Ali Zafar
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Ali Zafar | |
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File:Ali Zafar at Indian Film Festival 2011.jpg | |
Background information | |
Born | Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan | May 18, 1980
Genres | Pop, Electronic, Folk, Classical, Sufi rock |
Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, musician, composer, film actor, music director, painter |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, Multiple instruments |
Years active | 2003–present |
Labels | Universal Records, Sony Music, Alif Records, Frank Finn, Fire Records |
Spouse(s) | Ayesha Fazli |
Ali Zafar (Urdu, Punjabi: علی ظفر; born 18 May 1980) is a Pakistani musician, composer, singer, song writer, painter,and Indian director and film actor.[1] He started his singing career with the song Jugnuon Se Bhar Le Aanchal in the film Shararat, directed by Pakistani actress and director Samina Peerzada but made a big mark with his first single Channo from his first album Huqa Pani that sold over five million copies worldwide.[2] The album turned out to be one of the biggest hits ever in Pakistan with Channo topping the charts all the way for a long time.
Ali Zafar made his mark in Bollywood following his acting debut in the successful 2010 film Tere Bin Laden.[3] followed it with a guest apperance in bolly wood biggest banner Yash Raj Films Luv Ka The End. His second Hit movie was Mere Brother Ki Dulhan followed by London, Paris, New York.In 2012 he received Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards and also got Superstar of tomorrow in Stardust Awards for his performence in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan movie.[4][5] His Fifth movie Chashme Baddoor directed by David Dhawan was declared first super hit of 2013.[6]. Upcoming movies are Aman Ki Asha, Kill Dil,Golmaal 4 and Tere Bin Laden 3.
Early life and career
Ali Zafar was born into a Muslim family in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. 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 8. He was fond of painting since childhood. Early in his career, he worked as a scratch artist at the lobby of the 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.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/Ali_zafar.jpg/220px-Ali_zafar.jpg)
He won the award for "Best Album" category at the Lux Style Awards in 2004 for his massive hit album Huqa Pani and also the "Best Male Artist" at the 2008 MTV awards.[7] In addition to the album's popularity being reflected in the music stores and by critics, it has been widely claimed that Himesh Chammiya copied one of the most well-known tracks from the album, Rangeen, for his song Dillagi Mein Jo.[8][9] Soon Pritam too copied his track "Channo" as "Chori ki Baatein" in the film Fight Club.
Zafar launched his second album "Masty" nationwide in November 2006. He has since released four videos from the album called "Masty", "Sajania", "Dekha" and "Aasmaan" which again went to becoming a big hit and the audience loved it a lot.
He released his third and long awaited 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 famous Pakistani actresses/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 has also produced and directed his music video Ek Pal from his first album Huqa Pani. His song "Dekha" of his album Masty was part of the soundtrack of 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 their 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 fuzed 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 seious side to his personailty 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.
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".
Acting career
Ali Zafar's first experience in acting was in Pakistani television drama's before becoming one of the most popular singer of this generation in Pakistan. He acted in dramas like Kanch Ke Par, miniseries Kollege Jeans and etc. After becoming a music sensation in Pakistan and beyond, he got an offer for the role of Sarmad in Khuda Kay Liye a film by Shoaib Mansoor released in 2007 which he accepted, but was not able to sign it due to some personal reasons. The role was then performed by Fawad Afzal Khan. After few years of 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.[10] 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.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f4/Chashme_Baddoor_cast.jpg/220px-Chashme_Baddoor_cast.jpg)
Ali Zafar who took up movies as a serious career after his debut film has proved himself once again with his second film under Yash Raj Films, banner Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, directed and written by Ali Abbas Zafar and produced by Aditya Chopra. Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. Released on 9 September, the film was both critically acclaimed and a commercial success like his first film. Ali's performance was specially praised by the industry.[11] The film also stars Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif.[11]
Before MBKD could release, he had already started shooting for a love story, "London, Paris, New York". This Rose movies and Star 20th century Fox production, released on 2 March 2012, which also received great critical acclaim as well as impressive overseas revenue. Apart from acting as male protagonist in the film opposite Aditi Rao Hydari. Ali Zafar is also the music director of the film.
In 2012 he received Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards in a ceremony held in India, for Best New Talent-Male and He also got Superstar of tomorrow in Stardust Awards for his performence in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan movie.[12][13]
His Fourth movie Chashme Baddoor is a 2013 Bollywood comedy film directed by David Dhawan. Which was declared first super hit of 2013.
Ali is currently working in his four upcoming Bollywood films Aman Ki Asha opposite Yami Gautam and Kill Dil opposite Parineeti Chopra Ranveer Singh and Govinda , Golmaal 4 and in the sequel of Tere bin Laden
Personal life
Zafar married his long-time fiancee Ayesha Fazli (paternally related to Indian actor Aamir Khan) in an Islamic wedding ceremony[14][15] on 28 July 2009 in Lahore, Pakistan. On 6 March 2010, he became a father to a baby boy, whom he named Azaan Zafar.[16]
Performances
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/Salman_Khan_wearing_Ullu_Da_Pattha_T-Shirt.jpg/220px-Salman_Khan_wearing_Ullu_Da_Pattha_T-Shirt.jpg)
Ali Zafar performs on the piano at the Lux Style Awards.[17]
Ali Zafar takes to the stage along with Humaima Malick in a highly memorable and exciting performance. [18] 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.[19] Ali Zafar performed at the Pantaloons Femina Miss India 2012 contest held at Bhavans Ground in Mumbai on March 30, 2012.
Ali Zafar also performed on the 3rd GiMA Awards 2012.
Ali 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. Ali hopes the initiative bridges the gap between the two countries. Lifestyle Pakistan Expo is a four-day event where 100 Pakistani fashion and lifestyle brands are exhibiting their collections at Pragati Maidan here.
Filmography
Year | Film | Role | Co-Stars | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
2010 | Tere Bin Laden | Ali Hassan | Sugandha Garg, Rahul Singh, Piyush Mishra, Rajendra Sethi | 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 | Katrina Kaif, Imran Khan | Winner, Stardust Award 2012 – Superstar Of Tomorrow Male |
2012 | London, Paris, New York | Nikhil Chopra | Aditi Rao Hydari | |
2013 | Chashme Baddoor | Siddharth Kashyap/Sid | Siddharth Narayan, Taapsee Pannu, Divyendu Sharma | |
2013 | Aman Ki Asha | Aman | Yami Gautam, Sara Khan | Post Production |
2014 | Kill Dil | Ranveer Singh, Parineeti Chopra, Govinda | Pre-production | |
2014 | Tere Bin Laden 3 | Cameo | ||
2014 | Golmaal 4 |
Songs for films
Bollywood
Year | Song | Film |
---|---|---|
2010 | Bas Ek Soch | Tere Bin Laden |
2010 | I Love Amreeka | Tere Bin Laden |
2010 | Ullu Da Pattha | Tere Bin Laden |
2010 | Welcome To Amreeka | Tere Bin Laden |
2011 | F.U.N Fun Funna | Luv Ka The End |
2011 | Madhubala | Mere Brother Ki Dulhan |
2012 | London Paris New York | London, Paris, New York |
2012 | Voh Dekhnay Mein | London, Paris, New York |
2012 | Ting Rang | London, Paris, New York |
2012 | Thehree Si Zindagi | London, Paris, New York |
2012 | Aaja | London, Paris, New York |
2013 | Early Morning (Remix) | Chashme Baddoor |
2013 | Dhichkyaaon Doom Doom | Chashme Baddoor |
2013 | Andha Ghoda Race Mein Dauda | Chashme Baddoor |
Lollywood
Year | Song | Film |
---|---|---|
2003 | Jugnuon Se Bhar Le Aanchal | Shararat |
2011 | Love Mein Ghum | Love Mein Ghum |
Discography
Albums
Release Date | Album |
---|---|
21 November 2003 | Huqa Pani |
1 December 2006 | Masty |
14 February 2011 | Jhoom |
Coke Studio (Pakistan)
Year | Song | Note |
---|---|---|
2008 | Allah Hu | Performed a duet with Tufail Ahmed. |
2008 | Janay Na Koi | |
2008 | Chal Dil Meray | |
2008 | Channo | |
2008 | Rangeen | |
2009 | Yaar Daddi | |
2009 | Nahin Ray Nahin |
Single(s)
Those For Truth |
Ain't No Sunshine (Cover) |
Rise Of 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 din Har Din |
Awards and nominations
Year | Category | Film/Recording | 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 | ||
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 | |
Filmfare Awards | ||||
2011 | 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 | Mere Brother Ki Dulhan | Won | |
Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards | ||||
2012 | Best New Talent-Male | Mere Brother Ki Dulhan | Won | |
3rd Pakistan Media Awards | ||||
2012 | Best Singer Male[20] | Jhoom | Nominated | |
2012 | Best Playback Singer | Love Mein Ghum | Nominated |
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
See also
- List of Bollywood films
- List of Indian playback singers
- Music of Pakistan
- History of Pakistani pop music
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
References
- ^ "Ali Zafar – Pakistani Fashion Model". Fashioncentral.pk. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ "Indian Film Festival 2011". Retrieved 16 November 2012.
- ^ Saltz, Rachel (5 August 2010). "Tere Bin Laden". NYtimes.com. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
- ^ International Herald Tribune News for Ali Zafar Award
- ^ The Sunday Indian News for Award
- ^ http://www.addatoday.com/2013/04/chashme-baddoor-monday-collection.html
- ^ "Lux Style Awards 2004 exclusively on Sony Entertainment Television Asia (official press release) (PDF)" (PDF). 25 June 2004.
- ^ "'Dillagi' and 'Marjawan'".
- ^ "Aashiq Banaya Aapne – When Himesh meets Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan". IndiaGlitz. 4 August 2005. Archived from the original on 14 June 2006. Retrieved 29 May 2006.
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suggested) (help) - ^ a b Shah, Kunal M (18 August 2010). "Ali Zafar signs Yash Raj film". Times of India. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
- ^ International Herald Tribune News for Ali Zafar Award
- ^ The Sunday Indian News for Award
- ^ Ali Zafar and Aamir Khan related
- ^ Ali Zafar, Aamir Khan related?
- ^ "Ali Zafar is now a father!". 9 March 2010. Retrieved 11 June 2010.
- ^ "added performances". Retrieved 15 October 2012.
- ^ "perform with humaimah". Retrieved 15 October 2012.
- ^ "tribute to legend mehdi hassan". Retrieved 15 October 2012.
- ^ "Pakistanmedia awards". Retrieved 11 October 2012.
- Use dmy dates from October 2012
- 1985 births
- Ali Zafar
- Beaconhouse School System (Pakistan) alumni
- Bollywood playback singers
- Coke Studio (Pakistan) artists
- Hindi film actors
- Living people
- National College of Arts alumni
- Pakistani film actors
- Pakistani composers
- Pakistani electronic musicians
- Pakistani film singers
- Pakistani folk singers
- Pakistani male models
- Pakistani male singers
- Pakistani painters
- Pakistani pop singers
- Pakistani singer-songwriters
- Pakistani Sunni Muslims
- People from Lahore
- Performers of Sufi music
- Punjabi-language singers
- Punjabi people
- Government College University, Lahore alumni
- Urdu-language singers
- Pakistani television actors