As Bollywood Debates On Accountability, Imtiaz Ali Says 'There's Nothing That A Director Does Alone' | Exclusive

At a time when Bollywood sees intense conversations around accountability, professional commitments, and the balance between stars and directors, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali weighed in on the importance of collaboration in filmmaking. A film itself must remain the central focus above everything else, stated the Main Vaapas Aaunga director in an exclusive conversation with The Daily Jagran.

Imtiaz Ali reflected on how the industry has always functioned through mutual understanding and collective effort, without referring to any individual or controversy directly. According to him, filmmaking is a collaborative process where changes and challenges are inevitable, but the larger objective of bringing a film to life remains unchanged.

Explaining his perspective, Imtiaz Ali suggested that personnel changes are not uncommon in the film industry and that creative collaborations often evolve. Having worked with numerous actors and technicians across his career, he noted that the industry’s interconnected nature creates a sense of understanding among its members.

Imtiaz Ali said, "Film is paramount, I feel film is the most important thing, sometimes, you know, team members change, you’re making a film with one person and then the other person and then, you know, but since you have worked with so many people and at some point or the other, everybody has worked with everybody (sic)."

"So, that gives a feeling of an overall understanding in the film industry for each other. But it’s a very, very collaborative kind of work. There is nothing that a director does alone (sic)," he added.

Imtiaz Ali's comments carry weight given his decades-long journey in Bollywood, where he has collaborated with some of the industry’s biggest stars across movies such as Chamkila, Jab We Met, Love Aaj Kal, Rockstar and Tamasha. Known for placing storytelling above spectacle, the filmmaker’s emphasis on collaboration reflects a belief that cinema is larger than any one person.

(Image: The Daily Jagran)

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Ranveer Singh - Farhan Akhtar Controversy

Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar's controversy began in December when the actor abruptly left Don 3. He stated creative differences were the reason for his exit in December 2025. The production company behind the franchise, which is headed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, claimed that the actor's exit had seriously disrupted the schedule and finances.

Ranveer Singh, however, never addressed the issue officially. According to a statement released by his representative, the actor feels that these conflicts should be resolved with 'dignity, maturity, and mutual respect'. Several Indian media agencies cited the statement, which emphasised that he had the 'highest regard' for the film industry and everyone connected to the Don franchise.

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Imtiaz Ali's comments serve as a reminder that films are ultimately made with shared creative vision, mutual trust, and understanding at a time when industry disputes are increasingly in the spotlight.