Imtiaz Ali possesses the charisma to establish a devoted following, with numerous supporters already prepared to join him. Over the last twenty years, this filmmaker has crafted narratives that resonate with audiences on a profound level, transcending the typical cinematic experience. His characters have stepped off the screen and into the lives of viewers, who seek meaning and insight within his films. Whether it is Rockstar, Tamasha, or the latest Amar Singh Chamkila, Ali's work continues to reach new heights. Therefore, when he arrived at the Winner's Lounge during the OTTplay Awards 2025, we seized the opportunity to inquire about his two-decade journey as a director and his perspective on the path that lies ahead.

Imtiaz Ali on Completing 20 Years as a Director

Imtiaz Ali received the Best Director award for his film Amar Singh Chamkila at the OTTplay Awards 2025. Currently engaged in three projects, he is also developing a new Netflix series titled O Saathi Re, featuring Avinash Tiwary, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Arjun Rampal. During our conversation with him, we inquired about his feelings on reaching the milestone of 20 years in the directing field. Imtiaz Ali made his directorial debut with Socha Na Tha in 2005. 

Reflecting on his two-decade journey, Imtiaz Ali remarked, “It feels wonderful to have been part of this industry for such a long time, yet it is somewhat disorienting because I don’t perceive it as having been that long. It feels as though many new beginnings are unfolding, and I hope to create some remarkable films moving forward.”

When discussing the perception of Amar Singh Chamkila as a film marking his return to form, Imtiaz Ali responded, “That’s ultimately for the audience to decide. You often hear terms like 'form' and 'non-form' in sports, but figures like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar remain iconic regardless. I believe these assessments belong to the viewers. As a director, one should always strive for authenticity in storytelling and fully commit to the narrative being crafted.”

Naturally, we felt compelled to test our fortune with O Saathi Re. When inquired about it, he responded, “O Saathi Re is a series we are producing for Netflix. You are already aware of it, but if I disclose any further details, Netflix might take legal action against me, and I would have to turn to you for financial support in the ensuing legal dispute.”

About OTTplay Awards 2025

OTTplay: One Nation, One Awards, supported by Dabur and StockGro, serves as a nationwide platform for recognizing outstanding films, series, and talents in the OTT space. This grand event united the finest talents from Bollywood and regional cinema, celebrating those who captivated audiences with binge-worthy content over the past year.

The OTTplay Awards 2025 is jointly presented by Real Juice and Kuhl, with StockGro as the driving force behind the event. This prominent occasion is organized in collaboration with HT City, while Zoom serves as the television broadcast partner. Flipkart Spoyl takes on the role of the exclusive style partner, D Pauls is designated as the travel partner, Amante is the premium lingerie partner, and Propshop is the real estate partner. Additionally, Aussie Lamb and Krishinet Fiber are recognized as special partners, UDigital is the ISP and IPTV partner, and Hyperlink is the event partner.

Read Also: From Rockstar to O Saathi Re: Aditi Rao Hydari on Reuniting with Imtiaz Ali | Exclusive

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