For years, a common narrative around Bollywood has suggested that the film industry is a cold, cutthroat, and unsupportive environment. However, Imtiaz Ali pushed back against this perception, citing the genuine warmth he has experienced within the fraternity as evidence to the contrary. His recent comments follow a supportive gesture from Alia Bhatt, who promoted his upcoming film, Main Vaapas Aaunga.
Imtiaz Ali and Alia Bhatt have a shared history, having previously collaborated on the 2014 film Highway, which is widely considered a career-defining project for the actress. Recently, Alia created a social media reel featuring a song from Imtiaz’s latest project. He found this act of support both spontaneous and meaningful.
Speaking about the industry’s culture in an interview with the Free Press Journal, Imtiaz addressed the negative stereotypes directly, “Itne hum log mean hai hie nahi (We are not actually that mean). Look at what she has done. She had no reason to do it. It’s not like she simply forwarded something. She genuinely did something because she felt like it.”
For Imtiaz, this instance is not an isolated case but rather a reflection of the industry’s true nature. He shared, “All of us are part of this surrogate family situation. We are all drifters and dreamers who want to make great films, want our films to succeed, and also want others to thrive and prosper. We want to show love to each other as well. What Alia has done is actually representative of how the film industry really is. There is a lot of love that people have for one another.”
This culture of support extends beyond just Alia. Sharvari, who stars in Main Vaapas Aaunga, also mentioned that Alia had supported her throughout the shoot, remaining available for guidance and calls even while she was working abroad.
Main Vaapas Aaunga, which is set against the backdrop of the Partition era, marks Imtiaz’s second collaboration with Diljit Dosanjh after their work on Amar Singh Chamkila. The film also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari, and Vedang Raina. It will release in cinemas on June 12.
Also Read: Imtiaz Ali Compares Vedang Raina’s Acting in Main Vaapas Aaunga to Alia Bhatt’s Highway Performance
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