In the glittering world of Indian cinema, where numerous aspirants vie for a shot at making it big, few stories are as captivating as that of Imtiaz Ali. An established director today, Imtiaz’s journey began with an unexpected and humorous encounter with the celebrated filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.
Imtiaz Ali initially stepped into the entertainment industry through the small screen, directing television programs such as “Kurukshetra” for Zee TV and “Imtihaan” for Doordarshan. His transition to the silver screen came with the release of “Socha Na Tha” in 2005, a romantic comedy featuring Abhay Deol and Ayesha Takia. However, before this notable debut, there was an opportunity with Mahesh Bhatt that never came to fruition.
During an engaging conversation on Mid-day’s “Sit With Hitlist,” Imtiaz revealed a lesser-known chapter of his career. “Mahesh Bhatt was the first guy who asked me to make a film,” Imtiaz recounted. At the time, he was already working in television. One day, while collaborating with Manoj Bajpayee on “Imtihaan” in 1994, Manoj played a pivotal role by mentioning Imtiaz to Bhatt Saab due to their professional association. Intrigued by Imtiaz’s directorial style, Bhatt decided to call him in for a meeting.
Imtiaz recalled, “I went to Vishesh Films and found a room brimming with people. It took me ten minutes to muster the courage to enter because the room was filled with Bhatt Saab’s team, and he sat like a God man talking about various subjects. He was thoroughly enjoying himself as he planned to retire as a director.”
The moment of truth came with some difficulty for Imtiaz, as he courageously stepped into the room. Bhatt, in his characteristic brisk manner, initiated the conversation without much ado. “Oh come in, you are Imtiaz? I saw… this scene was good, that scene was not so good… blah-blah-blah… you are directing my next film… Now you can go because I have no time for you,” Bhatt declared, much to Imtiaz’s bewilderment.
Nervous and unsure of what transpired, Imtiaz retreated from the room and immediately rushed to a nearby PCO (Public Call Office). He recounted, “I put in a coin and called him,” feeling the need to clarify the bewildering interaction. Imtiaz continued, “I said, ‘Hello, excuse me, this is Imtiaz, Bhatt Saab I didn’t understand what you said.
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The conversation that followed was revealing of Bhatt’s enigmatic yet warm demeanor. With a hearty laugh, Bhatt responded, “‘Ha ha ha bete, aise hi hota hai. Now you come tomorrow morning at so-and-so place and we will talk.'” This led to several discussions about a potential film project, a story involving two musicians. However, despite the initial excitement, the collaboration with Vishesh Films never materialized.
Reflecting on this chapter of his life, Imtiaz noted, “Ultimately, something else happened and I made films elsewhere. But I have been in touch with him all this time. I keep in touch with him because he is a very warm and intelligent person. He is not scared of listening to any thought or being open to any idea, which is admirable about him.”
Years later, Imtiaz Ali would cross paths with the next generation of the Bhatt family. In a twist of fate, he offered Alia Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt’s daughter, the script for “Highway.” However, Alia exhibited a familiar hesitancy, mirroring her father’s initial skepticism when he first encountered Imtiaz. Unsure about her ability to take on the role, Alia’s apprehension had echoes of the past encounter between Imtiaz and her father.
Imtiaz’s journey in the film industry stands as a testament to the unpredictable and often serendipitous nature of showbiz. From his anxious first meeting with Mahesh Bhatt to directing his acclaimed films, including “Jab We Met,” “Love Aaj Kal,” and “Tamasha,” Imtiaz has carved out a niche as a storyteller with a unique vision.
Thus, the narrative of Imtiaz Ali’s career is not just about the films he has made but also about the influential figures he has encountered. His story underscores the importance of perseverance, the willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities, and the value of maintaining meaningful professional relationships in the ever-evolving world of cinema.
As the industry continues to celebrate the contributions of filmmakers like Imtiaz Ali and Mahesh Bhatt, it’s evident that their legacies are intertwined through moments of serendipity, collaboration, and the mutual respect they share for the art of storytelling.
