Ali made his acting debut in Hindi films in 2010 with 'Tere Bin Laden', which was a hit. He was later seen in 'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan', 'London, Paris, New York' and 'Chashme Baddoor'.
"I think when my first film became a hit, people in Pakistan realised that it is possible to make it big in India. There is a misconception that every woman wears a 'hijab' and every man keeps a beard in Pakistan. I always think that nothing is impossible," Ali said.
Ali disagrees that the industry favours only children of stars and not outsiders.
"It has been an interesting journey for me. At times I wonder whether I am really acting in Hindi films. Considering that I didn't know anyone over here and more importantly, being from Pakistan there was nothing going in my favour. I could only bank on my sincerity, talent and my hard work and I guess I have been pretty successful in doing that," Ali said.
"I have a clause that I won't be kissing on screen. In 'London Paris New York', kissing was essential in the film and so they got a body double to do it. I obviously think about what people are going to feel like back home (Pakistan) and what they are going to think," he said.
"She (wife) is very understanding. She sometimes comes down and joins me while I am here for my shoots. She likes my films... She loved me in 'London Paris New York'. My family has always been supportive of my acting career here," he said.
His next is YRF's 'Kill Dill' alongside Ranveer Singh, Govinda and Parineeti Chopra which is scheduled to release on September 5 and apparently he will make a cameo appearance in the sequel to 'Tere Bin Laden'.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
