Ali Zafar
| Ali Zafar | |
|---|---|
Ali Zafar at Indian Film Festival, 2011
|
|
| Background information | |
| Native name | علی ظفر |
| Birth name | Ali Mohammad Zafar |
| Born | 18 May 1980 Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Genres | Pop, Electronic, Folk, Classical, Sufi rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, composer, actor, painter, model |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Labels | Universal Records, Coke Studio,[1][2][3] Sony Music, Alif Records, Frank Finn, Fire Records |
| Website | AliZafar.net [1] |
Zafar began his acting career with Bollywood film Tere Bin Laden, which was moderately successful at the box office, and for which he was nominated for Filmfare Best Male Debut Award.[9] In 2011, Zafar appeared as a guest in Yash Raj's Luv Ka The End and received his second commercial success with his next release—the romantic comedy Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. Zafar went on to win Stardust Award for Superstar of Tomorrow – Male. Zafar starred in a number of commercially successful films like London, Paris, New York (2012), Chashme Baddoor (2013) and Total Siyapaa (2014).[10][11][12]
Zafar has won three Lux Style Awards, three Indus Music Awards, three MTV Style Awards and one Stardust Award. In 2012, Zafar was awarded by Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards in India.[13][14] In 2013, Zafar was voted as the "Sexiest Asian Man on the Planet" based on a worldwide poll conducted by the British weekly newspaper Eastern Eye.[15]
Contents
Early life and career
Ali Zafar was born in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan[16] in a Punjabi family. His parents were Mohammad Zafarullah and Kanwal Ameen, both professors at the University of Punjab, Pakistan. He studied at the C.A.A. Public School and Beaconhouse School System where he topped his matriculation exams. He completed his graduation from the Government College of Lahore and the National College of Arts in fine arts. Zafar made his first comic book at the age of eight. Early in his career, he worked as a sketch artist at Pearl Continental Hotel in Lahore.Music career
Ali Zafar made his debut as a musician with the album Huqa Pani, released in Pakistan in 2003 and worldwide in 2005. The album was an instant hit, selling over 600,000 copies worldwide and winning several major awards and nominations. It also put him into the league of the most popular artists ever to have come out of Pakistan with a massive fan following locally and internationally. With time he proved to be perhaps one of the most versatile singer in the modern generation with a distinct vocal tone and qualities, specially during his folk and Sufi renditions in the "Coke Studio (Pakistan)", where he surprised his audiences with live renditions of difficult notes with much ease and ranging his singing from pop to folk to semi-classical. His new songs, namely "Allah Hu", "Yaar Dhadhi Ishq" (a cover), "Nahin Ray Nahin" and "Daastan-e-Ishq", won the hearts of millions all over the world once again and earned him a new era of fan following.[citation needed]
Zafar at the premiere of Tere Bin Laden
Zafar launched his second album "Masty" nationwide in November 2006. He has since released four videos from the album, titled "Masty", "Sajania", "Dekha" and "Aasmaan", which again went to become a big hit and the audience loved it a lot.[11][12]
He released his third video of the single "Dekha", from his second album, which was the most expensive music video of Pakistan, costing more than ten million rupees. The video was shot in Malaysia, produced by the Lux Company, and had the Pakistani actress-models Reema Khan, Meera, and Amina Haq starring in it. Zafar also won the "Youth Icon" award in the Lux Style Awards 2007, in Malaysia.
Besides being a singer, painter, model and an actor, Zafar also produced and directed his music video "Ek Pal" from his first album Huqa Pani. His song "Dekha" from his album Masty was part of the soundtrack of the American film Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, which was released on 24 September 2010. He is the fourth Pakistani artist after Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Strings and Atif Aslam to have a song(s) featured in an American film.
On 14 February, Zafar released his third album, which was much different from his earlier works consisting of Sufi semi-classical rendition of folk and Sufi verses fused with modern instruments. It also included renditions from Coke studio and Ghazals from Mirza Ghalib. This time Zafar seemed more mature and thoughtful in his approach to music, revealing a more serious side to his personality and music. Tracks such as the title track "Jhoom", "Jee Dhoondta Hai", "Koi Umeed" and "Jaane-e-Man" had a timeless feel to them and earned him further respect and popularity in the field of serious music listening.[20]
Zafar also became the first of sorts to have rendered his services as an actor, singer, composer, lyricist, writer, arranger, programmer, recordist for his recent film London, Paris, New York. Amongst the popular tracks from the album are the title track "London, Paris, New York", "Voh Dekhnay Mein", "Thehree Si Zindagee" and "Ting Rang". Now Zafar is working on the music of his next venture Total Siyappa, as the music director.
In 2015, Zafar released a single and music video for his new song titled Urainge.[21]
After 6 years Zafar returned on Coke Studio Pakistan with the Season 8. Zafar's first song on Coke Studio 8 was 'Rockstar' which was of Blues genre music. This song was composed in 3 minutes.[22] Zafar sported a flapper jacket designed by talented Pakistani designer Ali Xeeshan. Rockstar was just not appreciated by Fans it was even appreciated by politician Imran Khan,[23] Pakistani actress Mahira Khan also enjoyed the song. Across borders Sonu Nigam was the first singer who appreciated Zafar's Rockstar even actor Hrithik Roshan took it to Twitter and praised Zafar.[24] Second song of Zafar in Coke Studio 8 is 'Ae Dil Kissi Ke Yaad Mein' it is duet song where talented Sara Haider was alongside Zafar. Ae Dil Kissi Ke Yaad Mein is a Jazz genre song considered as a classic, which is fusion of earthy melody with western jazz, it is a rendition. Zafar was seen wearing a tux designed by Ismail Farid for this song.[25] Third and final song by Zafar in Coke Studio 8 is 'AAj Din Vede Vich' which is a Punjabi-Sufi genre song.
Acting career
After few years' hiatus from acting, apart from in his own videos, Ali yet again set a precedent by being the first ever Pakistani star/singer to be featured as a solo main lead in his debut movie, a Bollywood movie namely Tere Bin Laden, directed by Abhishek Sharma which was a success both critically and commercially.[26] Tere Bin Laden released on 16 July 2010 and was a major hit in India for a low budget movie but was not allowed to be released in Pakistan by the film censor board. He got nominated for IIFA Awards, Screen Awards, Zee Cine Awards and Filmfare Awards of 2011 in the Best Male Debut category. He was also the first Pakistani to be called to Indian Film Festival at Australia in March 2011 for his movie screening.
Zafar with Salman Khan in Dubai
In 2012, Zafar starred in London, Paris, New York, which also received great critical acclaim as well as impressive overseas revenue, but didn't manage to perform very well at the Indian box office. Apart from acting as male protagonist in films, he is also heavily involved in the music of the films he stars in.
In 2012, he received Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards in a ceremony held in India, for Best New Talent-Male and also got Superstar of tomorrow in Stardust Awards for his performance in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan.[13][14]
His fifth movie was Chashme Baddoor (2013), a romantic adult-comedy film directed by David Dhawan, which was declared a box office super hit, adding another commercial success to Zafar's filmography.
As of the beginning of 2014, Ali was set to star in multiple films, with the first being Total Siyappa, a romantic comedy due 7 March 2014.[28] In the same year he was seen in a rough avatar as Tutu in the movie Kill Dil which released on 14 November 2014.He'll be doing a cameo appearance in Tere Bin Laden 2 (the sequel to Tere Bin Laden).
Currently Zafar is back in Pakistan and is exploring the beautiful side of his country, he'll be producing a movie titled as Deosai[29] which he has written,he'll be seen as the protagonist.
Personal life
Zafar married his long-time fiancee Ayesha Fazli (paternally related to Indian actor Aamir Khan through her father's cousin's mother) in an Islamic wedding ceremony[30][31] on 28 July 2009 in Lahore, Pakistan. On 6 March 2010, he became a father to a baby boy, whom he named Azaan Zafar.[32] On 23 February 2015, his wife gave birth to their daughter, their second child, in Lahore. The baby girl's name is Alyza Zafar suggested by Azaan Zafar.[33]Performances
Ali Zafar in his concert entitled Dil Jhoom Jhoom on 2014's Valentine,
Zafar takes to the stage along with Humaima Malick in a highly memorable and exciting performance. [35] He also pays tribute to the great legend of Pakistan Mehdi Hassan. Listen to Mehdi Hassan's greatest Ghazal 'Mujhe Tum Nazar Say' in Ali Zafar's melodious voice.[36] Zafar performed at the Pantaloons Femina Miss India 2012 contest held at Bhavans Ground in Mumbai on March 30, 2012.
Zafar also performed on the 3rd GiMA Awards 2012. Zafar also performed at Police Show events, concerts and also a performance at Temptations Reloaded concert with Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Preity Zinta in Muscat in 2013.
Zafar entertained the audience on the second day of Lifestyle Pakistan Expo here when he danced to Bollywood numbers, and appeared on stage with a dhol in his hands.He walked the ramp at the first ever Lifestyle Pakistan Expo for designer brand ChenOne, and came with a dhol to add zing to the show.A venture between the Pakistani and Indian governments, Lifestyle Pakistan Expo is a four-day event where 100 Pakistani fashion and lifestyle brands are exhibiting their collections at Pragati Maidan here.
In 2013, Zafar was invited in 2013 Cannes Film Festival held at Cannes, France.
In 2014 Ali Zafar performed in Naz Choudhury's Bollywood Showstoppers at The O2 Arena with Sonakshi Sinha, Jacqueline Fernandez, Mika Singh, Shahid Kapoor and Bolly Flex.[37]
In 2015, Zafar will be seen in Coke Studio's season 8, he was seen humming few lines in the preview video of Coke Studio in the song "Sohni Dharti" [38]
Filmography
 |
Denotes films that have not yet been released |
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Tere Bin Laden | Ali Hassan | Nominated-Filmfare Best Male Debut Award |
| 2011 | Luv Ka The End | Freddy Kapoor | Special appearance in song "Fun Funaa" |
| 2011 | Mere Brother Ki Dulhan | Luv Agnihotri | |
| 2012 | London, Paris, New York | Nikhil Chopra | |
| 2013 | Chashme Baddoor | Siddharth Kashyap | |
| 2014 | Total Siyapaa | Aman Ali | |
| 2014 | Kill Dil | Tutu | |
| 2015 | Tere Bin Laden 2 |
TBA | Cameo |
| 2015 | Ahsan Rahim's Next |
TBA | Filming[39][40] |
| 2016 | Deosai |
TBA | Pre-production[41] |
| 2016 | Abhishek Dogra's Next |
TBA | Pre-production[42][43] |
Television
| Year | Serial | Role | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Kanch Ke Par | Temur | PTV Home |
| 2002 | Landa Bazar | Ramis | PTV Home |
Songs for films
Bollywood
| Year | Film | Song | Music Director(s) | Co-Singer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Tere Bin Laden | Bas Ek Soch I Love Amreeka Ullu Da Pattha Welcome To Amreeka |
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy | Solo Akriti Kakkar Shankar Mahadevan Solo |
| 2011 | Luv Ka The End | F.U.N Fun Funna | Ram Sampath | Solo |
| 2011 | Mere Brother Ki Dulhan | Madhubala | Sohail Sen | Shweta Pandit |
| 2012 | London, Paris, New York | London Paris New York Voh Dekhnay Mein Ting Rang Thehree Si Zindagi Aaja |
Ali Zafar | Sunidhi Chauhan Solo Solo Aditi Rao Hydari Solo |
| 2013 | Chashme Baddoor | Early Morning (Remix) Dhichkyaaon Doom Doom Andha Ghoda Race Mein Dauda |
Sajid-Wajid | Solo Shreya Ghoshal Wajid |
| 2014 | Total Siyapaa | Total Siyapaa Palat Meri Jaan Nahi Maloom Asha Chal Buleya |
Ali Zafar | Solo Solo Fariha Pervez Solo Solo |
| 2014 | Kill Dil | Nakhriley | Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy | Shankar Mahadevan, Mahalakshmi Iyer, Gulzar |
| 2015 | Hey Bro | DJ | Nitz 'N' Sony | Sunidhi Chauhan |
Lollywood
| Year | Film | Song | Music Director(s) | Co-singer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Shararat | Jugnuon Se Bhar Le Aanchal | Wajahat Attray | Solo |
| 2011 | Love Mein Ghum | Love Mein Ghum | Waqar Ali | Waqar Ali |
Discography
Albums
| Release Date | Album |
|---|---|
| 21 November 2003 | Huqa Pani |
| 1 December 2006 | Masty |
| 14 February 2011 | Jhoom |
Coke Studio (Pakistan)
| Year | Song |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Allah Hu |
| 2008 | Janay Na Koi |
| 2008 | Chal Dil Meray |
| 2008 | Channo |
| 2008 | Rangeen |
| 2009 | Yaar Daddi |
| 2009 | Nahin Ray Nahin |
| 2015 | Sohni Dharti |
| 2015 | Rockstar |
| 2015 | Ae Dil Kissi Ke Yaad Mein |
| 2015 | Aaj Din Vede Vich |
Single(s)
| Those For Truth |
| Ain't No Sunshine (Cover) |
| Rise For Jazba (Official Pakistan Cricket World Cup 2011 song) |
| Dunia Hai Dil Walon Ki (Pepsi World Cup 2011 song) |
| Zindagi Gulzar Hai |
| Facebook Pe Chalta Hai |
| Youn Challay Ke Ballay Ballay |
| Mobilink Har Dil Har Din |
| Pakistan Idol Anthem |
| Burka Avenger |
| Urain Ge (Tribute for APS students) |
| Hanstay Hanstay (Pakistan's Defense Day) |
| Ab Khel Ke Dikha (PSL's official anthem) |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Category | Title | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indus Music Awards | ||||
| 2004 | Best Debut Artist | Huqa Pani | Won | |
| 2004 | Best Album | Huqa Pani | Won | |
| 2005 | Best Pop Artist | Huqa Pani | Won | |
| Lux Style Awards | ||||
| 2004 | Best Music Album | Huqa Pani | Won | |
| 2007 | Best Music Album | Masty | Nominated | |
| 2007 | Youth Icon Award | – | Won | |
| 2012 | Best Album | Jhoom | Won | |
| Song of the Year | Jhoom | Nominated | ||
| 2013 | Best Original Soundtrack | Zindagi Gulzar Hai | Won | |
| Asian Bollywood Music Awards | ||||
| 2005 | Best Pop Music Album in Pakistan | Huqa Pani | Won | |
| MTV Style Awards | ||||
| 2008 | Best Male Artist | (Unspecified) | Won | |
| 2008 | Most Stylish Artist | – | Won | |
| 2009 | Best Male Singer | (Unspecified) | Won | |
| Zee Cine Awards | ||||
| 2011 | Best Male Debut | Tere Bin Laden | Nominated | |
| ARY Film Awards | ||||
| 2014 | International Icon | - | Won | |
| Filmfare Awards | ||||
| 2011 | Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut | Tere Bin Laden | Nominated | |
| International Indian Film Academy Awards(IIFA) | ||||
| 2011 | Star Debut of the Year-Male | Tere Bin Laden | Nominated | |
| Star Screen Awards | ||||
| 2011 | Most Promising Newcomer-Male | Tere Bin Laden | Nominated | |
| Style Awards | ||||
| 2011 | Song of the Year | Jhoom | Won | |
| 2011 | Personality of the Year | – | Nominated | |
| Stardust Awards | ||||
| 2011 | Superstar of Tomorrow-Male | Tere Bin Laden | Nominated | |
| 2012 | New Musical Sensations-Male | "Madhubala" from Mere Brother Ki Dulhan | Nominated | |
| 2012 | Superstar of Tomorrow-Male | Mere Brother Ki Dulhan | Won | |
| Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards | ||||
| 2012 | Best New Talent-Male | Mere Brother Ki Dulhan | Won | |
| Pakistan Media Awards | ||||
| 2012 | Best Singer Male[44] | Jhoom | Nominated | |
| 2012 | Best Playback Singer | Love Mein Ghum | Nominated | |
| 2014 | Best Drama Original Soundtrack | Zindagi Gulzar Hai | Nominated | |
| 2014 | Best Singer Male | Nominated | ||
| Hum Awards | ||||
| 2014 | Hum Award for Best Original Soundtrack | Zindagi Gulzar Hai | Nominated | |
| Karawood Film Festival | ||||
| 2015 | Most Versatile Artist | Won | ||
Other awards and honours
- 18th Sexiest Man Of Asia (Eastern Eye – 2006)
- 8th Sexiest Man Of Asia (Eastern Eye – 2007)
- YAN National Youth Forum 2007 – Youth Ambassador
- 4th Sexiest Man Of Asia (Eastern Eye – 2008)
- 8th Sexiest Man Of Asia (Eastern Eye – 2009)
- 4th rank in "51 Most Beautiful and Handsome Men" (fortnightly newspaper)
- 5th Sexiest Man Of Asia (Eastern Eye – 2010)
- 19th Most Desirable Man (itimes.com – 2010)
- Indian Poll : Face of the Year – 2010 (More Than 400000 Votes)
- 5th Sexiest Man Of Asia (Eastern Eye – 2011)
- 17th Most Desirable Man (itimes.com – 2011)
- 2nd Sexiest Man Of Asia (Eastern Eye – 2012)
- Paper People's Choice Award: 2nd Hottest Pakistani Men in Media
- Sexiest Asian Man On The Planet (Eastern Eye - 2013)[45][46]
- 3rd Sexiest Man Of Asia (Eastern Eye - 2014)
- Most Stylish Import (HT Style Mumbai - 2015)
- Most Stylish Import (HT Style Delhi - 2015)
No comments:
Post a Comment