JOURNEYS TO HEARTLAND

LIFE’S A JOURNEY, OR SO IMTIAZ ALI FILMS LIKE TO MAKE US BELIEVE. His films are testimonials to Sufi philosophy where his characters journey both outwards and inwards. He seems to be the most sorted of filmmakers and yet you feel he’s a nomad who hasn’t really set roots in the film world. Or in the real world either. He’s a hermit who belongs to the mountains. He can talk at length on any topic and his deadpan wit can be quite deadly. He gives off the impression of being an old acquaintance, someone you feel you know a lot about and yet there’s a hint of mystery that clings to him like a muted fragrance. And that’s true of his films as well. You feel you know what his formula is by now but you’re left with something new with every release. Likewise, you like conversing with him because you never know what might come up. Excerpts from a free-wheeling conversation with the supremely-talented filmmaker…