Ali Zafar with Yaami Gautam in Total Siyapaa, directed by E. Niwas

What interested you about Aman in Total Siyapaa?

Aman suffers from the fact that there is a certain perception that comes with being a Pakistani. I have always believed that we should not judge people on the basis of caste, socio-economic status or nationality. This forms the backdrop of Total Siyapaa. I know how it feels when you have to work through that perception, so somewhere I could relate with the character. I remember the first time I thought I was being judged because of my nationality was at the US immigration. It wasn’t as bad as what a lot of my countrymen have gone through, but it did affect me. When you mention that you are Pakistani, you can feel that you are being judged even without anything being said.

How do you react when you know you are being judged?

You just have to learn to handle things gracefully. As it is, there is so much negativity that is associated with being Pakistani and I don’t want to add to it. I want to show that all Pakistanis are not bad.

Total Siyapaa is also a meet-the-parents film. How was it when you met your wife Ayesha’s parents for the first time?

Thankfully, it was quite smooth. They liked me instantly, as did I. Ayesha’s grandfather used to make films, so when her father got to know that I sing, he was so happy. Even before they knew that Ayesha and I were dating, her father called me over to perform for his friends. I also paint, so I made a life-sized portrait of Ayesha’s mother. So, there was no siyapaa (trouble). (Laughs)

Your filmography till now only has rom coms or comedies. Is this a genre you are most comfortable with?

I want to be a versatile actor, so I’d like to believe that I am comfortable with all genres. But I do enjoy comedy. It comes naturally to me. But I am really enjoying shooting my next, Kill Dil (directed by Shaad Ali and co-starring Ranveer Singh and Parineeti Chopra) which is an action film.

What has been most fun about doing an action film?

I get to play with bikes and guns and do crazy stunts. Kill Dil is a wacky action film and I have never been in this kind of space before.

You are writing a script on Pakistan. Would you also want to direct it?

That’s right, I am writing a script that I think will represent Pakistan on international platforms and will showcase a side to Pakistan that is not seen often. The plan for now is to only act and produce the film. I am not going to direct just as yet. Someday maybe… but not now.

Being Ali Zafar

• On your iPod
I’m totally obsessed with Jeff Buckley.
• On your iPad
I don’t use one.
• In your refrigerator
I live in hotels, so there is the mini-bar. At home there’s always leafy salads, chicken and cheeses.
• In your closet
Thankfully, I have only clothes and no skeletons!
• In your garage
Just basic cars. I am not a big car person.
• On your nightstand
Books… lots of books. I don’t read fiction, so there are books on spirituality, history and philosophy.

Karishma Upadhyay

Share your meet-the-parents story in 150 words at t2@abp.in