An intimate and engaging conversation with acclaimed filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, moderated by actress Ritabhari Chakraborty, took place on 9 July 2026 at ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata. The evening began on a warm note as Imtiaz expressed his fondness for Kolkata and reflected on his remarkable journey from his childhood in Jamshedpur to theatre in Delhi and eventually to the world of filmmaking. He shared personal memories of his parents' quiet pride in his achievements and the special bond he shares with his daughter through storytelling, offering the audience a glimpse into the experiences that have shaped his creative vision.
A significant part of the discussion focused on his recent Partition-themed film, "Main Waapas Aaunga", along with his experiences collaborating with celebrated actors such as Ranbir Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh. He also spoke about his creative association with music maestro A. R. Rahman, recalling how Rahman encouraged him to trust his directorial instincts, particularly when selecting music for his films. The evening concluded on a heartfelt note as Imtiaz spoke about his growing admiration for Rabindranath Tagore's poetry and songs, bringing a fitting close to a memorable conversation celebrating cinema, creativity and Bengal's rich cultural heritage.
