'Kill Dil is an attempt to change my image'

'I want to create a niche for myself. I hope it opens up a new dimension for me as an actor,' Pakistani actor Ali Zafar tells Sonil Dedhia.

After playing the chocolate hero boy to success, Ali Zafar wants to change his image.

Now, he will be seen playing a gangster in his upcoming film Kill Dil.

The 34-year-old actor tells Sonil Dedhia why he wants to known as a versatile actor.

Your last few films didn’t do well at the box office. Are you looking to redeem yourself with Kill Dil?

I have done five films. I guess three worked at the box office and two didn’t.

I know I am not such a big star that I will have a massive opening weekend.

When you have a big production studio backing you, like with Kill Dil, it helps for the project to do well and I hope this film does that.

These days it is very difficult for a film to get through to the audience with just the story and content.

You are doing an action film for the first time. Were you apprehensive about pulling it off?

No. I was very excited to do this film. I wanted to do something different from what I had done in the past.

Kill Dil is an attempt to change my image. I want to be known as a versatile actor. I don't like to play safe. I like to experiment with my looks, acting and projects.

I want to create a niche for myself. In this film, people will see a different side of me. I hope it opens up a new dimension for me as an actor.

What did you do to transform yourself to fit the role?

I had to look bulkier as it was an action flick. I built a lot of muscle for this film.

(Director) Shaad Ali asked me to grow my hair and beard. He told me to let it flow and he would check during the look tests to see if that worked. In the process, my childhood dream of growing long hair also got fulfilled! Whenever I would grow my hair my mother would shout at me and tell me to cut it off (laughs).

Thankfully, the look worked.

You also dance with Govinda...

I was keen on dancing with one of the finest dancers in the world.

I was nervous as well as excited to be in the same frame, dancing with him. It was one of the most memorable experiences.

He is a brilliant actor, brilliant dancer and this is one of his finest performances ever.

The way he has performed will make sure that this will be remembered by people for a very long time.

How was your experience of working with Yash Raj Films (YRF) after Mere Brother Ki Dulhan?

It’s the best experience working with YRF. I remember after Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, I would consult Aditya Chopra on films and how I should take my career forward.

I have formed a strong relationship with YRF. Their working culture is one of the finest.

It was such a delightful experience and especially with a director like Shaad Ali who is not just a good director but a great human being.

He is one of the good friends I’ve made in the film industry. The kind of energy that he brings on the sets is fabulous.

What projects are you working on?

I want to make a Pakistani film. I am writing something and probably will be producing it as well.

I have not said yes to any other projects right now. I want to be selective about my work and do something that really interests me.

I don’t want to do films just for the sake of being busy because I have my music as well to cater to.

I want to do only certain kinds of roles and give the rest of my time to other creative work.

Is there a new music album coming up?

Yes, next year I will be releasing another music album.

I want to concentrate on music and releasing my album because it’s been a while since I have done that.

I have been singing and composing music for my films but haven’t really released a single so I’d like to concentrate on that.