Imtiaz Ali interview: On what changed between ‘Rockstar’ and ‘Chamkila,’ and his relationship with anger
On the sidelines of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, the acclaimed filmmaker opens up on his evolution as an artist, why nuanced romance dramas are dying out in India, and more
(Originally published in The Hindu on November 25, 2024)
Allow me to walk you into a screenworthy scene, on a pleasant morning under the Goan sun, in a town buzzing with people from all walks of life. A perceptive talk on women’s safety and cinema ends on a hopeful note at Panjim’s Kala Academy, one of the venues for the 55th International Film Festival of India. We step into a room enlivened with the presence of Shekhar Kapur, Kushboo Sundar, Suhasini Maniratnam, Bhumi Pednekar, and others. Outside, one can faintly hear a crowd, with all the markings of a cult, at the exit of the auditorium, singing the anthem of post-modern Hindi cinema romance: “Kaaga re kaaga re mori itni araj tose, Chun chun khaaiyo maans,” from Rockstar’s ‘Naadan Parindey.’ They are all eagerly waiting for the man seated next to us: Imtiaz Ali, India’s patron saint of slam poetry.
“(laughs) I don’t know how that image has come about because I don’t think I’m a very romantic person. I’m interested in poetry and people. I think that’s how it all churns around and comes. I can’t dispute a public opinion about me, but at the same time, it’s not as though I have been doing anything to get this,” he says, his piercing gaze slicing through all the pauses in the room, silver locks veiling ears attuned to catch every question.
At the ongoing IFFI 2024, Imtiaz joined Kushboo, Suhasini and Bhumi for a panel discussion, answering questions from moderator Vani Tripathi Tikoo and the audience. As we hold him back on the sidelines, navigating a paparazzi frenzy even superstars seldom get, he opens up on his evolution from 2011’s Rockstar to 2024’s Amar Singh Chamkila, his relationship with anger, and more.
Excerpts:
You were talking about the safety of women on film sets. The concept of an intimacy coordinator — who primarily ensures personal boundaries and safety are respected while shooting intimate scenes — has found its way into Indian productions. However, it remains a nascent practice. Do you think an intimacy coordinator should be mandated on film sets?
I don’t know whether intimacy directors should be mandated. I am the intimacy coordinator for my films and shows. That’s been the case for even the shows I have not directed but written and produced. That’s only because I have been in theatre for long enough to know how actors can be vulnerable and feel protected simultaneously — and that is important for a good performance to come through. We do intimate scenes and believe me, it is not only the women that feel uncomfortable; I have seen men feeling uncomfortable as well.
Speaking of intimacy, I often wonder why Indian creators rarely come up with……
Read the full interview here: