Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Imtiaz Ali Says There Can Never Be Another Amitabh Bachchan
Imtiaz Ali says Amitabh Bachchan is one of a kind.
Ali feels lucky to have grown up in a time when Bachchan was a major star.
Bachchan celebrated his 84th birthday on Sunday.
Ali once thought he would never get to work with him because Bachchan was so important in the film industry.
Later, Ali directed Bachchan in an advertisement and realized they could work together.
Ali hopes to make a film with Bachchan someday.
Ali also said his recent film, Main Wapas Aaunga, did better after a quiet start.
He said he feels grateful to audiences and sees making films as a privilege, not a pressure.
Imtiaz Ali said there can never be anyone like Amitabh Bachchan and described himself as born in the actor’s era.
Bachchan, whose career spans more than five decades, celebrated his 84th birthday on Sunday.
Ali initially thought Bachchan’s stature meant they would never work together, but directed him in an advertisement film.
Ali said he would love to direct Bachchan in a film someday.
Ali said Main Wapas Aaunga performed well after a muted opening, while he also spoke about audience appreciation and filmmaking as a privilege.
- Who
- Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali spoke about actor Amitabh Bachchan.
- What
- Ali praised Bachchan, recalled directing him in an advertisement, and said he hopes to work with him on a film.
- When
- Bachchan celebrated his 84th birthday on Sunday; no calendar date is specified.
- Where
- Ali made the remarks to PTI; one report says he spoke on the sidelines of Whistling Woods International’s Celebrate Cinema '26 festival.
- Why
- Ali was asked about Bachchan and discussed his admiration for him, their past advertisement collaboration, and his hopes for a future film.
Work and audience expectations
Ali's perspective
Filmmaking pressure
Work and audience expectations
The question put to Ali was whether trying to meet audience expectations could create pressure.
Ali's perspective
Ali said filmmaking is a privilege rather than pressure, and described it as a source of enjoyment.
- Filmmaker
- Imtiaz Ali, 55
- Actor
- Amitabh Bachchan
- Birthday
- Bachchan celebrated his 84th birthday on Sunday
- Past collaboration
- Ali directed Bachchan in an advertisement film
- Ali's stated hope
- To work with Bachchan on a film someday
- Recent film
- Main Wapas Aaunga
- Reported box-office performance
- Muted opening followed by a turnaround from the second week, with positive word of mouth cited in one report
- Festival event
- Celebrate Cinema '26, an annual cinema festival held by Whistling Woods International
