JOURNEYS TO HEARTLAND

JITESH PILLAAI CHATS WITH THE MAVERICK FILMMAKER IMTIAZ ALI

- JITESH PILLAAI

LIFE’S A JOURNEY, OR SO IMTIAZ ALI FILMS LIKE TO MAKE US BELIEVE. His films are testimonials to Sufi philosophy where his characters journey both outwards and inwards. He seems to be the most sorted of filmmakers and yet you feel he’s a nomad who hasn’t really set roots in the film world. Or in the real world either. He’s a hermit who belongs to the mountains. He can talk at length on any topic and his deadpan wit can be quite deadly. He gives off the impression of being an old acquaintance, someone you feel you know a lot about and yet there’s a hint of mystery that clings to him like a muted fragrance. And that’s true of his films as well. You feel you know what his formula is by now but you’re left with something new with every release. Likewise, you like conversing with him because you never know what might come up. Excerpts from a free-wheeling conversation with the supremely-talented filmmaker...

WHAT WERE YOU DOING IN LOCKDOWN? WITH WHOM WERE YOU STAYING?

I shifted in with my daughter Ida. I was writing a lot. Thinking, conceptualising. I wanted to finish the first round and go to the outer realm, which is like those stories that were remote and I couldn’t really reach them because there was always something more urgent to do.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU HAVE DABBLED WITH IN THE KITCHEN?

The only thing I am challenged about is cooking. But I am the best when it comes to eggs. (Smiles) And I’m the best tea and coffee maker in the world.

HOW DO YOU PROCESS THE LOCKDOWN?