'Censor Board didn't allow us to use Free Tibet hoardings'

Speaking to students at the Tibetan Youth Hostel, the Rockstar director said one doesn't need to be a politician to understand what China is doing in Tibet

Stretching his lanky legs, he runs his long fingers through his salt-and-pepper hair, lights a cigarette, exhales and stares into an unseen abyss of his own. When your name is Imtiyaz Ali, such moments of solitude are sparse. Before he can stub out his cigarette, a bunch of young girls ambush him to capture a moment with him on their mobile cameras.


Director's take: Imtiaz Ali at a Tibetan youth hostel in the capital
yesterday. Pic/Rocky Thongam

Ali obliges all with politeness. The man is at a Tibetan youth hostel in the capital supporting The Ceremony of Bhodhi Awakening, a three-day event that will be held next month. Organised by the Tibet House, India International Centre and Take 5 Films, the event will showcase Tibetan culture and traditions.

"When someone tries to do something different they are criticised. But that's ok. I'm just a filmmaker, all I can say is there is something out there and you better face it," says Ali to a hall packed with young Tibetan students. The man is referring to the song Sadda Haq in his 2011 Ranbir Kapoor starrer Rockstar. "Though we negotiated a lot, the Censor Board didn't allow us to use the Free Tibet hoardings. Finally, they relented on the condition that I blurred those words. However, I said blurring wouldn't solve your purpose," he adds.

The man is in a room full of youngsters from a community that has used celebrities attention ranging from Richard Gere, Goldie Hawn, Annie Lennox to Pearl Jam. However, the thunderous applause in the room and the debate the film fuelled is evidence that the man has a point to make.

Ali makes it clear he is not in a race to join international celebrities when it comes to the Tibet issue. "I'm not even planning to make a film with the issue in the backdrop, as certain sections of media have reported," he defends. But that doesn't stop the man from being politically incorrect when he has to put his view across. "I can't comment on our country's stand because I'm not a politician. However, you don't need to be one to see what China is doing," he says.

The mood lightens. Now, the students want to know about Ibteda, the Hindu College Dramatic Society that Ali started when he was a student. They want to know about his academic skills as well. "Yes, I didn't attend classes when I was in college but I am not proud of it. But I did theatre instead of drugs," he informs.

By now somebody from the audience breaks into Hum Honge Kaamyaab. Slowly, everyone in the hall joins in. Ali takes out his phone and starts filming. It's a classic role reversal. The young girls who were busy clicking him are now stars in his impromptu film. They give their best performance; after all you don't get to star in
a Rockstar director's film every day.