Thaindian News

By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, Aug 23 (IANS) “Tere Bin Laden” actor Ali Zafar, currently busy putting together charity rock concerts for flood victims in Pakistan, denies report that he has signed a movie for Yash Raj Films banner to be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar.

“The announcement, if it came from the production house, is premature. I have not signed the film you have mentioned. I have not signed any film after ‘Tere Bin Laden’. I have not even met producer Aditya Chopra or director Ali Abbas Zafar. Yes, we’ve spoken about the film. And I’ve liked my role. We’ll meet when I come to Mumbai this week,” Ali said on phone from Lahore.

He surprises you even more by admitting that he has heard the script on the internet.

“The director narrated the script to me on skype! All our communication so far has been virtual. I like the sound of the role. It is in the comic space. I guess they thought of me for the part because of my comic timing in ‘Tere Bin Laden’,” he said.

Is the pop star aware that the role was apparently offered to Riteish Deshmukh? Ali says he isn’t aware of the role’s past, but is determined not to play supporting roles.

“Aditya Chopra spoke to me for a long time, convinced me that it’s a role equal to Imran Khan’s. I am very clear on this issue and I told Aditya that I won’t play any secondary or supporting roles. He has assured me it’s a parallel role (to Imran Khan).”

Ali will take a call only when he meets the producer and the director in Mumbai.

“I’ve yet to decide on which films to do in Mumbai. But yes, I’m coming to Mumbai next week, although I am neck-deep at the moment organising relief concerts here in Pakistan after the floods, which are said to be the worst catastrophe ever.”

He has invited international pop stars Bono and Sting to join him on stage for a charity concert in Lahore. “But since I plan to have all these concerts only after Eid, I can take a break to come to Mumbai.”

Relocation to Mumbai is a serious possibility. For the moment Ali has applied for a special visa. “So I can move in and out of Pakistan and India freely. At the moment I am getting only multiple visas,” he said.