Imtiaz Ali, the renowned Indian filmmaker, has carved a niche for himself with his distinct storytelling, often revolving around themes of love, self-discovery, and the human condition. Despite creating some of Bollywood's most memorable romantic films, Imtiaz has consistently shared his complex and often contradictory feelings about love. On his birthday, we revisit five times when Imtiaz Ali made poignant statements on love that offer a glimpse into his intricate perspective.
1. The Complexity of Love
Imtiaz Ali's films like Rockstar, Tamasha, and Jab We Met have explored the multifaceted nature of love. In an interview with Hindustan Times, he confessed that he doesn't fully understand what love means. Despite this, his movies delve deeply into the emotional landscapes of his characters, portraying love in its many forms. He once remarked, "I don’t use the word love in my personal life or movies," indicating his struggle with the term despite his cinematic focus on it.
2. The Ever-Changing Nature of Love
In a 2009 interview, Imtiaz told Hindustan Times that he didn't consider his films to be romantic. He elaborated that his understanding of love has evolved over time. "When I was young, I thought love was constant and unchanging," he said. "But as I grew older, I realized that love has many aspects. What is love for one person might not be the same for another, and love at one point for someone may change at a later time for another." This insight is reflected in the dynamic and evolving relationships portrayed in his films.
3. The Absence of Love Stories in His Life
While promoting "Highway" in 2013, Imtiaz told PTI that the 'absence of love' in his life drives him to create unconventional love stories. At that time, he was separated from his wife Preety and dating actor Iman Ali. He quipped, "The absence of love stories in my life." This personal void has inspired him to explore love through different lenses in his films, from the Stockholm syndrome-themed "Highway" to the transformative journey in "Tamasha."
4. Feeling Guilty About His Fascination with Love
In a 2015 interview with Open Magazine, Imtiaz admitted to being "obsessed" with love, despite his complex feelings about it. He revealed that as a young boy, he was very eager to get on with the first girl he liked and felt guilty about it. "I’ve always been fascinated by women. Perhaps because I grew up in a household with no sisters, I’ve always felt like women are special. They are not regular and ordinary like us." This fascination with women and love translates into his deep, character-driven narratives in his films.
5. The Universe Moves Because of Love
While promoting Love Aaj Kal 2 in 2020, Imtiaz spoke about love at the trailer launch, saying, "I don’t know what the relevance of love is, but I feel everything in the universe somehow moves because of it. I feel that if a man and a woman are in love, it is through their love that the universe is moving around." This philosophical take highlights his belief in the fundamental power of love, even though he remains uncertain about its true meaning.
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