Renowned filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has recently been lauded for his eloquent response to an identity-based question posed during a media interaction. Ali, whose directorial ventures like ‘Jab We Met’, ‘Tamasha’, and ‘Rockstar’ have left indelible marks in the annals of Hindi cinema, gracefully addressed a query about working in the film industry while being conscious of his Muslim heritage.
The interaction occurred on the platform of Aaj Tak, a popular news channel, where Ali found himself before an audience, navigating the currents of personal identity and professional life. A news anchor put it to him directly, “Aap Muslim hai ye bhulkar aap ye industry mai kaam kar sakte hai?” which translates to “Can you work in this industry forgetting your Muslim identity?”
Ali’s composed and thoughtful answer to the seemingly provocative question resonated with many. He underscored the innumerable facets that make up an individual’s identity, which are impossible and unnecessary to forget. “Mai ye bhi nahi bhul sakta ki mai Jamshedpur ka hoon, mai ye bhi nahi bhul skata ki mai Hindu college ka hoon, mai ye bhi nahi bhool sakta ki mai Bombay mai rehta hu. Mai bahut saare cheezein nahi bhool sakta aur mujhe bhoolne ki zarurat kya hai. Mujhe kisi bhi cheez par koi afsoos ya shame nahi hai. Toh mujhe bhoolne ki zaroorat hi nahi. Mai sab kuch yaad karke ye film industry mai kaam kar sakta hoon,” Ali passionately articulated. This heartfelt expression translates to, “I cannot forget that I am from Jamshedpur, or the fact that I am from Hindu college. I cannot even forget that I live in Bombay. There are many things that I can’t forget and I see no need to forget them. I have no regrets or shame about anything, so there’s no need for me to forget. I can work in this industry, keeping all those things in mind.”
This exchange illustrates not just Ali’s unwavering self-awareness but also highlights the importance of embracing one’s identity in any field, including the dynamic realm of the Indian film industry.
Beyond this impactful conversation, Imtiaz Ali has been in the news for his latest film, ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’, an evocative portrayal of the life and legacy of the eponymous Punjabi artist and his wife Amarjot Kaur. Chamkila’s music soared to popularity in the 1980s, and his life’s narrative brings with it the confluence of art and drama that cinema thrives upon.
In a candid conversation with IMDb for ‘On The Scene’, Ali divulged intriguing aspects of the film’s making. Discussing the casting process, Ali shared that the choice of having actor and musician Diljit Dosanjh play Chamkila was influenced by the belief that Dosanjh, being from the same region and a musician himself, would be familiar with Chamkila’s work. It was later found that Dosanjh had a pre-existing connection to Chamkila’s story, having previously worked on a film inspired by the artist’s life.
Taking a deep dive into the roots of Chamkila’s life, Ali discussed conducting extensive research, which included meeting Tikki, a friend and dholak player for Chamkila—a man described as mercurial and one who heavily influenced the artist.
When broached about his inclination towards casting artists as actors in his films, Imtiaz Ali reflected on the enigmatic appeal of such individuals. The lives of those who “don’t toe the line” and engage in actions that defy expectations make for a cinematic tapestry that is both rich and captivating.
Imtiaz Ali stands today not just as a successful filmmaker but also as a symbol of integrity and reflection within an industry often challenged by questions of identity and representation. His response serves as a reminder that art, in any form, thrives best when it remains true to the multifaceted nature of human existence—unchained by the need to forget one’s roots or cultural heritage.
