If trains are not part of a story in a Bollywood movie, then it is often part of a song in a film, with many songs written either about trains or performed on a train as a setting. For tourists visiting India, often their fancied mode of transportation (for these Bollywood reasons and many more) becomes travelling on a train. For Ali Zafar, Mumbai trains are attractive too! but for maintaining a work ethic.
According to a report in Hindustan Times, Ali Zafar had to reach an award function after his scheduled shooting. For making it on time, he used a local train instead of his own car. One of his cast members said:
“He knew that reaching Andheri would be very difficult by car. So, he boarded a train from Churchgate station.”
In order not to be recognized he hid himself behind a monkey cap and a shawl appearing as a local person amidst the crowd. An insider said:
“He knew that if someone recognised him, it would lead to problems, since he was traveling sans security. And thanks to the train trip, he reached in time.”
Since he was to arrive at the function along with his co-star of London, Paris, New York, Aditi Rao was also with him on the same train, but in the ladies compartment. So they both disguised themselves and boarded the local Mumbai train to reach on time.
About his experience of the incident, Ali Zafar said:
“I don’t know why, but I just instinctively decided to travel in the local train and experience this side of Mumbai. Since my friends had warned of huge crowds during rush hour, I was forced to hide my face. But it was fun travelling by train. It felt real and helped me connect with the city’s energy. I would love to do it again.”
