Ali Zafar

Ali Zafar PP (Urdu: علی ظفر; born 18 May 1980) is a Pakistani singer-songwriter, actor, model, producer, screenwriter and painter. He started out on Pakistani television before becoming a popular musician, later also established a career in Bollywood and his success led many Pakistani actors to venture into Hindi films. He has received five Lux Style Awards and a Filmfare Award nomination.

Zafar began his career as a composer and gained popularity with his single "Channo" from his debut album, Huqa Pani, which sold over five million copies worldwide. "Channo" turned out to be a huge success, topping many music charts and earned him several awards for Best Music Album and Artist. Zafar made his acting debut with a leading role in the 2010 Bollywood satire film Tere Bin Laden, a moderate box office success. His performance in the film garnered critical appreciation and earned him several nominations in the Best Male Debut category, including Filmfare. He then also worked in several films, including Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Chashme Baddoor, and Dear Zindagi.

Alongside his acting and singing career, Zafar participates in tours, concerts, and stage shows, is active in humanitarian work, and has a number of endorsement deals. In 2013, Zafar was voted as the "Sexiest Asian Man on the Planet", based on a worldwide poll by the British newspaper Eastern Eye.

On 23 March 2021, Ali Zafar was awarded the highest literary award, Pride of Performance, for his contribution in the field of arts and music. He received the award from President of Pakistan Arif Alvi at ceremony at the President House, Islamabad.

In 2025, Ali Zafar was banned on Instagram in India following the Pahalgam attack.

Ali Zafar was born on 18 May 1980 in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan into a Punjabi family. 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.

Zafar received his early education from C.A.A. Public School. He graduated from the Government College University, 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.