Apart from acting he has also worked as a host, director, producer and model.[1]
Early life and career
Kazmi was born to the actor Rahat Kazmi and Sahira Kazmi (née Ansari), a well-known TV director, producer and actress[2] who's herself the daughter of the late Indian film actor Shyam,[3] on 31 October 1981 in Karachi, Pakistan. He began his career as a child actor in 1995 TV series Zikr Hai Kai Saal Ka on PTV Home and then continued playing supporting or minor roles in television which includes Manzil (2006).[4] After completing his studies from Karachi, he moved to Canada and began acting and modeling there by appearing in TV series, commercials and plays. He also worked at China Syndrome Productions as a director and producer. One of his initial major roles was as a villain in the film The Dependables (2014). He also played a negative role in Mehreen Jabbar's Jackson Heights which gave him more popularity in Pakistan.[5]
He also appeared in Liam Neeson's short-lived TV series Taken (2016). "I play Marzoki, a fast talking, sharp, quirky analyst", said Kazmi in an interview regarding Taken.[9][10] He appeared in Mehreen Jabbar's Dobara Phir Se (2016) and the animated film The Breadwinner (2017) produced by Angelina Jolie.[11]
Ali was also signed to appear in Ajay Devgan's Shivaay. But due to not getting permission to shoot in Canada where Kazmi is based, some changes were made in the script and his role was removed.[12][13] He is currently playing the role of Abid in Tu Ishq Hai.[14]
Kazmi's project Umro Ayyar-A New Beginning was expected to be released in 2022, but ultimately released in 2024, directed by Azfar Jafri under the banner of VR Chili Production. Umro Ayyar is an action thriller movie based on the revival of Persian legend of 90's.
Kazmi married his high school sweetheart Alizeh Khorasanee, whom he knew since the age of 12. They married in Karachi and settled in Toronto. They have two sons.[15]
^Zehra, Syeda (19 June 2015). Rahman, Mir Javed; Hussain, Muhammad Rahat (eds.). "Ali Kazmi – A Powerhouse of Talent". Mag The Weekly. Archived from the original on 26 June 2015. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
