Pakistani singer Ali Zafar serious about Bollywood

Ali Zafar plays Imran Khan's brother in Yash Raj Films' Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. And that's not all. The Pakistani actor-singer who became popular with Tere Bin Laden, has got himself a business manager in Mumbai. He will spend some time in the city. His wife and baby will join him soon and stay on till November.

"After that, I return to Pakistan for a charity concert in aid of flood victims with performances by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ali Azmat and (Azmat's band) Junoon along side me. But I am very serious about pursuing an acting career in Mumbai, " he admits.

Zafar began shooting last week for Mere Brother Ki Dulhan at Pataudi. Apparently, he agreed to be part of the project only because his role was modified to suit his pop icon stature.

According to sources, when the part was to be played by Riteish Deshmukh, it wasn't as pivotal as the leads played by Khan and Katrina Kaif. When Zafar flew down to Mumbai to discuss his role he "suggested" that the character be modified, thereby turning the film into a full-fledged love triangle.

Apparently, he has also made it clear that he should be as prominently featured in the hoardings, posters and trailers, as his co-stars.

Speaking from Delhi, he says, "An actor always brings his own sensibilities into a project. So yes, the role has been fine-tuned to suit my personality. And there's an understanding between the producers and me about the way I'll be presented. It's all been amicable."

Zafar is clearly determined to not repeat the mistakes of other Pakistani actors who fizzled out after their Bollywood debuts.