TV Actor & Model

Despite being known as the son of Rahat Kazmi and Sahira Kazmi, Ali is very much his own person, and a very crazy (in a good way) one at that. He is very down-to-earth and is a complete joker who swings from one place to another at a constant pace, and that is lightening speed!
VJ/model/actor/singer – all packaged in one, Ali Kazmi is a comic and entertainer at heart. This 24-year-old definitely likes to go with the flow but as he's growing up, he is trying to be responsible. Lounging on his drawing room sofa – which is surrounded by pictures of the Kazmi family, a CD rack on both ends of the room, paintings and small artifacts and ashtrays – Ali is polite enough to ask if his dog can be let in. They're both family dogs (Coco and Michkin). He prefers them to cats. "I love dogs. I have nothing against cats. These days, a lot of guys have cats because cats have attitude you know so they think it's cool or something."

Are you an aspiring musician?
I sing for the heck of it, when I jam with friends. It's always been a fun thing for me. I love singing and I love music. My father loves classical music and my mom loves old folk songs and old rock, so I've grown up with a lot of musical influences. Everybody is a bathroom singer, na? I play a bit of the guitar, self taught. If I ever have the platform I just do it. I'm not releasing an album though.

Did you always want to be an actor?
I always knew that I wanted to do some form of acting. But as a kid I wanted to be an engineer. I had science subjects in 'A' Levels but then I realised that it was boring. Acting is my passion.

Being the son of Rahat Kazmi and Sahira Kazmi must have its advantages.
It has its advantages. I have had great tutoring from my parents. One of the biggest things an actor does is observing; observing different people react differently to every situation, every emotion and everything around them. How shy people get angry and how commanding and forceful people get angry. They're both very different from each other. My parents have taught me that. When I went into the industry, I wasn't a stranger to it. A lot of people still don't know what the fundamentals are. They don't possess that knowledge so I have had that advantage.

Any downside to being known as their son?
Well, shuru mein, main kisi ko apna naam nahie bata tha. In the early days people used to say, "You look a lot like Mr Kazmi. Have you ever met him? I was like 'uh... yes, no' and then somebody would come and say he's joking. There is a lot of pressure because I have two successful parents who have made it in this field even though it was a different time with only one channel and less competition but still it was huge and still is. So the pressure is to succeed and not become just another actor. I have to be at par with them. Then, there is always that thing in people's mind that he got the part because he's Rahat and Sahira Kazmi's kid. But I have enough talent, so I'm not worried.

What was your first acting job like?
My first major acting job was in a long play called Zikar Hai Kai Saal Ka. My mom directed it and my dad was in it. I was 14-15 years old. That was a lot of pressure. But it went through with flying colours. Mashallah everybody loved it and thought that I was good.

Have you ever done theatre?
Yes, I've also done a lot of theatre. Back in my school and college days I used to be part of the drama club. I've even co-directed plays at school.

Do you prefer television acting or theatre?
Television acting is more fulfilling at the end of the day because your work is out there on record. It's also more lucrative. It makes you feel that you've achieved something because I pay for everything myself (including my college tuition fees) now so it's important that way. Plus, media is booming these days. Everybody is on television and/or watching it so it's easier to reach more people. I want to make people happy and appreciate good television. The one thing I don't enjoy watching or do is soaps.

Why not?
Because honestly, we're trying to copy the Indians too much. I once watched this Indian soap on some channel. There was this woman who was supposed to be an evil bitch and she comes in a room five times, totally decked up, with ten zooms on her face and then this cat like 'vaaaaan' is played. I was like that's not a play man, that's crap. It's too overdone and I don't like that. Drama should be more close to life. But theatre is also my love. You get your response right there. You get butterflies in your stomach every time. It's fun and exhilarating

How is it working with your parents?
If my mom is working with me as opposed to someone else, she'd keep on a tighter rope, give me more daant. My dad is also critical about what I do. Sometimes he would say, "Son, what are you doing?" And at the same time, tell me how to do it right and guide me.

You're also studying as well as working? Have the two ever clashed and is it easy?
Sometimes it's tough. When I have exams, I don't work as much or take a week or two away from work so I can go to class and have a regular schedule. I will hopefully graduate this year. It's a BBA in Marketing degree.

Why marketing?
I think it's a great field to be in. It's a challenge. I'm a people person, you know. I enjoy meeting people and exchanging fresh ideas.

Any Message?
I would like to give a message to everybody out there. Just enjoy life, keep smiling and seriously if you ever fall off the horse of life, always get up and ride of into the sunset. And I want to give a shout to all my friends, family and Nani and to my special someone out there. Take care and I love you all.

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