Kashmiris Need To Tell Their Stories: Imtiyaz Ali

SRINAGAR – Admitting that Kashmir has not been fairly represented in the Indian film industry, noted Bollywood director, Imtiaz Ali today said that Kashmiris’ themselves need to be storytellers and filmmakers to send the message across.

“I admit that Kashmir has not been fairly represented in the Bombay film industry (Bollywood) but you should not stop there, you need to be storytellers, filmmakers yourselves to make the message go stronger,” Ali told media students at Media Education Research Centre of University of Kashmir.

He however said that the things were changing and the professionals need to be ahead of the trend that is emerging in the Indian cinema.

“You are the ones who could spot the real fascinating stories. Nobody can come from outside to tell your story. The local stories and tales need to be told well with the professional touch,” he said. He asked the students to take full advantage of being in the profession and learn the art of storytelling so as to become good filmmakers.

“Apart from all the good things, there is another good thing about me that I have never been to any media institute and media school. I had applied in Jamia in New Delhi and I was rejected.  You people are lucky enough, so you should cash upon these things,” Ali said.

“To reach to any level, one needs some kind of godfathers but they (godfathers) cannot do everything for any individual unless and until one makes a mark himself or herself,” he added.

When he was asked, what he meant when he said, that “he was an underachiever who lied to look better”, Ali replied with a smile, “Sometimes I think I don’t know how to talk and am awkward in social conversations. I still lie when I work on the sets but now I have learned to give it a professional touch.”

Imtiaz Ali is an acclaimed film director, actor and writer. In 2005, he made his directorial debut with the film Socha Na Tha. However, it was his second film Jab We Met (2007) that brought him success and fame. His 2009 film Love Aaj Kal gained much critical acclaim and was declared a super hit at the box office. His latest movie Rockstar (2011) was also a commercial success.

While sharing his experience with the MERC students, Ali emphasized that the trend in Bollywood was changing from big budget movies to small budget ones and it is these small budget movies which are receiving rave reviews from critics and are highly appreciated by the society for their simplicity.

“What we are seeing today is that the trend is changing and lot of small budget movies are making huge profit and are appreciated if they have good story to tell to the viewers,” said Ali.

‘Role of a Story Now’

Ali said, it is a very healthy trend that has emerged. They need to take the rights steps. It is not possible to make a ‘great film without a wonderful story’. Now directors too are focusing on the story. 

‘Kashmir: Jewel of India’

Praising the Valley of Kashmir for its mesmerizing beauty Imtiaz who has earlier visited the valley for shooting the Ranbir Kapoor starrer RockStar said “Kashmir is the most beautiful place which I have seen so far in my life and the people here are equally beautiful. Whenever people complement someone in other parts of the country they say he is handsome or she is beautiful like a Kashmiri.” I have been coming to Kashmir from a very long time now. The talent and creativity of Kashmiris is very high. It is as simple as that one lives in a place, he will automatically imbibe all these creativity. Kashmir is like a jewel for India.

Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now

MONTHLY	Rs 100
YEARLY	Rs 1000
LIFETIME	Rs 10000

CLICK FOR DETAILS