With his distinct style of storytelling, rich with emotional depth, introspection, and unforgettable music, Imtiaz has carved a niche that goes beyond box-office numbers—he speaks to the restless hearts of a generation.
From backpacking through unknown towns to chasing purpose in chaos, his characters often feel like our own reflections—lost, flawed, but endlessly searching. And maybe that’s why, year after year, Imtiaz Ali remains everyone’s favourite.
A Director of Emotions, Not Just Frames
What sets Imtiaz apart from many in the industry is his ability to take you inward.
His protagonists are rarely perfect. They're broken, confused, spontaneous—yet deeply human. Whether it’s the wild free spirit of Geet in Jab We Met or the emotionally parched Jordan in Rockstar, his characters stay with you long after the credits roll.
Why Gen Z and Millennials Love Him
His films resonate deeply with younger audiences—and it’s not just nostalgia.
Exploration of identity: Many of his films focus on self-discovery (Tamasha, Highway), something today’s youth grapples with daily.
Relatable imperfection: Unlike glossy romantic tales, his characters are awkward, impulsive, and emotionally layered.
Poetic storytelling: He doesn’t tell you what to feel—he lets you find your own meaning.
Music that speaks: Almost all his films boast soundtracks that become anthems of feeling.
Imtiaz Ali’s Most Beloved Works
Here’s a look at some of his standout films that continue to define cinematic emotion:
Jab We Met (2007)
The rom-com that redefined the genre. Geet and Aditya became more than just characters—they became emotional landmarks for an entire generation.
Rockstar (2011)
A heartbreaking tale of passion, pain, and transformation. Ranbir Kapoor’s best performance to date, with a soundtrack by A.R. Rahman that still gives goosebumps.
Tamasha (2015)
A bold film about identity and societal pressure. It wasn’t universally accepted on release—but years later, it’s become a cult classic for every overthinker out there.
Highway (2014)
An unusual road trip becomes a journey of liberation. Alia Bhatt delivered one of her most powerful performances, and Imtiaz gave trauma a new cinematic vocabulary.
Love Aaj Kal (2009)
Two love stories set in different eras, showing how emotions stay the same, even when times change. A romantic film that makes you reflect, not just swoon.
Why We Still Celebrate Him
More than a director, Imtiaz Ali feels like a feeler—someone who senses the aches and echoes of young hearts.
His storytelling doesn’t chase trends. It chases truths. And in an age of hyper-fast edits and massy formulas, his films slow you down and ask:
“What do you really want?”
And that’s why every birthday of his feels worth celebrating—not just for the nostalgia, but for reminding us that love, freedom, and pain deserve to be felt fully.
