Imtiaz Ali, a renowned Bollywood filmmaker, shared his transformative experience with the Bhagavad Gita during the International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra. His journey began at the age of 13 when his father encouraged him to travel alone by train. This experience proved life-changing for the director. During one of his travels, Ali purchased a thin Bhakti Vedanta Bhagavad Gita from a railway platform bookstall. What started as a casual purchase became a daily ritual. He would read passages every night, experiencing a sense of calm that profoundly impacted his thinking and spiritual perspective.
Roots of Serenity
Growing up in Jamshedpur’s Flamingo Colony, Ali was exposed to a rich cultural tapestry. His neighbourhood included families from Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and a Parsee family. This diverse environment shaped his observant nature and understanding of different cultures. His maternal great-grandfather, Hameed Hasansahab, a communist scholar known for his kindness and knowledge, significantly influenced Ali’s worldview. The filmmaker credits his calmness to this multicultural upbringing and the wisdom of his elders.
Love and Creativity in Cinema
Throughout his 30-year career, Ali has explored love in its various dimensions through his films. From “Socha Na Tha” to “Rockstar” and “Amar Singh Chamkila,” his work delves into different stages of love – from unconscious attraction to spiritual connection. Ali believes that true understanding comes from accepting one’s limitations. “Maybe when I started writing, I had accepted that I don’t know,” he reflects. This humility has been central to his creative process. Currently, he is working on a project called “Healers” with music maestro A R Rahman, exploring the message of love through Sufi saints. Regarding the allegations of religious bias in the film industry, Ali maintains a neutral stance, focusing on his personal integrity and creative vision. His name Imtiaz, meaning eminence and honour, truly resonates with his intellectual and spiritual approach to filmmaking and life.
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