New Delhi: Imtiaz Ali has reflected on the long-term impact of Tamasha nearly a decade after its release, saying the film’s influence on viewers now brings
him a mix of pride and unease. Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, the 2015 release did not make a strong box office mark initially, but gradually found a loyal following, especially among young audiences questioning routine careers and personal identity.
Speaking at Boman Irani’s writers’ convention Spiral Bound, the filmmaker shared that he has met several people who say the movie pushed them to leave stable corporate jobs and move towards writing and creative fields. While he appreciates the honesty of these stories, he admitted that they also leave him thinking about the uncertainty such decisions bring into people’s lives.
Imtiaz Ali on fans leaving jobs after Tamasha
At Spiral Bound, Imtiaz Ali recalled meeting several young writers who told him they had quit their corporate jobs after watching Tamasha. He said the moment made him reflect deeply on the unintended consequences of storytelling.
“I feel terribly guilty. Recently, I went to Boman Irani’s Spiral Bound, a writer’s convention, and he did a magnificent job with it. A lot of new writers were there. So many of them came up to me and told me they left their jobs after watching Tamasha, and now they’re writers. The instant thought that came to my mind is, I hope they succeed.”
He added that while such decisions are inspiring, they also carry uncertainty that can affect entire families if things do not work out.
Filmmaker on responsibility and real-life pressure
Imtiaz Ali further explained that his concern extends beyond individuals, touching the families who support them. Ali said he often thinks about the risks involved in such drastic career shifts.
“If they don’t (succeed), then I become responsible for the disaster in their lives. I feel responsible and guilty not only towards the person but also towards their whole families – their wives, suffering children and parents. Their parents may have had aspirations ki mera beta engineer Banega aur aage America mein kaam karega (that my son will become an engineer and work in America in the future),” he said.
The filmmaker noted that the film industry itself is unpredictable and demanding, especially for newcomers trying to build creative careers in Mumbai.
Imtiaz Ali on creative pursuits and his upcoming film
Despite his concerns, Imtiaz Ali said he respects those who choose passion over stability and continues to support them emotionally.
Sending blessings to them, he stated, “But to be honest, if I were in their position, I would’ve been happy. I’ve personally never thought of these things very methodically, money-mindedly or practically. Ultimately, I feel good, but also a sense of responsibility. I, in a way, feel connected to these people.”
Imtiaz Ali’s upcoming film Main Vaapas Aaunga, which is slated for release on June 12, is currently being positioned as a reflective story centred on memory, migration and emotional change. The filmmaker says the film examines how the present is constantly shaped by what one carries from the past.
Speaking about its core idea, Imtiaz said, “A discovery of the past time from the present point of view is a big part of this film. Reminiscence is a big part of this film. The idea of ‘what I’ve lost with time’ is a big part of this film. It’s about how what I remember almost makes my personality the way it is now,” he explained.
