Imtiaz Ali discusses the many collaborators he has, how his imapct of his films, and much more.

By Akshay AcharyMumbai 7 Aug : Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has grown his fans through his funny films that touch the nexus of the philosophy of self-discovery, desire and an awareness of self-awareness.The director, who had success with his debut film Socha Na Th", a sleeper hit made an even more successful film with Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor in the form of "Jab We Met" A film that lovers of romance still live by.

Then, he played a crucial role in making the success of Kareenas brother Ranbir Kapoor with films like Rockstar or Tamasha.As his latest show"Dr.

AroraGupt Rog Visheshagya, is a streaming show on SonyLIV and receives a positive reaction, Imtiaz spoke with IANS about working with Oscar-winning composer A.R.Rahman the hit-making machine Pritam and the cult status that his film Tamasha gained over time and how travel enriches the artist in his.Imtiaz The singer who has delivered steady successes with both A.R.Rahman (Rockstar and Highway as well as Tamasha) as well as Pritam (Jab We Met", both Love aaj Kal films as well as "Jab Harry Met Sejal") is unable to choose his favourite.He says both composers are "absolute geniuses in their own right.

Working with Rahman on three albums, he has come to realize that "A.R.Rahman is an extremely organic artist and doesnt have any security net".Pritams approach however, is defined by chaos and creativity in his view.

He states that "Theres an order to Pritams chaos.He will pursue excellence to the end of the road." "Working with music directors like them gives me the greatest satisfaction", he further shares.His show "Dr.Arora- Gupt Rog Visheshagya is born out of his memories of the days of his college when he was able to commute from Delhi from his home town of Jamshedpur in trains.The wall graffiti and advertisements of sexualologists in the outside of towns attracted him to learn more about the story of medical professionals and the world.

Ask him about the importance of traveling for anyone who is creative and he states: "To take the slow route is crucial because theres a lot to learn.You meet numerous people and learn numerous stories.

For me, traveling is the lifeblood of my existence.I dont know how to make films without traveling.

" In the same line, he gives sound advice to storytellers who are aspiring: "Ill suggest every filmmaker particularly in India to make it a priority to explore and travel around India." "Mahatma Gandhi traveled all over the world due to the fact that he wanted to know the people he stood for", he says, giving a hint of historical context to his argument that is well-made.

When discussing the main persona of his show, sexual therapist, Imtiaz shares: "This doctor is often on the move, he has clinics in three towns, and he is in the fourth town.Therefore, his work week is defined.

Because the character is often on the move which adds to the story as well as the soundtrack of the show.He encounters a variety of people on his journey, like medical professionals, which keeps the plot interesting.

" "Tamasha," which will reach seven years in November is now a major part of Indian pop culture, particularly in the circles of cinephiles.When asked his opinion about how the film been ingrained over the time of some time in the mind of the audience the director replies: "A lot of people in these years have approached me and said that they quit their jobs after watching Tamasha .I am very worried when I hear this, even though its an acknowledgement." He also states, "Im aware that its an enormous responsibility, however at the same moment, I advise the kids to invest everything they own in the process of living their dreams or else theyll be blaming me for the rest of their lives (laughs).

" As a filmmaker he is happy the film has been able to touch the lives of so many people and is still an issue of discussions even after half a decade "I feel that Tamasha has been adored and appreciated much.I was aware of the level of vulnerability we endured to make these scenes.

" "I believe that a film belongs to the audience and thats the test of the quality of a film.If your audience loves your film, youve achieved your goal and If the audience doesnt like it, its a lost matter of how much you committed in it", he concludes.aa/kv.