Zafar plays the character of Rumi in Gauri Shinde’s romantic drama; a broody, charming singer/songwriter who is Bollywood star Alia Bhatt’s love interest, romancing her with his voice and music as he performs hit songs Tu Hi Hai and Taarefon Se in the blockbuster. Zafar’s role in the film and his stand alone ability to both act and sing his own songs in films has been lauded by Bollywood critics and the fraternity alike. Dear Zindagi is Ali’s seventh successful film in Bollywood.
Earlier this month, Shinde and Bhatt openly took a stand for Ali Zafar as Pakistan’s first artist to take Bollywood, putting an end to any speculation of his removal from the film, citing he was irreplaceable.
Ali Zafar is currently working on his film in Pakistan as cast by Ahsan Rahim for their romantic action comedy, set to release in 2017.
An accomplished actor, musician and fine artist, Ali Zafar is the first actor from Pakistan to have taken his work global and beyond borders with a rich diversity of films to his credit. His work in music has definitively shaped the nature of Pakistan’s burgeoning music industry and his consistent desire/efforts to push the boundaries for South Asian actors has pioneered new avenues for taking Pakistan’s talent global.
A passionate humanitarian with a seasoned history of supporting those in need, in 2015 Ali channelised his commitment to philanthropy through the establishment of his eponymous Ali Zafar Foundation to help empower those less fortunate. He specifically focuses on women’s education and empowerment aiding financial support directly for the girls at the Sanjan Nagar Foundation in Pakistan. He is also an integral part of the 141 schools initiative by The Citizens Foundation, regularly fund raising to meet their pledge to build 141 schools following the brutal massacre of children and teachers at the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Ali Zafar shines in Dear Zindagi as the film performs as a top weekend opener of 2016 at the global box office.
