Ali Zafar

File:Ali zafar.jpg

Ali Zafar was born on 18 May 1980 in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Total-Siyapaa-Girls-used-to-come-to-me-for-their-portraits-Ali-Zafar/articleshow/30394647.cms?intenttarget=no |title=Girls used to come to me to get their portraits made: Ali Zafar |newspaper=The Times of India |date=15 February 2014 |access-date=1 March 2014}} to a Punjabi muslim family of the Maan clan of Jats. His parents, Mohammad Zafarullah and Kanwal Ameen, were professors at the University of Punjab. He has two brothers, Zain and Danyal; the latter of these is a commercial model who has also turned actor and musician.Usman Ghafoor (7 October 2018), [https://gulfnews.com/life-style/celebrity/desi-news/ali-zafar-s-brother-danyal-poised-for-stardom-1.2286713 "Ali Zafar’s brother Danyal poised for stardom"], Gulf News. Retrieved 21 October 2018.

Zafar received his early education from C.A.A. Public School. He graduated from the Government College of Lahore and the National College of Arts.

Zafar started his career as a sketch artist at Pearl Continental Hotel in Lahore and then began acting in television serials. He debuted as a television actor by acting in drama serials Kollege Jeans, Kanch Ke Par and Landa Bazar.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/199933-The-LSAs-begin-and-end-on-a-high-note |title=The LSAs begin and end on a high note |date=21 April 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=The News |author=Aamna Haider Isani}}

In 2010, he made his debut as a leading actor with the Bollywood film Tere Bin Laden, which was directed by Abhishek Sharma.{{cite web |title=All you wanted to know about 'Tere Bin Laden' |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2010/07/13/6435/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818195039/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2010/07/13/6435/index.html |archive-date=18 August 2010 |access-date=16 August 2010 |website=Bollywood Hungama}} Tere Bin Laden was partially based on Osama bin Laden and Zafar played a Pakistani journalist from Karachi, who makes fake video of Osama Bin Laden, so that he could go to America. The film, released in July 2010, proved to be a major commercial success in India, but was banned in Pakistan. Zafar's performance in the film garnered critical appreciation and earned him Best Male Debut nominations at several award ceremonies, including IIFA Awards, Screen Awards, Zee Cine Awards and Filmfare Awards. He was also named as the first Pakistani to be called to Indian Film Festival at Australia in March 2011 for his movie screening.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}

In March 2012, Zafar starred in the film London, Paris, New York with Aditi Rao Hydari. It was directed by Anu Menon, and Zafar also composed the soundtrack for the film. He also performed the soundtrack for the Pakistani drama Zindagi Gulzar Hai, which won many awards.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}

Zafar also starred in the romantic comedy film Chashme Baddoor, directed by David Dhawan. The film was released in April 2013 and was declared a box office super-hit.{{cite news |title=Chashme Baddoor scores big at the box office |url=http://magazine.thenews.com.pk/mag/detail_article.asp?id=5019&magId=11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304105617/http://magazine.thenews.com.pk/mag/detail_article.asp?id=5019&magId=11 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=21 October 2015 |work=The News International}} The same year, he was also featured in an episode of Burka Avenger, singing his famous song "Channo".{{cite news |title='Burka Avenger' fights for Pakistani schools |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23468573 |access-date=26 July 2013 |work=BBC News}}

Zafar then also starred in and composed the soundtrack for the film Total Siyappa, which was a romantic comedy film released in March 2014. He also acted in Kill Dil, which was released in November.{{cite news |date=13 November 2013 |title=Did you know? Ali Zafar's Aman ki Asha has been renamed Total Siyappa |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/631489/did-you-know-ali-zafars-aman-ki-asha-has-been-renamed-total-siyappa/ |access-date=24 December 2013 |newspaper=The Express Tribune}}

Zafar had performed an item number "Six Pack Abs" in the sequel of his 2010 film Tere Bin Laden, entitled Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive, which was released in February 2016. Zafar was also seen in Pakistani film Lahore Se Aagey. He then appeared in Gauri Shinde's Dear Zindagi as a musician alongside the star cast Alia Bhatt. The films were released in November 2016. He then also sung "Hum Roshan to Kal Roshan", which released in December 2016.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}

In 2018, Zafar starred in Ahsan Rahim's directorial debut romantic action-comedy film Teefa in Trouble, alongside Maya Ali, which is debut of both the actors in Lollywood, and also the debut of Zafar's Lightingale Productions.{{cite news |date=25 January 2016 |title=Maya Ali to star opposite Ali Zafar in 'Tifa in Trouble' |url=http://dunyanews.tv/en/Entertainment/372024-Maya-Ali-to-star-opposite-Ali-Zafar-in-Tifa-in-Tr |access-date=25 January 2015 |via=Dunya News}}{{cite news |date=20 October 2016 |title=Ali Zafar's Pakistani film debut to be an action comedy |url=http://images.dawn.com/news/1176450 |work=Dawn}}Retrieved 21 January 2017.

• {{cite news |title=Get ready for Ali Zafar's next action-packed comedy |url=https://www.samaa.tv/entertainment/2017/01/ali-zafars-romantic-action-comedy-teefa-in-trouble/ |via=Samaa TV}}
• {{cite news |title=Ali Zafar reveals the title of his first Pakistani movie |url=http://images.dawn.com/news/1176961/ali-zafar-reveals-the-title-of-his-first-pakistani-movie |work=Dawn Images}}{{Citation |last=Rahim |first=Ahsan |title=Teefa in Trouble |date=20 July 2018 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8043306/ |access-date=3 June 2018 |others=Ali Zafar, Maya Ali, Mehmood Aslam}}

File:Salman Khan wearing Ullu Da Pattha T-Shirt.jpg at the audio release of the song "Ullu Da Patha" in Dubai, 2010.]]

Zafar sang "Jugnuon Se Bhar De Aanchal" for the 2003 film Shararat. In the same year, he debuted as a musician with the album Huqa Pani, which was a success. The album sold over 5,000,000 copies worldwide and won several awards and nominations, including the 2004 Lux Style Award for "Best Album" and the 2008 "Best Male Artist" award at the MTV awards,{{cite web |url=http://www.setasia.tv/pdf/luxawards_2004.pdf |title=Lux Style Awards 2004 exclusively on Sony Entertainment Television Asia (official press release) (PDF) |date=25 June 2004}} making him one of the most popular pop singers in Pakistan. It was also claimed that Bollywood's popular music directors Himesh Reshammiya and Pritam ripped "Channo" and "Rangeen" from Zafar's album in "Chhore Ki Baatein" for Fight Club – Members Only and "Dillagi Mein Jo Beet Jaaye" for Aashiq Banaya Aapne respectively.{{cite web |url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/buzz/life/ali-zafar-birthday-192.html |title=8 unknown facts about Ali Zafar |newspaper=India TV |date=31 August 2015}}{{cite web |url=https://www.quora.com/Which-Hindi-songs-have-been-copied-by-International-artists |title=Which Hindi songs have been copied by International artists? |date=12 October 2015 |publisher=Abhishek Guha}}{{Better source needed|reason=Unable to find complete information, but it is true that the songs were copied.|date=October 2016}}

Zafar released his second album Masty in November 2006. The music video of the single "Dekha" was named the most expensive music video of Pakistan, costing more than ten million rupees. The video was produced by Lux and was shot in Malaysia, featuring Reema Khan, Meera and Aaminah Haq. The song was also made part of the Hollywood film Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, which was released in September 2010. He is currently the fourth Pakistani artist after Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Strings and Atif Aslam to have songs featured in Hollywood films. He also won the "Youth Icon" award in the Lux Style Awards 2007, in Malaysia. Zafar was also offered a role for the 2007 film Khuda Kay Liye, but was unable to sign due to some personal reasons. The role was then performed by Fawad Khan.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}

File:Chashme Baddoor cast.jpg, Taapsee Pannu and Divyendu Sharma in Mumbai.]]In February 2011, Zafar released his third album Jhoom, which won the 2012 Lux Style Award for "Best Music Album".{{cite news |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/406261/lux-style-awards-2012-live-updates/ |title=Lux Style Awards 2012: Glamour's night out |work=The Express Tribune |date=10 July 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/review-london-paris-new-york-687 |title=Review: London Paris New York |work=NDTVMovies.com |access-date=20 April 2014 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011233211/https://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/review-london-paris-new-york-687 |url-status=dead }} He made a special appearance in the film Luv Ka The End, in which he sang a song, "F.U.N. Fun Funna". He also sung the title song for the film Love Mein Ghum. He also acted alongside Tara D'Souza in the film Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, starring Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif, and it was released in September 2011.{{cite news |title=Ali Zafar signs Yash Raj film |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Ali-Zafar-signs-Yash-Raj-film/articleshow/6329122.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106132519/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-08-18/news-interviews/28312460_1_ali-zafar-yrf-three-films |url-status=live |archive-date=6 November 2012 |access-date=30 August 2010 |first1=Kunal M |last1=Shah |newspaper=The Times of India |date=18 August 2010}}

File:Ali zaffar in 2014.jpgZafar released a single "Urain Ge" as tribute to victims of APS Peshawar attack in early 2015, featuring many Pakistani artists.{{cite news |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1162123/ |title=Ali Zafar tugs at heartstrings with 'Urain Ge' |work=Dawn |date=7 February 2015 |access-date=16 April 2015}}{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Ali-Zafar-excited-for-Urainge/articleshow/46135592.cms |title=Ali Zafar excited for 'Urainge' |date=5 February 2015 |work=The Times of India |access-date=16 February 2015}} His voice was also featured in the song "DJ", which was sung by Sunidhi Chauhan for the film Hey Bro. He then also sang a song for Defence Day, "Hanstay Hanstay".{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}

He is also working on his fourth music album, and he will be producing another Pakistani film based in Deosai National Park.{{cite news |url=http://images.dawn.com/news/1176649/ |title=I want my first Pakistani film to appeal to both dance party walas and rickshaw walas: Ali Zafar |date=29 November 2016 |access-date=29 November 2016 |work=Dawn Images}}

File:Ali Zafar in concert.jpg, on Valentine 2014{{cite web |url=http://www.pakium.pk/2014/02/01/ali-zafar-valentine-days-concert-organized-hum |title=Ali Zafar performed at Valentine Day's Concert Organized By HUM |date=1 February 2014 |work=Pakistani Ultimate Media}}|240px]]

After he got fame, Zafar first performed at the ceremony of 3rd Lux Style Awards in 2004. The following year, he did his stage act at 4th Lux Style Awards. He then sang live the songs in 5th Lux Style Awards in 2006 and 6th Lux Style Awards in 2007, and then performed a stage dance with Reema Khan in the 2007 ceremony. He also had performed in Mela Festival at Oslo, Norway in 2008.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD7DA05BB44CD53AD |title=Ali Zafar – YouTube |website=www.youtube.com |access-date=11 August 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://nooriclub.wordpress.com/2008/09/15/concert-review-pakistan-rocks-out-oslo-mela-2008/ |title=Concert Review: Pakistan rocks out Oslo Mela 2008 |date=15 September 2008 |access-date=11 August 2020}}

He joined Coke Studio Pakistan in 2008 and performed three original songs "Allah Hu", "Daastan-e-Ishq" and "Nahi Ray Nahi", and one tribute song "Yaar Daddi Ishq" to Muhammad Juman, in season one and two.{{Cite web |url=http://www.itwofs.com/hindi-others.html |title=itwofs.com – chronicles of plagiarism in indian film music |website=www.itwofs.com |access-date=11 August 2020}}{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/musicreview/7695.html |title=Aashiq Banaya Aapne – When Himesh meets Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan |author=Aelina |date=4 August 2005 |work=IndiaGlitz |access-date=29 May 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614015728/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/musicreview/7695.html |archive-date=14 June 2006 | url-status=live}}

In 2012, Zafar performed at 11th Lux Style Awards with Humaima Malick and also paid tribute to musician Mehdi Hassan by singing his ghazal "Mujhe Tum Nazar Sai".{{cite web |title=added performances |url=http://www.luxstyle.pk/video.php?id=603 |access-date=15 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419164453/http://www.luxstyle.pk/video.php?id=603|archive-date=19 April 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=perform with humaimah |url=http://luxstyle.pk/video.php?id=611|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130416124705/http://luxstyle.pk/video.php?id=611|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 April 2013 |access-date=15 October 2012}}{{cite web |title=tribute to legend mehdi hassan |url=http://luxstyle.pk/video.php?id=598|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130416085306/http://luxstyle.pk/video.php?id=598|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 April 2013 |access-date=15 October 2012}} He also performed at the Pantaloons Femina Miss India contest held at Bhavans Ground in Mumbai on 30 March 2012. He then performed at GiMA Awards. He also had performed at 57th Filmfare Awards, but his performance was cut out in the TV release.{{cite news |publisher=Pakium |url=http://www.pakium.pk/2012/02/20/ali-zafar-edited-out-57th-filmfare-awards |title=Ali Zafar edited out from TV Broadcast of 57th Filmfare Awards 2012 |date=20 February 2017 |access-date=28 October 2017}} In 2013, he performed along with Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Preity Zinta at Temptations Reloaded concert in Muscat, Oman.

Zafar then also performed in the Lifestyle Pakistan Expo at Karachi Expo Centre, where he walked the ramp for designer brand ChenOne and also performed with a dhol. He was also invited to perform in 2013 Cannes Film Festival held at Cannes, France.{{cite web |title=Ali Zafar invited to attend Cannes Film Festival |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1436496/Ali-Zafar-invited-to-attend-Cannes-Film-Festival |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511231424/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1436496/Ali-Zafar-invited-to-attend-Cannes-Film-Festival |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 May 2012 |website=Bollywood Hungama |access-date=21 October 2015 |date=9 May 2012}} In 2014, he was seen performing with Yami Gautam on Zee Cine Awards.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7C9vr_U0dk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211214/m7C9vr_U0dk |archive-date=2021-12-14 |url-status=live|title=Ali Zafar & Yami Gautam's Dance at Zee Cine Awards 2014 |website=YouTube |access-date=11 August 2020}}{{cbignore}} He then also performed in Naz Choudhury's Bollywood Showstoppers at The O2 Arena along with Sonakshi Sinha, Jacqueline Fernandez, Mika Singh and Shahid Kapoor.{{cite news |title=We Danced our heart out in Bollywood Showstoppers |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/bollywood/news/a588914/shahid-kapoor-we-danced-from-our-hearts-at-bollywood-showstoppers.html |access-date=8 August 2014 |newspaper=Digital Spy |date=8 August 2014}} He then also hosted the first Star Box Office India Awards Ceremony along with Ayushmann Khurrana,{{cite web |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/772805/ali-zafar-to-host-star-box-office-awards-in-india/ |title=Ali Zafar to host Star Box Office Awards in India |newspaper=The Express Tribune |date=9 October 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1136857 |title=Ali Zafar to host Box Office Awards show in India |newspaper=Dawn |date=10 October 2014}} where they also gave a musical tribute to Raj Kapoor.

He re-joined Coke Studio Pakistan in 2015 for the eight season where he performed three songs. The first song "Rockstar" became popular worldwide, and was also appreciated by Imran Khan, Mahira Khan, Sonu Nigam, Hrithik Roshan and Adnan Sami,{{cite web |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/944417/one-rockstar-to-another-hrithik-roshan-tells-ali-zafar-mazaa-aa-gaya/ |title=One rockstar to another: Hrithik Roshan tells Ali Zafar 'mazaa aa gaya' |date=25 August 2015 |newspaper=The Express Tribune}} and then it was also awarded the title Song of the Year. Zafar then gave tribute to Saleem Raza by performing a second song "Ae Dil" along with Sara Haider. The third song he performed was Sufi "Ajj Din Vehre Vich".{{cite news |url=http://nation.com.pk/03-Oct-2015/ali-zafar-coke-studio-8-s-strongest-suit |title=Ali Zafar Coke Studio 8's strongest suit |date=3 October 2015 |access-date=28 October 2017 |work=The Nation}}

At the logo-launch-event of Pakistan Super League on 20 September 2015, Zafar released and performed on the league anthem "Ab Khel Ke Dikha". He also performed in the launch event of the team Islamabad United on 30 January 2016, where he released team anthem "Chakka Choka". He then also performed in the opening ceremony of 2016 PSL on 4 February. He also performed about 50 concerts across Pakistan within two months in early 2016.{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1025158/ali-zafar-performing-50-shows-in-60-days/ |title=Ali Zafar performing 50 shows in 60 days |date=10 January 2017 |access-date=28 October 2017 |work=The Express Tribune |author=Ali Raj}}

Zafar performed a dancing act on the remix of his Coke Studio hit "Rockstar" in the ceremony of 14th Lux Style Awards, after when he was given musical tribute by Jimmy Khan, Uzair Jaswal, Sara Haider and Farhan Saeed separately, in 2015. The following year, he hosted the ceremony, where he performed an opening dance act on his new song paying tribute to Lux Style Awards. He then also gave a musical tribute there, co-singing with Ali Sethi and Qurat-ul-Ain Balouch, to Amjad Sabri who was assassinated in Karachi on 22 June 2016.

The same year, he collaborated with Atif Aslam for the song "Yaarian", and they performed on it on Defence Day. Zafar walked the ramp in September with Mahira Khan, showcasing the bridal collection in Divani's Bagh-e-Bahar show, at the Haveli Barood Khana.{{cite news |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1176292 |date=23 September 2016 |access-date=28 October 2017 |work=Dawn Images |title=Ali Zafar and Mahira Khan walk as showstoppers for Bollywood couturier, Diva'ni}} He also performed on the stage of 1st Hum Style Awards along with Sohai Ali Abro, where he was also awarded "Most Stylish Male Performer".{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/HUMStyleAwards/photos/a.633709563465630.1073741828.553284938174760/656610187842234/ |title=HUM Style Awards official facebook page |date=29 October 2016 |publisher=Hum TV}}{{cite web |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1294516/spotlight-the-hum-network-eyes-style |title=Spotlight: The Hum Network eyes style |date=6 November 2016 |newspaper=Dawn}} In his concert on 25 November, he performed the mannequin challenge too.{{cite news |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1176686 |date=3 December 2016 |access-date=28 October 2017 |work=Dawn Images |title=Ali Zafar takes the mannequin challenge to a whole new level}}

Zafar released anthem of 2017 PSL "Ab Khel Jamay Ga" in January 2017, upon which he then also performed in its opening ceremony on 9 February in Dubai,{{cite news |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1308619/psl-opening-ceremony-set-go-boombastic-shaggy/ |title=PSL opening ceremony set to go 'Boombastic' with Shaggy |date=27 January 2017 |access-date=30 January 2017 |work=The Express Tribune}}{{cite news |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1313762 |title=PSL 2017 kicks off with colourful opening ceremony in Dubai |date=9 February 2017 |access-date=9 February 2017 |work=Dawn}} and also at its closing ceremony on 5 March in Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1346163/change-plans-ali-zafar-perform-psl-closing-ceremony/ |title=Change of plans: Ali Zafar to perform at PSL closing ceremony |date=4 March 2017 |access-date=4 March 2017 |work=The Express Tribune |author=Rafay Mahmood}} He also performed at grand finale of Miss Veet in January.{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1292702/5-moments-made-miss-veet-finale-night-remember/ |title=5 moments that made the Miss Veet finale a night to remember |date=13 January 2017 |access-date=28 October 2017 |work=The Express Tribune}} On 19 April, he along with his Teefa in Trouble co-star Maya Ali, performed in the 16th Lux Style Awards.{{cite web |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1177454 |title=Here's what's going down at the Lux Style Awards 2017 right now [LIVE] |date=19 April 2017 |access-date=20 April 2017 |work=Dawn Images}}

In tenth season of Coke Studio Pakistan, Zafar performed four songs, after being featured in the promo song "Qaumi Taranah". He performed his original "Julie" alongside his brother Danyal Zafar on guitars under Shani Arshad's production, and "Yo Soch" with Natasha Khan under Strings production. He also gave tribute to Master Inayat Hussain by performing "Jaan-e-Bahaaraan" solo under Shuja Haider's production, and to Junaid Jamshed by "Us Rah Par" with Ali Hamza ft. Strings under Jaffer Zaidi's production.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/233112-Finding-the-real-Ali-Zafar-II |title=Finding the real Ali Zafar – II |date=28 September 2017 |access-date=28 October 2017 |work=The News |author=Maheen Sabeeh}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/ali-zafar-on-music-and-setting-new-standards-with-the-new-pakistani-film-teefa-in-trouble-1.670500 |title=Ali Zafar on music and setting new standards with the new Pakistani film Teefa in Trouble |date=26 October 2017 |access-date=28 October 2017 |work=The National (Abu Dhabi) |author=Saeed Saeed}}

On 27 October 2017, Zafar performed at the MTV Unplugged India concert with Ayushmann Khurrana at Dubai Tennis Stadium.{{cite news |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/20171021/no-title |title=Ali Zafar and Ayushmann Khurrana unplugged on Dubai stage |date=21 October 2017 |access-date=28 October 2017 |work=Khaleej Times |author=Michael Gomes}}{{cite news |url=http://www.gulfnews.com/life-style/celebrity/desi-news/ali-zafar-gets-real-in-dubai-about-pakistan-s-music-industry-1.2111762 |title=Ali Zafar gets real in Dubai about Pakistan's music industry |date=24 October 2017 |access-date=28 October 2017 |work=Gulf News |author=Bindu Rai}}

Zafar married his long-time fiancée Ayesha Fazli, who is a distant relative of Indian actor Aamir Khan,{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Ali-Zafar-is-Aamirs-brother/articleshow/7467054.cms |title='Ali Zafar is Aamir's brother' |work=The Times of India}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2011/feb/100211-Ali-Zafar-Ayesha-Aamir-Khan-Tere-Bin-Laden.htm |title=Ali Zafar and Aamir Khan related |work=mid-day.com}}{{cite web |url=http://dailymailnews.com/0211/12/ShowBiz/index.php?id=5 |title=Account Suspended|access-date=19 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110215123139/http://dailymailnews.com/0211/12/ShowBiz/index.php?id=5|archive-date=15 February 2011|url-status=dead}} on 28 July 2009 in Lahore, Pakistan. They had a boy in 2010,{{cite web |title=Ali Zafar is now a father! |url=http://www.pakium.com/2010/03/09/ali-zafar-is-now-a-father |access-date=11 June 2010 |date=9 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413071317/http://www.pakium.com/2010/03/09/ali-zafar-is-now-a-father|archive-date=13 April 2010|url-status=dead}} and a girl in 2015.{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ali-zafar-names-newly-born-daughter-alyza/ |title=Ali Zafar names newly-born daughter Alyza |date=2 March 2015 |work=The Indian Express}}

His brother-in-law Umair Fazli is a movie director, better known for making the 2016 box office success Saya e Khuda e Zuljalal.Minahil Qasim (12 March 2017), [https://tribune.com.pk/story/1349783/directors-cut-saya-e-khuda-e-zuljilal/ "The director’s cut: Saya-e-Khuda-e-Zuljilal"], The Express Tribune. Retrieved 22 June 2018.

{{Over-quotation|section |date=April 2024}}

{{Update|section |date=April 2024}}

On 19 April 2018, fellow singer Meesha Shafi accused Ali Zafar of sexual harassment on Twitter. Ali Zafar categorically denied the allegation and said that he would take the matter to court.{{cite news |author=Web Desk |title=Ali Zafar denies allegations of harassment by Meesha Shafi |url=https://nation.com.pk/19-Apr-2018/ali-zafar-denies-allegations-of-harassment-by-meesha-shafi |access-date=19 April 2020 |agency=The Nation}} On 23 June 2018, Ali Zafar filed a 1 billion rupees defamation case against Shafi for slander under the Defamation Ordinance 2002, claiming that Shafi had caused "tremendous injury" to his "reputation, goodwill, livelihood" through "false, slanderous and defamatory" allegations, according to Geo News.{{cite web|title=Ali Zafar files Rs1bn defamation suit against Meesha Shafi|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/200402-ali-zafar-files-rs1bn-defamation-suit-against-meesha-shafi|author=Geo News|date=23 June 2018|access-date=8 October 2020}} The suit read: "As the defamatory statements are patently false, it can only be concluded that this malicious campaign has been launched against the plaintiff as part of a motivated conspiracy to tarnish the plaintiff's good image through making false accusations."{{cite news |title=Ali Zafar files 1 billion defamation suit against Meesha Shafi |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/international/pakistan/ali-zafar-files-1-billion-defamation-suit-against-meesha-shafi |access-date=24 June 2018}}

On 25 June 2018, Court issued "a permanent stay against Meesha Shafi until the final decision of the case", preventing her making further claims against Zafar.{{cite news |title=Court issues stay order in favour of Ali Zafar; Meesha Shafi's lawyer responds |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/333988-court-issues-stay-order-in-favour-of-ali-zafar-meesha-shafis-lawyer-responds |access-date=6 June 2018 |agency=The News}} Meesha had filed a complaint to the provincial Ombudsperson under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010, which was dismissed on 3 May 2018. Meesha filed an appeal against the order of the Ombudswoman to the Governor of Punjab who also dismissed her appeal, on the grounds that Meesha Shafi was not an employee at the time.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/08/01/punjab-governor-rejects-meesha-shafis-appeal-against-ali-zafar/ |title=Punjab governor rejects Meesha Shafi's appeal against Ali Zafar | Pakistan Today |website=www.pakistantoday.com.pk |date=1 August 2018|access-date=11 August 2020}} On 10 April 2019, the court fined Meesha Shafi Rs. 10,000 over "non-appearance" of her lawyer.{{Cite web |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/233756-lahore-sessions-court-fines-meesha-shafi-rs10000-over-non-appearance |title=Lahore sessions court fines Meesha Shafi Rs 10,000 over 'non-appearance' |website=www.geo.tv |date=10 April 2019|access-date=11 August 2020}}

On 29 April 2019, Shafi described how she had first tried to resolve her complaint privately with Zafar's representatives, but Zafar insisted she visit him.{{cite web|title=Meesha Shafi responds to Ali Zafar's allegations|author=Geo News|date=30 April 2019|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/235679-meesha-shafi-responds-to-ali-zafars-allegations|access-date=8 October 2020}} On 30 May 2019, nine eyewitnesses, including two women, denied Shafi's allegations of harassment.{{Cite web |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1485509 |title=9 witnesses refute Meesha Shafi's harassment allegations against Ali Zafar |first=Rana |last=Bilal |date=30 May 2019 |website=Dawn |access-date=11 August 2020}} Kanza Muneer said in her statement that during the rehearsal, at which 11 people were present and videos were made, Zafar and Shafi maintained five to six feet distance from each other.{{cite news |title=Lahore court records witness' statement in Meesha Shafi-Ali Zafar case |url=https://www.samaa.tv/news/2019/05/lahore-court-records-witness-statement-in-meesha-shafi-ali-zafar-case/ |access-date=11 May 2019 |agency=Samaa News}} On 11 October 2019, Lahore High Court dismissed Meesha Shafi's appeal.{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/ali-zafar-after-pak-court-dismisses-sexual-harassment-case-against-him-i-will-prove-meesha-shafi-lied-1512022-2019-04-28 |title=Ali Zafar after Pak court dismisses sexual harassment case against him: I will prove Meesha Shafi lied |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |website=India Today |date=28 April 2019 |access-date=11 August 2020}}

In his testimony in court, Ali Zafar said that he supports the #MeToo movement, which is aimed to end sexual harassment and abuse, but it had been "misused against him".{{Cite web |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1491874 |title='Meesha Shafi misused MeToo movement,' claims Ali Zafar in defamation case |first=Rana |last=Bilal |date=3 July 2019 |website=Dawn |access-date=11 August 2020}} Zafar claimed that it was actually Shafi's lawyer, a renowned women's rights activist who was the mastermind behind the conspiracy. "Meesha Shafi's claim in her court testimony that the other women who came forward are unrelated is a complete lie. Our findings revealed that they were deeply interlinked much before the allegations. The common link seems to be Nighat Dad. They were all either working with or for her," Ali Zafar said in his testimony while presenting evidence.{{Cite web |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/423170/ali-zafar-exposes-the-truth-behind-other-girls-in-the-meesha-shafi-controversy/ |title=Ali Zafar exposes the truth behind "other girls" in the Meesha Shafi controversy |date=3 July 2019 |access-date=11 August 2020}}

On 6 July 2019, lawyer Hassan Niazi in his tweets alleged Shafi's lawyer, Nighat Dad's NGO deleted its audit report and had foreign funding.{{cite news |title=Hassan Niazi claims Meesha Shafi threatened him with the 'Me Too' campaign |url=https://www.parhlo.com/meesha-shafi-hassan-niazi-case |access-date=12 July 2019 |agency=globalvillagespace}}{{Cite web |url=https://blog.siasat.pk/khadija-stabbing-case-lawyer-proclaims-nighat-dads-claim-media-strategy-khadijas-case-fraud/ |title=Khadija Stabbing Case: Lawyer proclaims Nighat Dad's claim for media strategy in Khadija's case as fraud |date=17 July 2019 |access-date=11 August 2020}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.kluchit.com/meesha-shafis-lawyer-nighat-dad-caught-telling-lies-are-ali-zafar-and-hassan-niazi-correct-about-her/ |title=Meesha Shafi's lawyer Nighat Dad caught telling lies. Are Ali Zafar and Hassan Niazi correct about her? – Kluchit |website=www.kluchit.com |access-date=11 August 2020}}

Ali Zafar also filed a criminal case of cybercrime in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and tweeted:

{{Cquote

| quote = As I said, the smear campaign against me was running through fake accounts who are now shutting down after our application to the FIA. Our resolve to set a precedent that no one can do this ever to an innocent person is stronger than ever now.}}

Ali Zafar claimed that a social media campaign was launched against him through fake accounts and allegations, proof of which he submitted in his complaint to the FIA Cyber Crime Department. Many such accounts and Facebook pages in support of Shafi were instantly deleted when Zafar highlighted them on social media.{{Cite web |url=https://arynews.tv/en/ali-zafar-fake-accounts-complaint-fia/ |title=Ali Zafar says fake accounts shutting down after complaint to FIA |date=30 April 2019 |access-date=11 August 2020}}

On 16 December 2020, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing found Meesha Shafi and 8 others guilty of running a defamatory drive on social media against Ali Zafar damaging his reputation.{{cite news |author=Web Desk |title=FIA asks trial court to start proceedings against Meesha Shafi, 8 others over 'vilification campaign' |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/759551-meesha-shafi-found-guilty-of-staging-smear-campaign-against-ali-zafar |access-date=7 May 2021 |agency=The News}}

In January 2021 the Supreme Court admitted Meesha Shafi’s plea against the dismissal of her appeal.{{cite news |author=Web Desk |title=SC admits artist Meesha Shafi's petition|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1601002 |access-date=1 Mar 2022 |agency=Dawn}}

{{Pending films key}}

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• Telenor Pakistan
• Tarang Tea Whitener
• Pepsi
• Bakeri LU (biscuits)
• Lipton
• Close-Up (toothpaste) (India)
• Lay's
• Mobilink
• LG Mobile KG195
• Nokia
• QMobile
• Dabur OxyLife Men Bleach Crème (India){{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xkGQ7AtbGo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211214/7xkGQ7AtbGo |archive-date=2021-12-14 |url-status=live|title=OxyLife Men: Exit the friendzone 2014 |website=YouTube |date=17 March 2014 |access-date=11 August 2020}}{{cbignore}}
• Sunlight washing powder
• Sprite (drink)
• Samsung Galaxy J1 Ace
• Yamaha YBR125
• Nestlé Fruta Vitals
• Diamond Supereme Foam
• Royal Fans
• Good Goodies
• Kashmir Cooking Oil & Banaspati
• Tecno Mobile Pakistan
• Zong 4G

{{div col end}}

• Music video of "Preeto Mere Naal", by Abrar ul Haq

{{Main|Ali Zafar discography}}

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Ali Zafar}}

• List of Bollywood films
• List of Indian playback singers
• Music of Pakistan
• History of Pakistani pop music
• List of Pakistani actors

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{official website|alizafar.net}}
• {{IMDb name|3773554}}

{{Ali Zafar}}

{{ARY Film Award International Icon}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Zafar, Ali}}

Category:1980 births

Category:Living people

Category:People from Lahore

Category:National College of Arts alumni

Category:Pakistani male film actors

Category:Pakistani film producers

Category:Pakistani electronic musicians

Category:Pakistani playback singers

Category:Pakistani folk singers

Category:Pakistani male models

Category:21st-century Pakistani male singers

Category:21st-century Pakistani singers

Category:Pakistani pop singers

Category:Pakistani male singer-songwriters

Category:Pakistani singer-songwriters

Category:Performers of Sufi music

Category:Punjabi-language singers

Category:Government College University, Lahore alumni

Category:Urdu-language singers

Category:Urdu playback singers

Category:Pakistani male television actors

Category:Musicians from Lahore

Category:Beaconhouse School System alumni

Category:Male actors in Urdu cinema

Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema

Category:Bollywood playback singers

Category:Recipients of the Pride of Performance