Ali Zafar to turn rough and tough for Kill Dil

The film will go on the floors in October and will release in 2014. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

KARACHI: Pakistani actor Ali Zafar did not take long to become India’s heartthrob. Ali has been roped in for Yash Raj Films (YRF) newest project Kill Dil. Directed by Shaad Ali — who has given hits like Saathiya — and produced by Aditya Chopra, Kill Dilfeatures Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh, Ali Zafar and Parineeti Chopra in lead roles.

As far as Kill Dil is concerned, Ali will be seen in a rugged avatar for a change. The 32-year-old star says he will start exercising to get in shape. “I will be working out to gain some muscle for this film after we wrap up Neeraj Panday’s Aman Ki Asha,” Ali told The Express Tribune via email.

After Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, this is his second film under YRF banner. He says he “feels very privileged to work with YRF banner once again”.

When asked about the story, the versatile artist refused to reveal the plot of the film but did say that he is very excited about the role. “I am actually very excited for this role because action has been my favourite genre since I was a child.”

Ali’s publicist Ammara Hikmat said the film will go on floors in October and will release in 2014.

Dancing with fame

The talented musician, who made his debut in the Pakistani music industry in 2003 with album Huqa Pani, made his way to Bollywood with an unconventional movie Tere Bin Laden. After his performance as an ambitious young reporter, Ali not only gained recognition as an actor worldwide, but also got offers from big banners like YRF.

His second breakthrough was YRF’s Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, where he acted alongside Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif and also provided vocals for its catchy song Madhubala. While Ali was nominated for his debut film, he won the Stardust Award 2012 for Superstar of Tomorrow Male for Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. At the same ceremony, he bagged the award for New Musical Sensation for Madhubala.

Ali’s next film London, Paris, New York, in which  he stars opposite Aditi Rao Hyderi, saw a dull response at the box office but managed to attract attention overseas. This year, fans will see him playing the boy-next-door in the remake of the 1981 film Chashme Buddoor, which is set to release on April 5.