Images on Sunday catches up with singer/actor Ali Zafar to talk about his new projects, a signature scent and his appearance at the Cannes Film Festival

Q: Now that Chashme Baddoor has become an audience favourite, do you enjoy doing romantic comedies?

A: Yes, I do enjoy doing romantic comedies but I don’t particularly want to be categorised as the sweet lover boy. I am exploring other genres and receiving scripts other than rom-coms which reflect my versatility as an actor. Chashme Baddoor was a laugh and it was as much fun filming it as it was watching it. I’m glad the audience enjoyed it.

Q: You have also sung for most of your films. Being a singer and an actor, how do you do justice to both and which do you enjoy the most? Also, you paint really well. Do you plan to exhibit your sketches and paintings?

A: It’s not that difficult. You just need to be focused on the current task. I enjoy acting and singing very much but while I’m acting, I’m the character I’m playing and when I sing for the films, I keep the story and characters in mind.

Painting I do sometimes just to relax. I might plan to exhibit in the near future.

Q: You were among the few stars from this part of the world to be invited to the Cannes’s Film Festival in France. How would you describe it? Did you get to watch The Great Gatsby?

A: It was a beautiful experience and I was humbly honoured to be invited to the film festival in Cannes. I met a great number of actors and artists there, and got to know a few of them too. It was absolutely fantastic and an experience full of fond memories. I did get to watch The Great Gatsby back at home as well. It’s a nice piece of filmmaking.

Q: We heard that you made your own signature perfume in Grasse, France. Tell us about that.

A: It was something that I had wanted to do for a long time. I was already in France for the film festival and took on this experience on my birthday. I believe in having a signature scent, which is in alignment with my personality. I went to Grasse and experimented with what I thought would suit me well.

Q: How would you describe yourself as an entertainer?

A: I enjoy what I do and I’m very excited when I see that the audience is happy.

Q: Tell us about your next release, Aman ki Asha?

A: Aman ki Asha is a romantic comedy but it has a strong back-story to it, and I’m very excited for its release. The film is to be released on August 15, and production will be in Neeraj Pandey’s production house. It’s near Pakistan’s Independence Day and I hope people will go out and watch it.

Q: You are also working on a Yash Raj project, Kill Dil, an action flick. Will we see you doing stunts and what is your character in the film?

A: Yes, I’m doing a few stunts here and there. It’s something new for the audience and me, and I’m looking forward to the reaction it gets. It has a stellar cast and crew to work with and stars Ranveer Singh and Parineeti Chopra, besides myself.

Q : Your chemistry with Katrina is much talked about these days. Who do you have as a co-actor in your upcoming films? Is there an actor you wish to be paired with?

A: I can’t say anything right at the moment. The producer of the film decides the cast.

Q: How is it like being a Pakistani actor in Bollywood?

A: I’ve been welcomed with an open heart and get a lot of appreciation. More than me, it’s the people who are responsible for making me who I am today.