'I feel responsible and guilty': Imtiaz Ali on fans quitting corporate jobs after watching Ranbir Kapoor starrer 'Tamasha'

When ‘Tamasha’ released in 2015, the Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone starrer received a mixed response and modest box office numbers. But over time, the film evolved into a cult favourite, especially among young audiences who deeply connected with its themes of identity, routine, and emotional dissatisfaction. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film gradually became more than just a love story. Many viewers saw Ved’s journey as a reflection of their own struggles with conventional careers and societal expectations.

Imtiaz Ali reacts to ‘Tamasha’ inspiring fans to quit their jobs

Over the years, social media has often joked about how ‘Tamasha’ motivated an entire generation to leave stable corporate jobs and pursue creative passions. Imtiaz Ali now admits that hearing such stories leaves him with complicated emotions.



Recalling a recent interaction at Boman Irani’s writers’ convention ‘Spiral Bound’, the filmmaker shared, “I feel terribly guilty. Recently, I went to Boman Irani’s Spiral Bound, a writers’ convention, and he did a magnificent job with it. A lot of new writers were there. So many of them came up to me and told me they left their jobs after watching Tamasha and now they’re writers. The instant thought that came to my mind is, I hope they succeed."

Imtiaz explained that his concern extends beyond just the individuals who made drastic life decisions after watching the film. He worries about the emotional and financial consequences that could affect entire families.

“If they don’t [succeed], then I become responsible for the disaster in their lives. I feel responsible and guilty not only towards the person but also towards their whole families - their wives, suffering children and parents. Their parents may have had aspirations ki mera beta engineer banega aur aage America mein kaam karega (that my son will become an engineer and work in America in the future),” he said.

The filmmaker behind ‘Rockstar’ and ‘Jab We Met’ added that surviving in the entertainment industry is not easy, especially for newcomers chasing artistic dreams.

“Instead, their children, are now struggling in Bombay as everybody in the industry has to go through that. I’ve got mixed feelings about all of this. I’m sure many of them had lucrative professions but left all of that to be artists just like all of us in the industry who are also trying to become artists,” he remarked.

Despite the guilt, Imtiaz also admitted that he admires people who take risks to follow their passion. According to him, he personally has never looked at life only from a practical or financial perspective.


“I send my dua (blessings) to them. But to be honest, if I were in their position, I would’ve been happy. I’ve personally never thought of these things very methodically, money-mindedly or practically. Ultimately, I feel good, but also a sense of responsibility. I, in a way, feel connected to these people,” he shared.

Imtiaz Ali opens up about ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’

The filmmaker is currently preparing for the release of ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, which is scheduled to arrive on June 12. Speaking about the film, Imtiaz revealed that memory, migration, and emotional loss form the core of the story.

“A discovery of the past time from the present point of view is a big part of this film. Reminiscence is a big part of this film. This concept of ‘what I’ve lost with time’ is a big part of this film. It’s about ‘what I remember almost makes my personality the way it is now’,” he explained.

He further reflected on how migration changes people emotionally. “It makes a big impression at a time when migration is so drastic. You put the television on and you see people migrating from one country to another across borders, legally and illegally. The sense of loss isn’t only material. It’s also emotional. This film is a bit about that, about the love you carry when you cross a border," the filmmaker stated.