Exclusive: Imtiaz Ali Opens Up on Love, Memories & Cinema!

Fresh from the success of Main Wapas Aunga, celebrated filmmaker Imtiaz Ali sat down for an exclusive conversation with Gulte Pro’s Ram Venkat Srikar. The director spoke about the emotional journey behind the film and the experiences that inspired its story.

Imtiaz revealed that his close relationship with his grandmother played a major role in shaping the film. He said memories, aging and the emotional bond between grandparents and grandchildren became the foundation of the narrative, making it deeply personal.

Speaking about his filmmaking process, Imtiaz admitted that stories often emerge naturally rather than through careful planning. He believes the best ideas arrive when a filmmaker is completely immersed in the creative process, allowing emotions to guide the writing.

The director also reflected on the responsibility of making films that connect with audiences. He stressed that meaningful cinema should remain accessible to everyone without becoming overly complex or disconnected from ordinary viewers.

According to Imtiaz, Music is never treated as an addition to his films. He explained that songs evolve along with the screenplay, with composers and lyricists becoming an integral part of the storytelling journey from the very beginning.

Sharing his thoughts on politically sensitive subjects, Imtiaz said his focus has always been on human emotions rather than taking sides. He believes stories should highlight the pain and struggles of people without turning into political statements.

Towards the end of the interaction, Imtiaz expressed interest in exploring stories set in Hyderabad and South India in the future. He said the region offers rich culture, language and emotions that deserve to be brought to the big screen, hinting at exciting possibilities ahead.