Wait, what? Ghazal singer Ghulam Ali to turn actor for Indian film Ghar Wapsi

Is ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali's latest career move an answer to the Shiv Sena?

The 75-year-old singer has faced great hostility from the Hindu extremist party in Maharashtra, whose protests and threats led to the cancellation of several of his concerts in India last year. Shiv Sena clearly sent the message that Ali and several other Pakistani artistes were not welcome in India.

In a twist to the Ghulam Ali vs Shiv Sena skirmish, the ghazal singer has announced the launch of his acting career – with an Indian film titled Ghar Wapsi (Homecoming).

According to The Hindustan Times, the film is being directed by a Suhaib Illyasi, who is perhaps best known as the host of the TV show India Most Wanted but has dabbled in filmmaking as well.

The film's title Ghar Wapsi alludes to controversial religious conversion practices organised by Indian Hindu organisations Vishva Hindu Parishad and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to bring back former Hindus to Hinduism. However, the director has said that his film will change the definition of ghar wapsi in the minds of the people, NDTV reports.

Ghulam Ali is not only acting in this film, but also singing an Indian patriotic song. The song's lyrics go like: 'Apni mitti ki khushboo hain rago mein yeh basi hai choomenge isko shaan se. Humko toh pyaara hain yeh watan, apni jaan se'.

He is currently dubbing scenes at a studio, and believes that he "can be a (professional) actor if (he) keeps on doing this for three to four more days." He also said that he agreed to act in the film for Illyasi whom he considers his 'younger brother'.

Ghar Wapsi also stars popular TV/film actors like Alok Nath, Farida Jalal and Reema Lagoo. Its soundtrack also features the likes of Sunidhi Chauhan, Sonu Nigam and Shaan.

Ghulam Ali also plans to attend the film's music launch on January 29 in Mumbai.

While Ghulam Ali hopes that the event will be hiccup-free, Ilyasi is confident that it will be so:

"I have been assured that nothing will happen. I'm sure that everything will be alright. I feel that lot of positivity will spread across Mumbai post this event," said Ilyasi, adding, "As far as I know, the prime ministers of both India and Pakistan are big fans of Ghulam Ali."

The director also said that he is "sure that the presence of Ghulam Ali in the film will bring a lot of positivity in the minds of many people. He possesses a very positive individuality and continues to rule the hearts and minds of fans."