - I am a model and an actress. Taher Shah comes, makes people laugh and goes away. I work with a lot of honesty. Yes, I have set my image, which is bold, but I have nothing to do with a joker. My aim is to change the social norms of Pakistan, women here look up to me. I started very early, worked on myself and the effect is for all to see.
How did you get into showbiz?
I am from an ordinary family and had nothing to do with the glamour world. In my home, no one could have imagined reaching where I am today. Then, I decided to take the reins of my life in my hands. I really worked hard to be where I am today. Also, my focus was never on the electronic media, I didn't want to show my face on TV, but concentrated on social media. I am not hungry for roles on TV or in films. I am happy being a social media sensation.
You first came into limelight after you said you would strip dance for the country and even dedicate the video to Shahid Afridi if Pakistan beat India in the T20 World Cup match in March. No wonder, you have earned the moniker of Pakistan's Poonam Pandey. In 2011, she had promised to strip for Team India if the country won the World Cup...
That was not the first video though it became popular worldwide. Before this, I had made several selfie videos, which went viral. My Dubsmash videos too were popular. My video during the T20 World Cup was like a trailer, not the full movie. But Pakistan didn't win. I used to be a fan of Shahid Afridi, but after the big defeat, I started hating him. About being Pakistan's Poonam Pandey, it's you who call me that. At times, I feel very sad, even angry. Yes, Poonam Pandey is bold, but she is not all that great. I know I am much better.
Soon after you tasted fame, your former husband Ashiq Hussain claimed that you had demanded a huge sum of money from him, which led to the divorce and that he has your son's custody...
I was 17 when I was forced into marriage. I had no hand in it and I didn't even enjoy being with the man. Also, I wanted to study but no one listened to me. I wanted to move forward in life, it wasn't a happy situation. Because of some family problems I had to stick around. But now that I am successful, some are claiming to be my husband, others are claiming to be my longlost buddies, I don't know why!
Did you speak to Ashiq after becoming famous?
Yes, he spoke to me and asked for money. It was a huge amount. He said I had taken money from him eight years ago and if I didn't pay him back, he would expose me; reveal my son's pictures to the media. I asked him why I should pay money to him! Since then, he has been speaking non-stop to the media, making false allegations against me. Yes, I had a grey past, but I have changed now.
Are you going to fight for your child's custody?
I want to, and that too soon. But my parents have advised me against it. Right now, I plan to fly out of the country. There was a time my parents never listened to me. They wouldn't have forced me into marriage had they heard me out. But now, they support me. They are dependent on me. I have bought them a house and they are happy with me.
You seem to be controversy's favourite child. After you clicked a selfie with Mufti Abdul Qavi, the government had to sack him immediately...
See, muftis and maulvis have a huge following in Pakistan. In an Islamic country they rule the roost. Mufti Abdul Qavi had invited me and I went to meet him. I wanted to take lessons in Islam from him but having spoken to him for some time, I realised he was a fake person. So, I exposed him through pictures. After that, I am getting threat calls everyday.
Would you like to work in India?
In Pakistan, people are not ready to accept me. It would be much easier for me to work in India. See, I want to change the society in Pakistan. There are many women who are forcefully married off and their spouses torture them. I have been through a lot and look where I have reached today. If I could come this far, I can definitely go further. I want to help out women in the country. But people won't let that happen. There's a threat to my life and the situation is so bad that I am forced to stay underground. I can't step out and have not gone to the court for hearings.
Who is giving you protection?
I have already applied to the Home Ministry for security. So far, I have got nothing. For security , I am staying underground. There are too many controversies around me, mediapersons are calling every day, but I am yet to wriggle out of it.
Given a choice, would you like to strip for an Indian star?
India mein main ek hi bande ki fan hoon - Mr Amitabh Bachchan. Virat Kohli is charming and handsome, but I would strip only for Mr Bachchan.
You were heartbroken with rumours of Imran Khan tying the knot for the third time.
I am a huge fan of his and even went to his house. But he was away. Earlier, I had spoken about my love for him through my videos. When I heard he was getting married, I was very upset. But Imran Khan clarified that those were just rumours. He wrote on Twitter: 'Rumours abt my marriage absolutely baseless. I have not gotten married. When I do I will announce & celebrate publicly (sic).' Many have criticised me for my love for him, they even said I was married before. See, you can fall in love with anyone, anytime. I would love to marry Imran Khan.
What made you twerk in the video, Ban?
I tried it, but frankly, I don't know how to twerk. Maine galat kiya. I should have taken classes before doing the video, which I didn't. Right now I am not relaxed because of the court cases on me, but once I am free from it all, I would like to do my own music video. I can sing rather well. In this video, I didn't look into the costume bit, but I'll be cautious next time onwards.
Was Miley Cyrus your inspiration?
No, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga are my inspiration... The production house, which made the video, wanted to feature a controversial figure and there's no one better than me at the moment.
The lyrics go like, Tere thumke pe lag jana ban. You must have been sure that the video would be banned sooner or later...
The storyboard, the costumes and the feel of the video were a bit too much... The two-three music channels that are there in the country are never going to play it. I did it solely for the internet. I can't imagine this video getting so popular! In Pakistan, I have got tremendous backlash for the video, people have lodged complaints and I am being dragged to court. Woh samajhte hain ki main Pakistan ko badnaam kar rahi hoon iss tarah ke kaam karke. Many said I am not a Baloch and I have nothing to do with the community; in general, the feeling is that I am doing everything to bring shame to Pakistan. But I will not stop. Sar pe dupatta toh pehen ne wali main hoon nahin.
After Taher Shah, you are the second internet sensation from Pakistan who is getting trolled outside the country...
Please don't compare me with Taher Shah. He is a joker, while I am an artiste - I am a model and an actress. Taher Shah comes, makes people laugh and goes away. I work with a lot of honesty. Yes, I have set my image, which is bold, but I have nothing to do with a joker. My aim is to change the social norms of Pakistan, women here look up to me. I started very early, worked on myself and the effect is for all to see.
How did you get into showbiz?
I am from an ordinary family and had nothing to do with the glamour world. In my home, no one could have imagined reaching where I am today. Then, I decided to take the reins of my life in my hands. I really worked hard to be where I am today. Also, my focus was never on the electronic media, I didn't want to show my face on TV, but concentrated on social media. I am not hungry for roles on TV or in films. I am happy being a social media sensation.
You first came into limelight after you said you would strip dance for the country and even dedicate the video to Shahid Afridi if Pakistan beat India in the T20 World Cup match in March. No wonder, you have earned the moniker of Pakistan's Poonam Pandey. In 2011, she had promised to strip for Team India if the country won the World Cup...
That was not the first video though it became popular worldwide. Before this, I had made several selfie videos, which went viral. My Dubsmash videos too were popular. My video during the T20 World Cup was like a trailer, not the full movie. But Pakistan didn't win. I used to be a fan of Shahid Afridi, but after the big defeat, I started hating him. About being Pakistan's Poonam Pandey, it's you who call me that. At times, I feel very sad, even angry. Yes, Poonam Pandey is bold, but she is not all that great. I know I am much better.
Soon after you tasted fame, your former husband Ashiq Hussain claimed that you had demanded a huge sum of money from him, which led to the divorce and that he has your son's custody...
I was 17 when I was forced into marriage. I had no hand in it and I didn't even enjoy being with the man. Also, I wanted to study but no one listened to me. I wanted to move forward in life, it wasn't a happy situation. Because of some family problems I had to stick around. But now that I am successful, some are claiming to be my husband, others are claiming to be my longlost buddies, I don't know why!
Did you speak to Ashiq after becoming famous?
Yes, he spoke to me and asked for money. It was a huge amount. He said I had taken money from him eight years ago and if I didn't pay him back, he would expose me; reveal my son's pictures to the media. I asked him why I should pay money to him! Since then, he has been speaking non-stop to the media, making false allegations against me. Yes, I had a grey past, but I have changed now.
Are you going to fight for your child's custody?
I want to, and that too soon. But my parents have advised me against it. Right now, I plan to fly out of the country. There was a time my parents never listened to me. They wouldn't have forced me into marriage had they heard me out. But now, they support me. They are dependent on me. I have bought them a house and they are happy with me.
You seem to be controversy's favourite child. After you clicked a selfie with Mufti Abdul Qavi, the government had to sack him immediately...
See, muftis and maulvis have a huge following in Pakistan. In an Islamic country they rule the roost. Mufti Abdul Qavi had invited me and I went to meet him. I wanted to take lessons in Islam from him but having spoken to him for some time, I realised he was a fake person. So, I exposed him through pictures. After that, I am getting threat calls everyday.
Would you like to work in India?
In Pakistan, people are not ready to accept me. It would be much easier for me to work in India. See, I want to change the society in Pakistan. There are many women who are forcefully married off and their spouses torture them. I have been through a lot and look where I have reached today. If I could come this far, I can definitely go further. I want to help out women in the country. But people won't let that happen. There's a threat to my life and the situation is so bad that I am forced to stay underground. I can't step out and have not gone to the court for hearings.
Who is giving you protection?
I have already applied to the Home Ministry for security. So far, I have got nothing. For security , I am staying underground. There are too many controversies around me, mediapersons are calling every day, but I am yet to wriggle out of it.
Given a choice, would you like to strip for an Indian star?
India mein main ek hi bande ki fan hoon - Mr Amitabh Bachchan. Virat Kohli is charming and handsome, but I would strip only for Mr Bachchan.
You were heartbroken with rumours of Imran Khan tying the knot for the third time.
I am a huge fan of his and even went to his house. But he was away. Earlier, I had spoken about my love for him through my videos. When I heard he was getting married, I was very upset. But Imran Khan clarified that those were just rumours. He wrote on Twitter: 'Rumours abt my marriage absolutely baseless. I have not gotten married. When I do I will announce & celebrate publicly (sic).' Many have criticised me for my love for him, they even said I was married before. See, you can fall in love with anyone, anytime. I would love to marry Imran Khan.
Shahid Afridi refuses to take part in Nach Baliye, saying 'Biwi ko nahin nachana hai'?
7:54 AM
The Pakistani cricketer refused to take part in a dance reality show, saying 'Biwi ko nahin nachana hai'.
Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 10, 2015)
Boom Boom Shahid Afridi who is currently sweating it out as his team battles for a quarter-final spot in the ongoing World Cup, shocked the bosses of a Hindi entertainment channel when they approached him for the seventh season of Nach Baliye. The makers were keen to rope in the Pakistani cricketer for the dance reality show which starts airing in April. They were close to finalising the signing amount when the hard-hitting batsman suddenly developed cold-feet. Reason: It finally struck him that the show's format involves couples burning up the dance floor.
Said a channel executive on condition of anonymity, "Shahid was ready for a solo act but when told that his wife and he would have to groove together, he was taken aback. He categorically told us that he doesn't want the whole world to see his wife dancing. He turned down the offer saying, 'Biwi ko nahin nachana hai!' Nobody could argue with that as it's a personal call."
The channel is now looking for a replacement and talks are on with a few other cricketers. As of now, no dancing shoes for Afridi and his begum sahiba!
Imran Khan pulls Sonakshi Sinha's leg over Shahid Kapoor
8:16 AM
Seema Sinha (BOMBAY TIMES; April 4, 2014)
The two were meeting each other for the first time after their last release Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara. Of late, rumour mills have been constantly churning out stories about Sona and Shahid Kapoor’s relationship status.
And, the story that seemed to have amused Imran no end was the one that said the two actors were wearing a blue shirt within a span of two days. “But it was not the same shirt,” chuckled Imran. However, Sonakshi maintained, “There is nothing brewing between Shahid and me. If there is something, I would love to tell you guys.”
Yaami Gautam's dream man needs to make her explore stuff-Ali Zafar
9:39 AM
Sunanya Suresh and Kasmin Fernandes (BOMBAY TIMES; February 24, 2014)
Ali Zafar and Yaami Gautam are like yin and yang. For Ali’s cheeky answers, you have Yaami’s bashful hesitation. The Total Siyapaa co-stars, who play the lead in the Indo-Pak rom-com, got into a no holds barred chat, where they spoke about temptations, crushes and dirty jokes, apart from music and their camaraderie. Excerpts from a chat:
Total Siyapaa is about meeting the parents. Ali, how was it when you met your wife Ayesha’s parents for the first time?
Ali: I was very lucky that my father-in-law was a big fan of music and movies. Actually his dad used to make movies. Jab unse mila and he found out that I can sing, he was overjoyed. In fact, kya hua ki they didn’t know that we were dating. So unhone kaha ki chalo gaana-vaana karte hai, doston ko bulate hain. Unhone mera gaane suna hi nahi tha usse pehle. Toh ho sakta tha ki main bahut bura singer hota and woh sab log aa jaate. But that night I sang on a little keyboard and people were sitting till 4 am and all his friends enjoyed a lot. And then I remember charming her mother by making a big lifesize portrait of her. I still have that. They’re wonderful people.
You sing and act like some of the old time Bollywood actors. Do you think it’s a revival of the trend?
Ali: Initially we had KL Saigal sahab. But he was a proper singer. Shaukeen gaane wale nahin thay. Toh wohi hero hi thay. Then Kishore Kumar, he was a proper singer, trained. Abhi jo hai, it’s really good because the kind of cinema that is coming, it’s becoming real and authentic also. Har tarah ki filmein aa rahi hain. So, in that space, if someone is singing, its good, like Ayushmann sang his own songs, then there’s Farhan Akhtar. Hrithik Roshan and Abhay Deol also sang Senorita. It adds authenticity. In the West, if you see musicals, Val Kilmer sang Jim Morrison songs for The Doors.
Yaami, can you sing?
Yaami: I don’t think I’m a bad singer, but I’m not trained. I definitely cannot compare myself to the likes of Ali Zafar. But, I’d love to give it a try someday. Not to bring out an album or something, just to sing a song for myself, maybe.
Ali: She has a nice voice. She’s always humming. I’ve heard her when we used to sit together. Achhi aawaz hai uski, waise hi sharmati rehti hai.
Were there any India-Pakistan debates on your set?
Yaami: Even if he wants to, do you think he can here? Jokes apart, I don’t think we’ve ever had any debates. He’s one of the most loved stars in India; as much as he’s back home. It’s almost like his second home.
In real life, Yaami would you ever think of marrying someone from another country?
Ali: Or in fact, in real life, would you like to get married?
Yaami: Yes, I’d like to get married one day for sure. And yes, I don’t mind. These characters in today’s times are closer to how we think and react. So, yeah, why not, definitely.
What kind of a guy do you want?
Ali: (chuckles loudly) Ali, what kind of a guy do you think she would marry?
Yaami: That’s a good question. Yes, Ali, tell me.
Ali: Maine iske baare mein bahut socha hai. I think he’ll be a nice cool guy, chilled out…
Yaami: Basically, whatever I’m, he should be just the opposite, that’s what he’s trying to say.
Ali: You’re not nice and cool?
Yaami: No, I don’t think I’m. I’m too nice, he needs to be just nice.
Ali: He needs to make you explore stuff, which you are reserved about, mostly.
What does ‘stuff’ mean?
Yaami: I have no idea. Throughout the film and interviews, I’ve always maintained a straight face with no comments.
Ali: I’m always scandalising her. On the sets, Kirron Kherji and I were cracking jokes; yeh bahut scandalised ho jaati thi. Yeh kehti thi aap log aisi baatein kaise kar sakte hain.
Yaami: Now I’ve kind of made peace with it.
Any cross-border crushes you guys had?
Yaami: Can I say honestly?
Ali: Don’t say Ali Zafar while growing up.
Yaami: Shahid Afridi. I even remember his birthday, November 27, one day before mine. I remember the time I saw him bowl and his hair flying in the air and all of that.
Ali: My childhood crushes were Parveen Babi and Zeenat Aman. I used to also sing that song, Angrezi Mein Kehti Hai Ki I Love You… I used to think I was Amitabh Bachchan and sing songs to her.
Ali, have you encountered any biases in the industry?
Ali: So far, nothing. Agar honge toh I’m not aware of them. It’s been pretty smooth.
Ali, there’s a scene in The Reluctant Fundamentalist where the Pakistani family discusses that if someone wants to be an actor and wear bold clothes, they should go to India. Is that how Bollywood is perceived there?
Ali: I’ll show you some films from Peshawar (Pakistan) so you’ll understand what bold means. Look at fashion shows and shoots. I don’t know how this has come. I think people feel wahan theek hai par yahan nahi hai. There are different opinions and hence, there exists a dichotomy that is present everywhere I think.
Have you ever encountered anyone with the not-so-liberal ideology?
Ali: Of course. We don’t really get to communicate with people as much. But sometimes we read comments on forums or on articles, where I get to see people like these exist too. But then you think it might take time for them to evolve and they all have their points of view, which I understand.
Your film is a romantic comedy. Do you see that the portrayal of India-Pakistan relationships in cinema is also changing?
Ali: In that regard, this movie is a first of its kind. Someone had said to me, why is it always that the guy is a Hindu from India and the girl is a Muslim from Pakistan and I said, see now here’s our film. Minds are opening up, avenues are opening up today.
Your favourite India-Pakistan romance film?
Ali: I like Veer-Zaara.
Yaami: Veer-Zaara. Our film has no idea of dramatising; ours is a different take on the whole situation.
Does it feel like a sense of déjà vu? Your first film was with Ayushmann who sings, second with Ali…
Yaami: No, Ajay sir’s broken it, I don’t think he’s a great singer. He’s a fabulous actor, he’s one of the biggest stars. I’ve told him that in fact. But, I’ve never heard him sing.
Who’s a better singer?Ayushmann or Ali?
Ali: Ab bol do. Jo kal jawab diya tha wahi de do. Har interview mein different answers nahin de sakte.
Yaami: Ali Zafar is a fantastic. If I have to compare, I’ll have to say Ali. I’ve heard his songs before Total Siyapaa in films and I’m a huge fan of Coke Studio Pakistan.
How quickly did Ali and you hit it off?
Ali: Party sharty yeh karti nahi hai. Aur time waise bhi nahi tha London mein party karne ka. So, there was this one night when I’d said, ‘Listen guys, we’ve worked too hard’ because we were shooting from 7 am till 9 pm. So I said, Yaami tum London ghumi ho? Yeh maine usse poocha koi ek hafte baad. Maine kaha London dekha hai tumne? Yeh kehti hai nahin. Maine kaha tum shooting ke baad kya karti ho wapas jaake? Yeh bolti hai main kamre mein hoti hoon. Maine kaha kamre mein kyun hoti ho tum? Kiske saath hoti ho? Kehti hai akele hi.
Yaami: You are improvising a lot. I used to go for a jog in Hyde Park every day and go to Oxford Street alone.
Ali: You tell me that you went there after one week. You said that I am in the room, I don’t know where to go.
Yaami: Overall, that is true.
Ali: That is true. So, I said I will take you out tonight, just come with my friends and me. We had a really good time. I remember she laughed throughout.
Yaami: I had a really great time. I still remember his friend’s name (Adnan). It was crazy!
Ali: Aur wahan pe when we got together, strangely one of my exgirlfriends from 10 years back also came. Maine kahan theek ho tum? Jo thi woh maa ban chuki thi lekin woh phir bhi modelling karti hai.
Yaami: Ali, she’s a good looking girl.
Ali: Yeah, she’s nice. But woh thodi possessive type thi.
Ali, your wife is not possessive given your popularity?
Ali: Nahin yaar, that’s why she is my wife... up till now. She’s very secure.
Yaami: Main phir se bolun that she’s very sweet?
Ali: Every TV interview jab main Yaami ke saath thodi chemistry banane ki koshish karta hoon ke film bech lo, thoda chemistry bana lo, she says, ‘Ali’s wife is so nice. She came onto the set. His son is so sweet and I used to play with him.’ Main kehta hoon achcha ji ji. Kis tarah creative ho gaye ho yaar.
Yaami: Arrey, you don’t know. This is my way of having fun. I don’t drink. I don’t go partying. How will I have fun in life? That’s how I have fun.
Ali: Yeah talking about my wife, she’s amazing. She’s an angel. She says that I am an alien and I say she’s an angel. Because she says that tum jo cheezein kehte ho aur kar jaate ho woh kis tarah ho sakta hai. Aur agla banda usse sahi bhi hota hai, and you convince the other person ki yeh theek hai, it is okay. So I think I am very lucky to have a wife like that.
Yaami: And she’s very pretty.
Ali, you have worked with some beautiful actresses. Aren’t there any temptations?
Ali: Yes, there are. Bas phir Buddha ko follow kar lete hain. Aur kya karein?
Yaami: Ali, your wife’s very good.
Ali: Buddha didn’t go after the temptation, he controlled it till he died. Hoti hain temptations but I feel awkward going beyond a certain... temptations toh hoti hain. Har kisi ko hoti hongi nahin toh abnormal hai. But it’s how you deal with it. So I deal with it in a very professional manner. Maine apne aap ko sikha diya hai ki kaise daba loh uss cheez ko.
Political tension between two countries always affects actors and singers from both sides of the border. Does it upset you because there must be many who say why do we need Pakistani singers coming to India and vice versa? Do these kind of incidents bother you?
Ali: It can, in the sense that artistes harmless se log hote hain... jyaada tar toh. Unko apna art karna hota hai, gaana gaana hota hai. Apna gaana logon ko sunana hota hai. Thode bahut paise banane hote hain. So sabse pehle because woh limelight mein hote hain toh unko target karke yeh cheezein register karni aasan hoti hain toh I think aisa hona nahin chahiye. Kuch log jo ke jaane jaate hain aur jaane gaye hain iss wajah se ki ye woh hain. Ab yeh falana banda kuch aur nahin hai, bas yeh singer hai ya actor hai. Bas uska yehi kaam hai aur uska kaam nazar aa raha hai toh unke liye thoda kuch special ho jaaye toh achhi baat hai.
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