He has won accolades around the world, he makes remarkable music and his acting wows everyone. His voice and his music speak for itself but his true success is in the love that his fans shower upon him. He is none other than the maestro musician, the phenomenal singer, and the world class actor – Ali Zafar.
Today, 18th May 2022, marks Ali Zafar’s 42nd birthday. Although a phenomena who refuses to age, Ali Zafar has spent 4 decades of his life contributing to the world with his talent and making it a better place for all – whether it’s through his music, his acting or his philanthropic projects.
Who is Ali Zafar – The Person?
Ali Zafar was born into a well-educated family. His parents are university professors. At the age of 8, Zafar, who was rather talented since birth, made his first comics.
Although Ali Zafar’s parents wanted him to pursue his career in civil services, he convinced them of his passion towards music and being the loving family they were, they supported him in his decision.
Ali Zafar began his profession as a sketch artist from a hotel’s lobby in Lahore and from his first month’s earning, he purchased a Yamaha Piano.
Alongside music, Ali pursued his passion for acting as well and debuted as a television actor by acting in drama serials ‘Kollege Jeans’, ‘Kanch Ke Par‘ and ‘Landa Bazar,‘ a drama where his acting was praised for his intensity and professionalism portrayed at such a young age.
He made his singing introduction with a tune “Jugnuon Se Bhar Le Anchal” for the film Shararat in 2003. His big break came with the super hit song, “Channo“. Ali Zafar became an overnight sensation in Pakistan after his first song “Channo” that went on to top many music charts and earned him several awards.
Following the success of “Channo“, Ali Zafar’s debut album “Huqa Pani“, sold over five million copies worldwide.
Success In Hollywood and Bollywood
Ali Zafar’s song “Dekha” was made part of the Hollywood film “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,” which was released in September 2010, making him one of the only four Pakistani artists to have their songs featured in Hollywood films.
In 2010, Ali Zafar made his debut as a leading actor with the Bollywood film “Tere Bin Laden.” From there on, Ali made an A line for Bollywood movies with top stars. Ali Zafar starred opposite the gorgeous Katrina Kaif in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, and then went on to land films like “Chashme Baddoor,” “London Paris New York”, “Kill Dill” and “Dear Zindagi” as well.
Ali Zafar’s performance earned him several nominations in the Best Male Debut category, including Filmfare, making him the first Pakistani actor to get nominated for any Bollywood Award as well.
Success In Pakistan
Over the span of his career, Ali Zafar has received five Lux Style Awards and several nominations in award ceremonies including IIFA Awards, Screen Awards, Zee Cine Awards and Filmfare Awards.
Despite numerous challenges, his debut Pakistani movie “Teefa in Trouble” set records in Pakistan’s cinema Industry. The film was one of its kind, not only because of its content, but also featured phenomenal music, performances and spectacular action sequences – the kind that have never been seen in Pakistan before.
Ali Zafar has also been awarded Pride of Performance by the Government of Pakistan for his meritorious services for the music and film industry. His Ali Zafar Foundation supports the education of students across Pakistan, creating a hope for a better future for those who need his true help.
