"I don't like this whole thing of escapism, it's important to be in touch with past," says Imtiaz Ali on embracing nostalgia
By Simran Sethi, New Delhi, June 12
Through his storytelling, ace filmmaker Imtiaz Ali often weaves the magic of nostalgia onto the big screen. Nostalgia is one of the common threads that binds his films together.
Be it 'Tamasha', 'Love Aaj Kal', 'Rockstar', 'Jab Harry Met Sejal', or his latest release, 'Main Vaapas Aunga', cinema buffs have often seen the characters in Imtiaz's films returning to the people, places, and memories that shaped them, searching for answers in the past to understand their present better.
Imtiaz not only explores nostalgia on screen but also embraces it in his personal life.
Speaking with ANI, he highlighted the importance of staying connected to one's roots and revisiting the past from time to time.
"To move forward, it is not necessary to forget the past. I feel that it is very important to keep the past open. One should not pretend. For a tree to grow taller, it never stops strengthening its roots. As it reaches greater heights, it continues to grow deeper roots to support and sustain that growth. I feel that to go forward, one needs to clarify and be in touch with their past also," the 'Rockstar' director expressed.
"I don't like this whole thing of escapism. People often say -- Forget it, move ahead, don't remember. I feel that you should remember. Open your heart. It will not stop you from progress," Imtiaz added. While Imtiaz fully embraces nostalgia, the lead actor of his movie 'Main Vaapas Aunga', Vedang Raina, is not someone who likes to dwell on the past. However, he has recently realised that revisiting old memories can sometimes be important and meaningful.When asked if he often holds a sentimental longing for the past, Vedang shared,Actually, to be honest, not really. I think this is a very recent thing in my life that I have just started looking at my past, accepting it. (I now tell myself that) I should think about it. I should acknowledge it because I have always been that person who either lives in the moment or just wants to think about what I will do next and how I will go forward. But I have just started thinking about my past and thinking about where I come from...my journey and how it started. I think that is helpful in its own way."Imtiaz's film 'Main Vaapas Aunga' hits theatre screens on June 12. Starring Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari and Vedang Raina in pivotal roles, the film's music is composed by AR Rahman with lyrics penned by Irshad Kamil.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I appreciate Imtiaz's perspective on not forgetting the past but using it as a foundation. So often in our fast-paced world, we're told to just "move on." But our roots are what make us strong. The tree analogy really resonated with me. Looking forward to this film! 🌳
I agree with Imtiaz—nostalgia isn't about getting stuck; it's about understanding where you came from. But sometimes I feel like Bollywood romanticizes the past a bit too much, especially in films like "Tamasha." Still, this sounds like a thoughtful take on the subject, and the cast is incredible! Vedang seems like a fresh talent. 😊
Imtiaz Ali is a genius when it comes to storytelling, but I wish he'd move away from the whole "running back to the past" trope. It works for some films, but after a while it feels repetitive. However, with AR Rahman on music and Irshad Kamil's lyrics, this one could be magical. Diljit Dosanjh will surely steal the show! 🙌
As someone who grew up in a small town but now lives in a metro city, this hits close to home. Nostalgia is a double-edged sword—it can bring comfort but also sadness. Imtiaz's films always make me revisit the "what ifs" of my life. Hope "Main Vaapas Aunga" delivers that emotional punch his best movies do! 🥺
I respect Imtiaz's philosophy
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