When ‘Tamasha’ was released in 2015, the film starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone received mixed response and mediocre numbers at the box office. But over time, the film evolved into a cult favorite, especially among young audiences who connected deeply with its themes of identity, routine, and emotional dissatisfaction.
Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film gradually becomes more than just a love story. Many viewers saw Ved’s journey as a reflection of their struggles with traditional professions and societal expectations.
Imtiaz Ali reacts to ‘Timsha’ who inspired his fans to quit their jobs
Over the years, social media has often poked fun at how Tamasha motivated an entire generation to leave stable corporate jobs and pursue creative passions. Imtiaz Ali now admits that hearing such stories leaves him with complicated feelings.
Recalling the recent interaction at Boman Irani’s ‘Spiral Bound’ writers’ conference, the director said, “I feel very guilty. Recently, I went to Boman Irani’s Spiral Bound, a writers’ conference, and he did a great job at it. There were a lot of new writers. Many of them came up to me and told me that they had quit their jobs after watching Tamasha and now they are writers. The immediate thought that came to my mind was, I hope they succeed.”
Imtiaz explained that his interest goes beyond just individuals who made radical decisions in their lives after watching the film. He worries about the emotional and financial consequences that could affect entire families.“If they don’t [succeed]He became responsible for the disaster in their lives. I feel responsible and guilty not only for this person, but also for their entire family: their wives, children, and parents who are suffering.
“Maybe their parents had aspirations ki mera beta engineer banega aur aage America mein kaam karega (for my son to become an engineer and work in America in the future).”The director of “Rockstar” and “Jab We Met” added that staying in the entertainment industry is not easy, especially for newcomers who are chasing artistic dreams.“Instead, their children are now suffering in Bombay as everyone in the industry has to go through it.
I have mixed feelings about all of this. I’m sure many of them had lucrative careers but left it all to be artists like all of us in the industry who are also trying to become artists.Despite feeling guilty, Imtiaz also admitted that he admires people who take risks to follow their passion. According to him, he personally has never looked at life from a practical or financial perspective only.“Sending them my prayers. But honestly, if I were in their shoes, I would be happy.
I personally have never thought about these things systematically, financially, or practically. In the end, I feel good, but I also feel responsible. I, in a way, feel connected to these people.
Imtiaz Ali talks about ‘The main fabas onga ‘
The director is currently gearing up for the release of ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, which is slated to arrive on June 12. Speaking about the film, Imtiaz revealed that memory, migration and emotional loss form the core of the story.“Exploring the past from the present point of view is a big part of this movie. Memories are a big part of this movie. The concept of ‘what’s lost to time’ is a big part of this movie. It’s about ‘what I remember almost makes my character who she is now,'” he explained.He also thought about how immigration changes people emotionally. “It makes a huge impression at a time when immigration is so radical. When you turn on the TV and see people migrating from one country to another across borders, both legally and illegally. The feeling of loss is not just physical, it’s emotional as well. And this film is a little bit about that, about the love you carry when you cross the border,” the director said.