Imtiaz Ali On Rockstar Criticism And Why Jab We Met Is Gaining A Cult Status

Just wrapped up a long free wheeling interview with one of my favourite filmmakers Imtiaz Ali. We started off the discussion with Jab We Met and how this film is increasingly gaining a cult status something on the lines of Andaz Apna Apna. I told Imtiaz about a fan Gili Sen in Kolkata who watches JWM everyday since its release and celebrates 26th Oct as its anniversary. I also told him how in each of my interviews with Kareena and Shahid, I end up asking them when are they gonna work with Imtiaz again. He said, "to woh aap hain jo unhe bhadka rahe hain," laughingly.

Imtiaz sportingly answered to all my questions on the criticism that has come 'Rockstar's' way. We spoke on the criticism of why the word 'Tibet' was blurred in Sadda Haq. He says, according to the Govt of India position, we can talk about Autonomy for Tibet but not its freedom hence it was blurred. Imtiaz told the authorities that by blurring they'll attract more attention than by letting it remain the way it is. I asked him why a word like 'Sex' said by Ranbir was muted. Ali said that according to the Censor Board guidelines, they can't use certain words if they have to get a particular kinda rating.

Imtiaz talked about the criticism for opting for Nargis as the lead actress. He spoke about the criticism about the love story not being that gripping. I asked him about the relevance of Sadda Haq in the context of the film considering Jordan doesn't talk about environment issues or rights of people anywhere else in the film. Ali justified by saying, Jordan is breaking off from his own inner turmoil, he is rebelling against all the restrictions imposed on him. His personal angst finds a larger meaning in various issues that are shown in the song.

We spoke about the extraordinary performance of Ranbir Kapoor and how he justified Shammi sahab's line in the film, "ye bada jaanwar hai, ye aapke chote pinjre mein qaid nahin rahega" by putting up an outstanding performance. I told Imtiaz how I feel that Ranbir is one of the finest actors across all generations who are currently working. We talked about the jugalbandi of Shammi Sahab on Shehnai and Ranbir on Guitar. We discussed the casting of Kumud Mishra as Khatana bhai and Piyush Mishra as the outragious Dhingra from Platinum Music. There's a scene in the film where a bare bodied Piyush is getting maalish done in his lawn. Imtiaz told me that it was a hot day and there was oil on Piyush's body. The scene took a long time for shooting and Piyush must have felt very uncomfortable because of the combo of oil and harsh sunlight but he pulled off the scene very well. We spoke about the experience of working with Rahman and how Mohit Chauhan was the right voice for Jordan because of his disregard for the conventional.

Talking about his forthcoming films, Imtiaz will be the creative producer on the official remake of Korean film 'My Girlfriend Is An Agent' which will be directed by Bosco and UTV are the ones who are backing the project. Ali has also written the story of Homi Adjania's film 'Cocktail' starring Saif and Deepika but he is not writing the dialogues for this film. Ali says he is commited to do a film for Sajid Nadiadwala. He deinied about Hrithik being a part of it. Ali says that there has to be a story first and then the story decides the casting.

Its a long interview, around 40 mins. I'll try and transcribe it in text. I hope you guys will relish it as much as I enjoyed doing this interview.
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