New Kid on the Block Aqib Afzal is the latest wanna shine, biten by the Bollywood bug making his debut with 'Let's Dance'
BY NISHA SAHDEV | MAY 27, 2009
With the body of a Greek god and looks that undoubtedly turn heads, there is no doubt this face is one to watch out for. Young, determined and possessing a aura clearly indicates this boy is born for stardom.
"After six months of hard slogging and crazy working hours I can't wait to see myself on the big screen" quips Aqib. Having been in Mumbai for a year now filming for his forthcoming film. Aqib Afzaal, Nottingham based cricketer and brother of Usmaan Afzaal (ex-boyfriend of Amrita Arora) is all set to make his debut in Bollywood with Arif Sheikh's 'Lets Dance'. Aqib plays R.J a rich music director "The role was narrated to me and I could see myself as R.J that's why I said yes. R.J is a money minded but a nice guy. Though he has some shady sides to him".
Initially arriving in town to see his brother, Aqib was immediately bitten by the Bollywood bug during his visit to Mumbai "It was about being at the right place at the right time. I got spotted by Wendell Rodricks who is a huge designer in India and the next thing I knew I was walking the ramp at Lakme Fashion week. After being seen on the ramp I was getting a lot of modeling offers and the rest is history. When I went to India I was hanging out with Amrita Arora my brothers' girlfriend at the time and the Khans. I definitely learned that if you know the right people it helps a lot. Amrita has helped me a lot she has advised on what to do, how to do it and she is the one who taught me how the industry works. I was lucky to have these people around me because Bollywood isn't the easiest industry to work in". Aqib has recently gone on to sign a five film deal with big production house Tips, and he's already beginning preparation for his second film.
With a fixed focus in his career Aqib defintiely knows what he wants and doesn't want to be a mediocre actor from "London". "It's a hard slog being a actor it's not all about parties and photo shoots. A typical day of filming is about 14 hours a day in the heat and it isn't easy. You have costume changes, re takes, dialogue perfection it's all very complicated. Now I appreciate every movie I watch because I know how much time has gone in to it. On the plus side I was treated like a king. I had guys holding umbrellas over my head and saying "Saabji Saabji" all the time. It was a fantastic experience and it is very hard to keep grounded when they put you on such a pedestal. I don't think I am one to get big headed after a few films. When I pray my 'namaaz' I remember who I am and what I am doing this for. Stardom is great but then I am working hard to get a name in the industry".
Having had a pretty conventional upbringing in Nottingham and studying for a year at Loughborough University, Aqib has grown up and matured since the move to Mumbai. "I keep pinching myself thinking what am I doing here. To me Mumbai is home now. One day I will buy my house and settle there. It was a struggle at first to get to grips with the Mumbai ways. The people are so different, they think different, they act different. You can't get fish and chips in India and that I found it hard to deal with! I was the youngest in my family and spoilt. When I got to Mumbai I had to live alone, feed myself and get 'rickshaws' to meetings. Back home I had my car, gorged on my favourite foods and cricket was my main passion".
Before leaving for Mumbai the Nottingham actor and his brother Usmaan had set up a national cricket academy to get kids off the streets. The academy proved to be a huge success until both brothers got busy in their careers and the academy closed down after six months. "The academy was a great achievement for me and my brother, we really did help those kids who used to hang on roadsides and they all became passionate about Cricket. Despite everything I'm still passionate about cricket. Cricket will always be a apart of me I saw my brother play when I was younger and naturally I looked up to him and wanted to follow his footsteps".
Looks aren't the only quality the 'Let's Dance' actor possesses, he has dubbed his own voice in his forthcoming film. A very rare occasion for a non residential Indian, considering the likes of Katrina Kaif haven't yet fully dubbed their movies. "I'm using my own voice in the movie and I'm really glad. I think it's so important for British actors to do this. Luckily my family always spoke Urdu at home and I just took a three month course prior to shooting to perfect my diction. Some of the actors don't even know how to speak Hindi but still get roles in films. I don't think this is fair or right to those that have the acting ability".
Since walking the ramp at fashion week, Aqib's life has turned upside and down with a female fans following growing over time. "The female attention is always something that keeps you on your toes. It's nice to have female's appreciating your work. Right now the whole focus is my first film release so I don't have much time to think about women. Coping with the girls is not a difficult job, I guess someone has to do it, so let it be me".
With youth on his side and the detemination to work hard, Aqib isn't phased by being thrust into the limelight. Though how long can he hold the attention of a industry notoriously known for being immesnsely 'fickle'...only time will tell.
