Initially wary of playing the lead in Tere Bin Laden, Pakistani actor Ali Zafar was convinced by the film’s humorous tone and didactic purpose
Q. How and when did you bag the role in Tere Bin Laden?
I was in Mumbai shooting a TV commercial, when Rashid, a common friend of the director Abhishek Sharma and me, told me about the project. I then met Abhishek and we discussed the film. Whenever somebody hears the name of Bin Laden, one is bound to be sceptical. I was too, initially. But once I heard the story I found it hilarious and decided to go ahead with it. You will relate to the funny circumstances when you watch it.
Q. Although it is a humorous take, weren’t you afraid of taking the plunge, since controversies regarding the film and the lead character might raise their head?
The story is basically about a Pakistani reporter who wishes to go to America and, in his pursuit, has to find Osama Bin Laden. Most South Asians have a very different take on the Bush era or Osama Bin Laden. We wanted to satirize these things. I did the film because it revolves around my character. Besides, I was keen on breaking the perceptions about the muslim community that have been formed in the last decade or so.
Q. As a citizen of your country, did you also feel responsible towards doing this film?
Because of a minority group, you cannot put everyone into trouble. Besides the humour, I believed the film had a very important message to send out.
Q. You started off as a singer in Pakistan. How did acting happen?
The acting profession isn’t alien to me. I have done a lot of TV and theatre in Pakistan.
Over the years, I have also acted in my music albums.
This time around when I got a chance to do a film, I found it to be a natural progression.
Q. You have come to India at a point when the relations between India and Pakistan are not at their cordial best.
I think both countries share a love-hate relationship. Art and culture is the only binding force. And I strongly believe love always wins. Also, I have been to Mumbai in the past for my albums and I love the warmth the city exudes. I feel very welcome here.
Q. Most artistes from neighbouring countries have complained about the difficulty in obtaining an Indian visa. Was it hard for you to get one?
Not at all. Each time I came for the shoot, I came on multiple entry visa. For the promotions too, I will be using the same kind of visa.
Q. Was Bollywood always of interest to you?
I think when you are living in the subcontinent, Bollywood is subconsciously a part of you. When you are a singer or an artiste, you do feel you want to be part of the industry some day.
Q. Pakistani actors have traditionally not done well in Bollywood. Do you wish to change the trend?
I hope that I have changed the trend. I cannot change things overnight, but with the kind of projects that I will work on, I hope to do well. I am in talks with a few producers for the same.
Q. Do you plan to release the film in Pakistan as well?
I have recently launched a production house called Alif Films through which I hope to release the film in Pakistan.
Q. Will you shift base to Mumbai?
Artistes are like vagabonds. Wherever your art takes you, you bound to travel there. Then be it Mumbai or New York, it doesn’t matter.
The Bollywood diva Kareena Kapoor has inspired renowned writer Shobhaa De to write a book on Bebo’s size zero figure. One actually wonders, How Kareena Kapoor eats healthy and yet stays size zero?
