Ali Zafar on his film earning three nods at Jackie Chan Film Week
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 31, 2019)

After earning critical acclaim following its six-month run in cinema halls, Ali Zafar's debut production, the Pakistani film Teefa In Trouble, has been nominated for three titles at the ongoing Jackie Chan Action Film Week in China. Teefa In Trouble has been nominated in the festival's categories, including Best Action, Best Director [Ahsan Rahim] and Best Actor.

Zafar tells mid-day from China, "I was told that the response of the jury and the audience was fantastic. I met some of the jury members after the event and they were all praise for the film. This is the first time that a Pakistani film has been nominated on such a big scale. The fact, for it to be nominated in the top 10 action films category is an honour; we were up against 152 films from 32 countries."

While the film is available in India on Netflix, a China release, Zafar says, is in the pipeline. Meanwhile, he suggests that he continues to receive good wishes from his fans in India. "Their messages are heart-warming."

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Ali Zafar talks about Teefa In Trouble dropping on streaming giant in India while Pakistani films rarely make it here
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 6, 2018)

While India continues to maintain a distance from Pakistani films, actor Ali Zafar is grateful that his latest offering, Teefa In Trouble, has released on Netflix India over the weekend. The action comedy had reportedly hit screens across 25 countries upon its release in July. Glad that his first Pakistani film can be viewed by fans across the border, Zafar says, "India will never be far. The love and admiration I have received, and keep receiving from there will always be close to my heart."

Having made his Bollywood debut with Tere Bin Laden in 2010, the actor-singer had garnered a fan following with outings that included Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011) and Chashme Buddoor (2013). He hopes the latest action comedy — that also sees him as the co-producer and writer — too finds takers in his Indian fan base. "My social media team is quite thrilled with the fan mail and online comments that have come their way since the film's release. I think Indian audiences respond positively to good content, and they will find Teefa entertaining."

The joy of rekindling his romance with Indian fans aside, Zafar points out that the release of films on the digital platform bears social significance as well, especially in the current political climate. "Moving to OTT has revolutionised how content and cultures can be seen, experienced and shared. More importantly, it is brave and keeps entertainment free from politics."

His production Teefa In Trouble marking an association with Yash Raj Films, Ali Zafar on cultural exchanges between India and Pakistan
Usman Ghafoor (MID-DAY; July 23, 2018)

Stating that he's "always in pursuit of wisdom," Ali Zafar effortlessly quotes the likes of Rumi and Bulleh Shah, whose words have been guiding lights for many. Unshaken after a controversy of sexual harassment involving him shook the Pakistan entertainment industry, Zafar, in an exclusive chat with mid-day, says "Truth shall prevail eventually."

His first home production, Teefa In Trouble, which released last Friday, marks "a historic partnership" with Yash Raj Films. He discusses what collaborations across the border signify.

How did the collaboration with Yash Raj Films come about?
When I was working with them, I shared a [rapport] with Aditya Chopra. We'd often discuss cinema. He's an inspiring person. While working on Teefa In Trouble, I told him I wanted his company to release the film. He was forthcoming. Eventually, I showed the final cut to their international team in London. They said it was going to be a game-changer for Pakistani cinema.

The film has been released in 25 countries across the globe - a first for a Pakistani feature. We are exploring new territories like Russia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Fiji, Poland and Indonesia. We are going to dub or add sub titles so that it can be watched by non-Urdu and non-Hindi speaking audiences too.

You invited your Kill Dil director Shaad Ali to attend Teefa In Trouble's music launch in Lahore. Are you in touch with your former colleagues in Bollywood?
Yes, I am. In the film, there's also a surprise appearance, if I may call it so, by Ranveer Singh.

Can you talk about the music?
The music has been created to suit the film's varied emotional palette. This was challenging, because I was making music after a long time. We tried to make it sound appealing for the big screen. Also, the songs are catchy. I'm glad that Chan Ve has crossed 8 million views on YouTube.

How was it to work on Dear Zindagi?
I am not sure how many people know this, but my scenes had been shot and we were ready to start promotions when relations between India and Pakistan soured. So, my portions were re-shot with another actor. But, Shah Rukh [Khan] and Gauri [Khan] stood up for me. I had a great time working with them.

Will you take your association with YRF forward, co-producing films with Indian companies?
I have always maintained that co-productions should happen; they'll do wonders for both countries. I stand with those who favour peace and collaborations.

Your brother was supposed to debut in a YRF production.
Yes, it was about to go on floors. [But] there is only so much that you can do; you can't alter God's plans.

Talking about the controversy you found yourself in with singer Meesha Shafi, do you believe people are harsher to men in sexual harassment allegations?
Unfortunately, instead of doing research, we followed trends and hashtags. We think that if we join in [the voices on social media], we'll become cool. We shouldn't see things in binaries.

What are your views on social-media propelled feminist movements like #MeToo?
Everything boils down to intention. The movement has a certain sanctity that must be maintained. People are intelligent enough to understand things. Truth does prevail. I have taken the course of law; things shall become clear in time.

In an exclusive chat, Pakistani actor-musician Ali Zafar says he is optimistic that relations between India and Pakistan will improve
Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; January 24, 2017)

Since the September 2016 Uri attacks, relations between India and Pakistan have been far from cordial. The turmoil also resulted in the boycott of Pakistani artistes in India.

In fact, radical groups in the country protested against the release of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'Dear Zindagi' last year, because it featured Pakistani actor-musician Ali Zafar.

While the conditions remain the same on the diplomatic front, the artistes from both the countries are hopeful for a happier tomorrow. And one among them is Zafar.

In an exclusive chat with hitlist from Pakistan, the singer said, "I feel that India and Pakistan have seen ups and downs over the years. But, we have somehow always managed to come back together. I feel there is more love than hatred between the people of the two countries. Inshallah, one day, we will have a peaceful co-existence again, where we'll have a smooth exchange of art and culture between India and Pakistan," says Ali.

With no upcoming project in India, the actor-musician is focusing on domestic projects. He is excited about his upcoming Pakistani movie. "I have been engrossed with work here in Pakistan. My next feature film, Teefa In Trouble, is keeping me busy. It will go on floors by mid-February. It's an action comedy. I am also working on the music of the movie," says Ali.

On the music front, Zafar is working on a new album. "It will release later this year. I have also sung the anthem for the Pakistan Super League, and I have to perform it in Dubai on February 9."