From being a shy kid at school to making portraits and now to making music, it's indeed been a big leap for this Arts student from the National College of Arts, Lahore. He is also a popular actor back in Pakistan who's first shot at fame was a play.

The singer-actor was in town as a part of ‘The Musical Gala Evening 2005’ in Dubai and performed alongside other artists like Abrar-ul-Haq, Aamir Jamal and Ahmed Jhanzeb.

And Zafar's performance was the most awaited of the evening and the last one too. Security guards had a tough time, fighting-off female fans, trying to get autographs or even to catch a glimpse of the artists. “I got him (Ali Zafar) to autograph my shirt. This is so huge," said Nita, an excited fan.

Zafar's song of the evening was the controversial “Channo ki aankh main ik nasha hai”, a disco number still hanging around the charts after well over a year. This is Zafar's fifth appearance in Dubai and the response to the show was more than what the organisers had expected. “We always knew this show was big, but I had no idea, it'd be this massive,” said operations in-charge, Adnan Iqbal. City Times got backstage to interview Ali Zafar moments before his spectacular performance.

So how did it all start for Ali Zafar?

I started my singing career when I was 16 with a heavy metal band. Then later while I was studying in college, I started practicing and joined the Nazeer Ahmed Music Society, and later got into the National College of Arts music society. My Ustad Israr Chishti helped groom me and train me in music. I've been a student of Farida Khanam as well.

Tell us something about your upcoming album.

There's going to be a lot of variation in the album. I can't mention many specifics related to it... I'll just say that this album will have a lot more variation from ‘Huqa Pani’ with some Ghazals and some semi-classics too.

How was your life as an underground artist? How has the underground scene evolved in Pakistan?

Being there was very depressing. The kind of music you get to play there is mostly copied western songs. Whereas, I just wanted to do my own stuff, make my own music. Underground bands are really good these days. They have a lot of media exposure and they have the opportunity to literally function just like the mainstream artists project their songs. The internet, the TV channels are all at your service. In fact there are new music channels popping up in Pakistan every now and then. People are getting choices and they are more aware.

Have you had an unforgettable performance so far?

Something which has a special place in my life was my first performance after the album release in Lahore. This was in November 2003. It was a solo show and people could only come as couples and invitees. Even though you don't find too many couples coming for the shows in Lahore, there were about 5000 people there. It was a dream come true for me. I've always wanted to sing for thousands of people.

Where do you enjoy performing, in Pakistan or outside.

Wherever I've performed, mostly the audience were Pakistanis and Indians. I'd have to say, it's a lot more fun out of the country, because in Pakistan we're accessible to the public there and they are accessible to us. When we go abroad, people are dying to get in touch with you and it makes things a lot more fun for the performer.

Your videos are extremely interesting, how do you go making them?

...Entertainment itself is a big concept for my videos. I don't believe in making horrific getups, blood dripping from your face and all those other crazy things. Just try to entertain our fans.

So who is your favourite artist?

There can't be anyone better than Mehdi Hassan. Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan has probably the largest contribution in the field of music for Pakistan...Other than that, there's Iqbal Bano, Farida Khanum and Ghulam Ali. Internationally, I love U2 and Led Zeppelin. From recent ones there's Linkin Park, Evanescence, Dido. REM...so many of them.

What do you think about new music promotion websites?

They're doing a phenomenal job. The forums they run are a great resource for feedback.

Run into any hindrances while making music?

There used to be that in Pakistan before. Now the environment is very conducive for a rising artist. I feel everyone from around the world, should be in Lahore during the ‘Basant festival’. The city is so festive. There are parties and concerts happening everywhere all over the country. It really tells you about the environment there these days.

So why aren't we hearing more about Ali Zafar, the actor?

I personally feel that I'm not really a great actor. I can contribute more as a musician. Then there are other factors like I've not really been offered anything attractive and interesting yet.

What are your future plans, both on the professional and personal front?

I'm going to stay extremely focused on my upcoming album. Composition is all done, so we'll get down to recording the album. As far as my personal life goes, I have no plans of getting married right now, if that's what you're asking.

A message for Dubai?