Love in three cities

ALI ZAFAR

This singer-turned-actor has had the privilege to work with big banners at the very start of his acting career. Ali Zafar spills the beans on how giving music for a film is way different from producing music for your own album and his experience on working with 'London Paris New York'. We loved our chat with the multi-talented Zafar who was in Dubai to promote his film.

This is your third film in Bollywood. How has the experience been?
I am fairly new to Bollywood and I feel the love of the people. People have accepted me with open arms. I shared a good working rapport with my crew on this film. Since we travelled to three of the best cities in the world it was like cherry on the cake.

You have composed the music for this film. How different is it composing music for your own album when compared to film music?
There is a massive difference! When an artist pens down lyrics for his own album he draws inspiration from his own life and expresses individuality. When I was younger a girl I was very fond of completely rejected me. I don’t blame her I was quite a freak back then! But the episode inspired me to write my songs around those emotions for my album.

When it came to creating music for ‘London Paris New York’, things were completely different. I had to write according to the mood of the character. The tune had to do justice to the emotions the characters felt. That was quite challenging for me, but I am very happy as to how light hearted and fun the music has turned out to be.

Any special memories related to the film?
We had a very tech savvy experience. I remember being on skype for hours when I would be sitting in Pakistan, and we had to record the song with Aditi’s vocals. I would direct her through Skype video chat. Talking about the acting experience, having a focused co-star really helped me take it a notch higher. Aditi is a hard-working girl and debutante director Anu is very passionate of her script. It felt like all like-minded people got together to make an amazing film.


ADITI RAO HYDARI

Aditi Rao Hydari has always been noticed for her spunk and charm even in a small role in films like ‘Rockstar.’ But she really came into her own with Sudhir Mishra’s ‘Yeh Saali Zindagi’. A trained Bharatnatyam dancer, Aditi made her debut way back in 2007 with Sharada Ramanathan's ‘Sringaram’ She is back with her new movie ‘London Paris New York’ with Ali Zafar. Masala.com chats up the pretty actress.

How did you get discovered for this film?
I was blessed. I guess it was meant to be. Goldie Behl had seen me dancing on a track in the film ‘Yeh Saali Zindagi’. He later spotted me on an Airtel commercial. It was only until he met my manager that he realised that both the girls were same! He soon approached me with this film and needless to say, I was thrilled.

What preparation did you do for this role?
I play a South Indian girl in this film. Since I am from the southern part of India too, it was easy for me to adapt. The director Anu and I discussed and made a conscious decision to only pick up a few of the mannerisms of a South Indian girl and not overdo it since the film has such a young and urban feel to it.

You have sung a track in the film. How did it all happen?
The credit for this completely goes to Ali. One night we were all hanging out at Shrishti’s house and I was humming in my own space not realising that all these people from the crew were paying keen attention. Since Ali had composed the music of the film, he talked me into singing. I was nervous initially but it all went well later. I am a reluctant singer but I have been blessed with a good voice.