Ali Zafar, artist-turned-actor/singer/songwriter and now a film producer/screenwriter, wears these many hats because he believes in hard work. During an interview on The Reham Khan Show, he tried to pass on the same values to his young fans:

"Never look for shortcuts," he offered as a few words of advice.

Going down memory lane

While relating that his father had wished him to become a CSP officer and had listed 'a convoy' and 'automatic respect' as perks of the job, he recalled how he rejected the idea because he wanted to be saluted for his work, not his post.

"It's very easy to earn respect through material things, but getting respect through one's good character and good work is the real deal," Ali said.

He had earlier related that his parents were both professors who worked very hard to make ends meet, so he would think twice before requesting a 3 rupee icecream cup as a child. He expressed pride in having earned all that he has achieved himself.

When Reham asked why a mindset like Ali's is so rare nowadays, he minced no words in explaining.

"Our biggest mistake after the creation of Pakistan is that we did not nip feudalism in the bud."

He said that the Punjab region is mired in feudal culture.

"Our biggest mistake after the creation of Pakistan is that we did not nip feudalism in the bud. People tend to respect the man with the biggest convoy. We have fostered this attitude through many years of reinforcement, so it will take as many years to dismantle it. It has to start with our political leaders. Someone needs to stand up and refuse to travel in a convoy... and shun VIP culture."

"Our generation is changing. To show how pure we are, we dont need to wear a waistcoat," he said taking a jab at the choice of attire of many a politician.

The message of hard work, though simple, is not trite. In fact, it is much-needed in our society where the youth is surrounded by examples whose speedy rise to the top has been acheived through underhanded means. Young people need to understand that under the veneer of glamourous life is a lot of blood, sweat and tears.

On Deosai

Ali Zafar's latest project is his upcoming film, Deosai.

"I left two to three film offers in Bollywood, because making a film, producing and writing it demands sacrifice. I closed myself off from the world for six to eight months in order to write the script," he revealed.

He also added that he loves the Northern Areas of Pakistan. "I went and lived in Skardu, Hunza, Deosai and Astore. I want to show this side of Pakistan to the world."

However, Reham plans to beat Ali Z to it. Her film, Jaanan, which is also being made with the aim of showcasing the beauty of Pakistan, may hit the screens before Desosai does.