Ali Zafar, a Pakistani actor who appeared in a few Bollywood films, turns a new leaf by donning the hat of a filmmaker. The singer and actor turns a producer with his upcoming action drama titled Deosai.

A heart-throb of the new generation in Pakistan, Zafar had talked about his desire to venture into filmmaking for a while. He announced his upcoming project on his birthday recently.

Ali Zafar is the first Pakistani actor who started out in Bollywood with satirical Film Tere Bin Laden. He worked opposite Katrina Kaif in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and was recently seen in Kill Dil along with Ranveer Singh, Parineeti Chopra and Govinda.

Zafar had expressed the desire to incorporate his experience in Bollywood and make a film with a universal appeal.  Deosai will be set in the northern areas of Pakistan and will be shot in real locations to get an authentic feel. The film is set to go on floor by the end of summer 2015 and is scheduled to release in theatres internationally by the mid of 2016.

The film will be directed by Imran Babur, a prominent director of Pakistan, who has directed short films such as Kashmir, Without Shephard and Toba Tek Singh. Imran reportedly agreed to be on the board as he likes the concept. The plot, says Imran, is interesting and will offer him great scope for creativity.

Ali is excited to be associated with the film at a conceptualisation stage.

He hopes to discover the intricacies of various art forms which he grasped over the years. The film will deal with intricacies of relationships.

The reason of venturing into production is because Ali aims to revive Pakistani cinema. Having worked in Bollywood, Ali had thought of giving better recognition to Pakistani films.

“The revival of local cinema will help in economic growth,” said Ali, who waited for the right time to start his film. He believes that right content relevant for the local population is important to make a movie successful.  “I am happy with the way it has shaped up,” added Ali.

Deosai is a place in northern Pakistan, which is famous for its unexplored mountainous terrains.

The place nestles world’s second highest plateau and is known as the land of Giants. The film is set in the backdrop of the picturesque  location.

Ali and his crew are also on a look out to cast the female lead. Ali wants a suitable face to be cast opposite him.