Imtiaz Ali Explains Storytelling Process During Visit to PTI Headquarters in Delhi

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali shared insights into his creative writing process during a visit to the PTI headquarters in Delhi on June 11, 2026, revealing that his film stories originate as daydreams and "what-if" scenarios. The 54-year-old director, known for relationship dramas, explained how random musings during his travels and daily life eventually transform into scripts.

Speaking about his methodology, Ali described his mental constitution as that of a daydreamer who imagines scenarios to entertain himself. He noted that he has practiced this since childhood, whether in classrooms, on journeys, or during train rides. Once an idea takes root, he discusses it with people around him, even narrating stories to co-passengers in autorickshaws, before finally sitting down to write.

Ali, who has written all his films, cited a quote by the poet Ghalib to explain that his stories stem from the subconscious and the things he observes around him. He compared the persistence of certain creative ideas to an infection that builds up in the body until it must be expressed.

The director traced several of his film concepts back to his student days. He recalled his train journeys from his hometown of Jamshedpur to Delhi, as well as DTC bus rides while studying at Delhi University's Hindu College. Ali shared that his 2007 film "Jab We Met," which features a sequence where characters are stranded at Ratlam station, likely developed from his own "what-if" fantasies about missing trains with fellow passengers during those journeys.

Ali also spoke about his upcoming movie, "Main Vaapas Aaunga," which stars Naseeruddin Shah, Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, and Sharvari. The film, scheduled for release on Friday, is a romance set against the backdrop of the Partition. Ali explained that the story developed from his interactions with people in Delhi and Punjab who shared their personal memories of the Partition during his previous film shoots.

Reflecting on his broader career, which spans from his debut "Socha Naa Tha" to "Rockstar" and "Highway," Ali observed that his films generally lack a traditional villain. He explained that this reflects his personal experiences, stating that the people he has met in his life have ultimately not turned out to be bad.