Ali Zafar
Ali Zafar is back on the big screen next week with his new movie London Paris New York (LPNY), which sees him team up with Aditi Rao Hydari.
Not only does Zafar star in the movie but he has also work on the movie's soundtrack.
- How did LPNY come about and what attracted you to the story?
I and my manager met with the director Anu Menon and executives from Rose Movies to discuss the project. I loved the script and the story and so was sold on doing the film.
The fact that its set in three parts, filmed in three wonderful cities and covers three chapters in the lead characters’ lives, makes it a unique and special film.
- What is special about your new film: London Paris New York?
There are a lot of unique things about the film; it is a Hatke love story with a lot of romance and great music. Our experience from the film, I believe, is different from those who have done similar films in the past.
The characters are different, the story is different. This is our way of telling a love story of today's time and age. We have made a nice, cute film. We know our targets and hopefully the audience will appreciate the film.
- What was your thinking behind the musical soundtrack for London Paris New York?
I wanted to create sounds that are fresh and since the film touches on different emotions I could experiment with genres.
I used Pop Romance in London, Electronic Sufi in Paris and Blues Rap in New York, all blended in with a true Bollywood style.
What is even more unique is that it also features its multi-talented stars Zafar and Hydari singing their own songs on the OST. That is pretty cool we think and can’t wait to hear the OST.
- Would you describe London Paris New York as sensational?
Since it is about two people falling in love and the natural progression that follows anywhere in the world, it will be a little more daring than my first two films.
However, it won't have anything that's offensive, obscene or attention-seeking. My personal conscience sets the limits, beyond which I would never venture.
- Were you clicking pictures most of the time on the sets of "London, Paris, New York" or romancing Aditi?
Both. She has a very interesting and photogenic face. She was also getting herself photographed.
- What was it like filming in London, Paris and New York three cities?
Well, the three cities have a story written on all their walls. At some places, I would just wish I could put my easel down and start painting those streets. They are an artist's paradise.
- What was it like working with co-star Aditi Rao Hydari
Aditi has given me a new tag and I will have to live with it forever.
- How do you think your music and acting will be received?
I hope people like my acting and music. Right now, I only want to sing for my own films where I play the lead.
At a later stage I may consider composing and singing for films where I’m not on screen.
- Will you be working with Katrina Kaif on your next music album?
I won’t start recording for my album for at least two years. As for Katrina’s involvement on my album, I don’t know where that news came from. We jammed together during our last film.
We love music and discussed a possibility of recording together but there is nothing planned. Both Aditi and Katrina are really dear to me.
They’re musically inclined and talented girls. If they are willing to be part of my album a few years later, it will be my pleasure to have them onboard.
- Who are your musical idols?
It is a big compliment for me when people compare me to Kishore Kumar because he is one man who I always look up to. He was so talented that I cannot dare to stand any closer to him.
He was somebody who used to sing and act. Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, these are the people whom I idolise a lot. They have done movies and they used to sing songs. I just hope, in my small way, I can be somewhere close to these big names.
- Do you have a message for your UK fans?
I had a great time shooting some of London Paris New York in London.
I would love the British fans to see the film, as they will really relate to it and love it!
London Paris New York is released 2nd March