Imtiaz Ali on Failure, Theatre, and Finding His Voice | Rekhta Guftgu

In this episode of Rekhta Guftgu, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali opens up about the failures, doubts, and turning points that shaped his journey long before Bollywood success found him. In a deeply honest conversation with Irfan, he reflects on failing ninth grade, discovering theatre at Hindu College, finding creative grounding with Act One, and arriving in Mumbai without a fixed plan.He talks about learning filmmaking on the job through television, the uncertainty of early rejection, and the long road to finding his voice as a director. The conversation also moves into the heart of storytelling, how stories choose us, what changes when stars and budgets enter the picture, and why a filmmaker must protect their inner truth even under pressure.This is about identity, language, belonging, ambition, and the courage to go deeper in life and art.