Imtiaz Ali confessed falling asleep watching his own movie - until now

Celebrated filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, best known for redefining romance in Bollywood with films like Jab We Met, Tamasha, and Rockstar, opened up about the curious afterlife of his movies in a recent interview.

Speaking candidly about re-releases, Ali shared a personal anecdote that left many fans amused. Quoting to 'The Hollywood Reporter, he said, "in this theatre, I came and watched Rockstar when it was re-released, and that was the first time I actually saw the film because before that, every time I went to see the film in the theatre, I would fall asleep when it was released," he laughed. The honesty in his admission only underlines the unpredictability of a film's legacy and how some stories find their audience much later.

"I came and watched Rockstar when it was re-released, and that was the first time I actually saw the film because before that, every time I went to see the film in the theatre, I would fall asleep"

- Imtiaz Ali

Ali, often hailed as the "king of re-releases" in recent years, has been watching his earlier films find renewed attention through modern eyes. For him, the most gratifying part isn't just box office numbers or nostalgia-driven trends; it's the way younger audiences are relating to his narratives almost a decade or more later.

"What's really thrilling is that there are people today who were either very young or maybe not even born when the film was originally released. And yet, they're watching it now, relating to it, and enjoying it. When they come up to me and say, 'Wow, you're the guy who made Rockstar,' I feel like, man, I still have a future! If this generation is connecting with my work, then I'm doing okay. And just for fun, I always ask them, 'Do you have a younger sister? Is she watching the film too?' It's been such a heartwarming experience," he shared.

Known for his intuitive casting choices and layered character arcs, Ali emphasized how he never "casts faces" but "casts energies." As Rockstar continues to age like fine wine, it's evident that its chaotic heartbreak, searing soundtrack, and Ranbir Kapoor's unforgettable performance still echo loudly with today's youth. And for Imtiaz Ali, this second life of the film is not just nostalgic, it's reaffirming.