Ali Zafar takes on gangster role in ‘Gangs of Khorasan’

Pakistani actor and singer Ali Zafar is set to explore a darker role in the upcoming web series Gangs of Khorasan, playing a mysterious gangster named Bostan Khan in a departure from the romantic characters audiences have traditionally associated with him.

“I’ve waited for a character that would take me far from my comfort zone. Out of all the scripts I read, Bostan Khan was the one that dared me. And I don’t walk away from a dare,” Zafar told The Express Tribune.

The actor recently offered fans a glimpse of his new look on social media, sporting a rugged appearance, thick moustache and distinctive glasses.

He also introduced the character with a bold message: “Warned you not to mess with me. My world. My rules. I AM BOSTAAN KHAN!”

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Zafar described Gangs of Khorasan as a mafia-themed web series and called it the first of its kind in Pakistan.

The project will see him move away from the lighter and romantic roles that have defined much of his acting career.

His return to screen acting comes after a relatively long gap. Zafar’s last major live-action lead role in a film was Teefa in Trouble (2018), opposite Maya Ali.

The film was also his debut as a writer and producer and achieved commercial success.

He later lent his voice to the animated film Allahyar and the 100 Flowers of God (2023).

The upcoming series also features Feroze Khan, Humaima Malick, Sonya Hussyn and Syed Jibran.

Feroze Khan is known for television dramas including Khaani, Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3 and Akhara.

Humaima Malick gained recognition through Shoaib Mansoor’s Bol (2011) and later appeared in Pakistani and Bollywood productions, including The Legend of Maula Jatt.

Sonya Hussyn has appeared in dramas such as Aisi Hai Tanhai, Ishq Zahe Naseeb and Deemak, while Syed Jibran is known for projects including Chup Raho, Neem and Pagal Khana.

Produced by Anas Ali, with direction associated with Hamza Ansari, the series centres on organised crime. Further details about its storyline and individual characters have not yet been disclosed.

Zafar began his career on Pakistani television before gaining popularity as a musician.

His breakthrough came with the song “Channo” from his debut album Huqa Pani (2003), which reportedly sold more than five million copies worldwide.

He made his Bollywood acting debut with the 2010 satire Tere Bin Laden, earning critical appreciation and several award nominations.

He later appeared in films including Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Chashme Baddoor and Dear Zindagi.

Alongside his work in music and acting, Zafar has performed at concerts and stage shows and participated in humanitarian activities.

He received the Pride of Performance award on March 23, 2021, for his contributions to arts and music.

With Bostan Khan, Zafar is taking on a character that challenges his established screen image and marks his return to acting in a web series.