Life has come full circle for Pakistani singer and actor Ali Zafar.
The Tere Bin Laden star has just been offered a role in director Gauri Shinde’s film featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt and he’s now the face of Islamabad United, the team led by Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram in the PSLT20 (Pakistan Super League) beginning Thursday at Dubai Cricket Stadium.
“I believe in the power of dreams coming true. Even if I am not playing inside the grounds — on the field — I am still on the ground watching my team play. It’s surreal,” said Zafar in an interview with tabloid! ahead of his performance at the opening ceremony. The actor has also composed the PSL T20 anthem, an infectious song that’s likely to get you into the spirit of the game.
Zafar, who made his debut with the hit comedy Tere Bin Laden, will soon be seen in a cameo appearance in its sequel.
“The song is called Six Packs and I went on this strict no-carb, no-sugar diet. It’s a funny take on actors sporting six-pack abs,” said Zafar, who shunned the use of steroids and chose to build his body in an organic way.
“I felt it was better to be fit that way ... When you are on a no-carb diet, it’s easy to lose your temper. And since you are having a lot of caffeine, you become a bit more jittery. Normally, I am a calm, peace-loving person, but during this diet I was ‘grrr...’,” said Zafar. However, the restrictive diet has ended and Zafar was in a relaxed mood as he sat down for an interview.
What brings you to Dubai?
The Pakistan Super League, our very own one. On February 4, I am honoured to perform at the opening ceremony. I have written, composed and sung the main PSL anthem, plus I have my own team called Islamabad United playing. There’s a lot of excitement in my life right now. I am a huge fan of cricket. As a child, I wanted to be a cricketer, but then branched out into acting and singing. I am not going to play at PCL, but I am the ambassador for Islamabad United and I can’t wait to watch the players on the field.
Is PSL an attempt to recreate the popularity and success of Indian Premier League?
IPL has been a successful venture and Pakistan venturing into it by starting its own league in an international platform like Dubai indicates that we too want to recreate that same magic. It may take a few years but the idea is to drum up the same kind of hype and excitement. This is just the first year, but we eventually want to take it to Pakistan. These are just baby steps and we have started on a positive note.
What’s the tone of the anthem you created for PSL?
It goes Aa Saare, Saare Ke Saare, Aasman Pe Dekho Taare … The spirit of the song is about cricketers, celebrities and entertainment blending together to give people a good time.
Do you need to know about cricket to enjoy PSL?
The Twenty-20 format is enjoyable to even non-cricket fans. It’s quick and thrilling because all the batsmen are always on a roll. They are hitting fours and sixes at all times.
What’s your fondest cricketing memory?
It’s the 1992 World Cup, which Pakistan won. To watch Imran Khan and Wasim Akram in action was memorable. We all idolised them. Wasim Akram, at a crucial point in that 1992 match, took an important wicket with that iconic in-swing delivery that the batsmen on the other team couldn’t figure out. That memory is fresh in my mind. I was 12 years old then. Also, Wasim bhai is the coach and mentor of Islamabad United. It’s a great honour to be a part of a team led by those whom you have idolised in your childhood. You have grown up with them and to share the same stage is an incredible honour.
Why did you not pursue cricket — and would you have become a batsman or a bowler?
As a child, I used to play cricket near my home but my family had to move homes. And I just ended up pursuing arts, singing and painting. But I still remember the first celebrity cricket match I played in Pakistan. We won that and I remember making the winning shot with my bat. I scored 32 runs, not out. And the feeling that you get when you are in a stadium and hitting boundaries is an out-of-this world feeling. Had I been a cricketer, then I would have been a batsman.
Who’s the most underrated cricketer in Pakistan?
Abdul Razzak. He has played some great innings.
Sports is also about fitness. What’s your regime like?
I love to stay fit. My diet is normally a low-carb, high-protein diet. I am strict depending on the role that I am playing.
You are going to be in the film starring Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt. How did the offer come along?
I got a phone call saying that the director Gauri Shinde wants to get in touch with me and that’s how it all started. But my lips are sealed when it comes to the role.
Don’t Miss It
Tickets start from Dh20 for the opening ceremony and the opening game, online at kyazoonga.ae/psl and at branches of AJ Sports, Al Fardan Exchange, Barbecue Delights, Kulcha King, Sindh Punjab, Delhi Nihari, Karachi Darbar, TCS and Tandoori Junction.
