New Delhi
Imtiaz Ali is known for making films that bring together people from diverse backgrounds through their use of music, story, and overall themes. "Jab We Met," "Rockstar," "Tamasha," "Love Aaj Kal," and "Chamkila" have all succeeded in doing so.
Some time ago, Imtiaz Ali was asked about his Muslim identity and whether he ever faced any difficulties working in Bollywood because of it. This interview took place in 2019, where the director was asked, "Is it difficult these days for someone named Imtiaz Ali or Khan to work in the film industry?"
In response, Imtiaz Ali said, "Are you saying that I face difficulties because of my name? Because of my religion? Absolutely not." When asked about Karan Johar's "My Name is Khan" and its significance, Imtiaz Ali said, "My Name is Khan is a very good film on an important subject. That film was for the whole world, not just the Hindi film industry. Just as a country suffers because of a few bad people, the same happens with religions.”
He then added, “I have lived in many cities. I have never felt this way in the country or in this industry. The Constitution gives everyone the freedom to express their personal beliefs, and I have never felt that I am in any kind of danger.” The filmmaker refused to feel like some film stars who spoke about rising intolerance at that time. Imtiaz Ali said, “A kind of tension can be felt all over the world. I believe this time will also pass. We just need to stand our ground.”
Later, when the filmmaker was asked if he could continue working while 'ignoring' his Muslim identity, he took an even firmer stance. On this, Imtiaz Ali said, “I cannot ignore that I am from Jamshedpur. I cannot ignore that I studied at Hindu College. I cannot ignore that I live in Mumbai. There are many things I cannot ignore. And why should I ignore any of them? I am not ashamed. I can continue working in this industry, fully aware of every aspect of my identity.”
On the professional front, Imtiaz Ali has recently directed, written, and produced "Amar Singh Chamkila," starring Diljit Dosanjh, which is streaming globally on Netflix.
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