Imtiaz Ali says he avoided repeating actors until Ranbir Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh came along: 'Thought I would have a hangover'

Imtiaz Ali, known for crafting some of Hindi cinema's most beloved romantic films, once had a firm personal rule: never work with the same actor twice. But that rule, as he now openly admits, no longer holds. Ahead of the release of his upcoming Partition-era romantic drama 'Main Vaapas Aaunga', the filmmaker has revealed how his thinking evolved.

Imtiaz Ali talks about breaking his rule of not repeating actors

In conversation with the Hindustan Times, Imtiaz Ali made his directorial debut with 'Socha Na Tha' in 2005, before going on to deliver celebrated films such as 'Jab We Met' (2007), 'Love Aaj Kal' (2009), 'Rockstar' (2011), and 'Highway' (2014). Through this impressive run, he deliberately avoided casting the same actors again, driven by a fear of creative repetition.





He explained, "Initially, I used to think I should never go back and work with the same actor again. I thought I would have a hangover from the previous film."

That thinking shifted when he wrote 'Tamasha' (2015), in which he reunited with both Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. The feared hangover, he said, simply never materialised. The director added, "There was none, with Diljit or even with Ranbir or Deepika."

Imtiaz Ali on casting Ranbir Kapoor in two very different roles

Imtiaz drew a parallel with Ranbir Kapoor, who played strikingly different characters in 'Rockstar' and 'Tamasha'. He said, "With Ranbir, it was a different guy (in 'Tamasha'). Here too, Nirvair (Diljit's character) is a completely different person from 'Chamkila'. This role wouldn't be possible in this way if he weren't playing it."

Why Diljit Dosanjh was the only choice for 'Main Vaapas Aaunga'

Diljit Dosanjh, who starred in Imtiaz's widely acclaimed 'Amar Singh Chamkila', returns as the lead in 'Main Vaapas Aaunga'. For the filmmaker, the decision was straightforward and rooted entirely in the writing.

He revealed, "I always write first, and then see which actor suits this part. With Diljit, I realised he is the most suited for this part. Why should I have the notion of not working with the same actor back-to-back if he is the best actor for this film?"

About 'Main Vaapas Aaunga'

'Main Vaapas Aaunga' is a romantic drama set against the backdrop of the Partition. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh alongside Vedang Raina, Sharvari, and Naseeruddin Shah and is scheduled to release in cinemas on June 12.