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Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali celebrated his 55th Birthday today, June 16, 2026. While several from the film fraternity have shared warm wishes, Anurag Kashyap's
birthday note has taken over social media. The Gangs of Wasseypur director took to Instagram with a quirky, affectionate post, featuring a striking black-and-white portrait of Ali, calling him "fresh brand new" and urging fans to watch Imtiaz’s latest film, Main Wapas Aaunga, starring Sharvari Wagh, Diljit Dosanjh and Vedang Raina, in theatres. Equal parts roast, tribute, and film plug, the post depicts the banter of Kashyap-Ali.
Anurag Kashyap Calls Imtiaz Ali 'Muttonkhor' In Instagram Post
Kashyap’s birthday note for Imtiaz Ali was anything but ordinary. While sharing a dramatic monochrome close-up of the director, he called him “fresh, brand new” and, while signing off, gave Ali a nickname: “Muttonkhor.” Adding further to his heartfelt birthday note for Imtiaz, he said, “ Keep inspiring and breaking our hearts.” He also slipped in a playful dig, asking Ali to stop stealing his favourite collaborators, saying “humein bhi kaam karna hai.”
The post gave shoutouts to the film's core creative team, including AR Rahman, Irshaad Kamil, and cinematographer Sylvester Fonseca, calling them "partners in this heartbreaking crime." Fans were quick to react in the comments. One wrote, while reacting, “Need all the filmmakers to promote Main Wapas Aaunga just like you”, while another noted the nickname, said, “That Muttonkhor was personal.”
All About Main Vaapas Aaunga
Currently running in theatres, Main Vaapas Aaunga was released on June 12 and marks Imtiaz Ali’s return to directing after a two-year gap. The period romantic drama follows 95-year-old Ishar Singh Grewal, played by legendary Naseeruddin Shah, who suffers a stroke while desperately trying to travel to Sargodha in Pakistan. As his memory fades, his grandson Nirvair, played by Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh, returns from England to be by his grandfather’s side.
As Ishar drifts in and out of consciousness, memories of his life before the Partition begin to surface, and what has kept him restless all these years slowly comes to light. The film also stars Vedang Raina, Sharvari, and Banita Sandhu, with music by AR Rahman. At the box office, the film has collected over Rs 6 crore so far and registered growth on its first Monday. As birthday wishes pour in from across the industry, fans are hoping the film's collection at the box office keeps growing in the days ahead.
