Ali Haider in Bollywood now!

The fact that I had been offered the main lead in the movie Osama which is supposedly a critical issue in this part of the world in itself is a good enough reason for (receiving) these threats. Sadly, without even knowing the exact scenario of the movie, people have come to the conclusion that I am actually playing the role of Osama Bin Laden which is absolutely wrong.”

Veteran pop star Ali Haider has been making waves with the release of his latest album Jaaney Do as well as working on a few Bollywood projects. Ali recently revealed that he is playing the lead for Faisal Saif’s upcoming movie, Osama. An exciting venture and off course, quite controversial, it has put the pop singer under serious criticism and anger from people at home as well as with Muslims in India. Images caught up with him in a very candid interview where he talks about the repercussions of signing up for Osama, other Bollywood offers in pipeline, his future plans and a lot more.

Rumour has it that you’ve been receiving threatening calls after you signed up for the film Osama? What could be the reasons behind these threats?

I am not sure about the threats but the calls are definitely mysterious. My family and I are very upset about them.

Living in Pakistan there shouldn’t be a reason for receiving threats. The fact that I had been offered the main lead in the movie Osama which is supposedly a critical issue in this part of the world in itself is a good enough reason for (receiving) these threats. Sadly, without even knowing the exact scenario of the movie, people have come to the conclusion that I am actually playing the role of Osama Bin Laden which is absolutely wrong.

When did you first receive the disturbing calls and how did you react to them?

I was in Mumbai to meet the director of the movie, Faisal Saif, when my family first received these threatening calls. As an immediate reaction, I rushed back home to find out what was exactly wrong. Upon my return, all my family members and friends, advised me to stay away from such a controversial matter which might result in some undesirable consequences. Till that moment I had not refused the offer and decided to read the complete script.

I went to Mumbai again to read the final script and realised that the storyline wasn’t against either Muslims or Hindus. Hence I signed the contract and returned.

Upon my arrival to Karachi, I was shocked to find out that the people here and as well as Muslims from India had serious issues related to a Muslim guy to play the role of Osama Bin Laden.

So what is the story of the movie exactly?

As I have to abide by my contract, I can’t exactly tell you the complete story but the theme of the film revolves around a Kashmiri Boy whose name is Osama. It is a musical love story which starts from Kashmir, goes to Afghanistan and to the World Trade Centre.

How do you plan to deal with this situation now?

As mentioned earlier, my contract restricts me from exposing the complete story of the film, the only way out was to back out of the contract, which I have already done.

Don’t you think the banner under which the movie was being produced will not appreciate this breach of the contract from your side?

Naturally they are very upset but they understand the situation I am in. And since the director of the movie Faisal Saif is a huge fan of my music, it was easy for me to convince him.

However, they have now requested me to give a guest appearance in the movie as myself, Ali Haider. The situation of the role is that the lead character Osama is a huge fan of Ali Haider and encounters him at an airport in Belgium. According to the script, Ali Haider helps Osama in a serious matter he gets caught up in.

What would be your next step?

I am still receiving stupid calls from unidentified people. These threating calls have forced me to ponder seriously on this issue. I have decided not to indulge myself in any such project that risks my peace of mind and family’s safety.

Although, being a very important subject, I wanted to go ahead with the project because I was convinced that by doing this film I could do some justice to portray the true image of Pakistanis and Muslim on an international platform. But unfortunately, if our government couldn’t save the lives of national leaders, then who will guarantee the security of myself and my family?

Do you have any other Bollywood offers in pipeline?

I have been offered a role by E. Niwas (Shool & My Name is Anthony fame) for his upcoming film. It is a romantic story and features a cast from India (Vidya Balan and Akshay Kumar) as well as from Pakistan. Mr. Niwas is going to visit Pakistan next month to show me the script and if the role is strong enough, I’d love to do it.

Another project in India is a video of Purani Jeans directed by two very important Indian directors namely Raju Subraminum (Sajan fame) and Kunal Kohli (Hum Tum, Fanaa). It will be a complete new look from what I sported in Janey Do and I am sure my fans will love it.

Rumour has it that you’re working with Saqib Malik in a featured film of his?

I definitely have an offer from Saqib Malik because the story that he is working on was penned by me. Saqib is an excellent director and I have full faith in his abilities. It would be too early to say anything about the project so let it gain the momentum and both of us will speak out.

Are you planning to release the album across the border?

The response of the new album is amazing. I am releasing the album in India and Middle East on Valentines Day, following its release in UK, USA and of course Pakistan.