- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:21 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali recently visited the Attari-Wagah Border in Punjab to promote his upcoming movie Main Vaapas Aaunga. Accompanying him was Oscar-winning music composer A. R. Rahman, who delivered a special performance during a border event. While the gathering attracted large crowds from India, a Pakistani fan's emotional story about travelling 20 kilometres to see the duo has now gone viral on social media.
Imtiaz Ali And AR Rahman Visited Wagah Border For Main Wapas Aaunga Promotion
The visit was part of Jai Ho – A Musical Salute to the Bravehearts, an event held during the Beating Retreat Ceremony. It marked AR Rahman's first live performance at the border and drew attention from spectators on both sides.
The occasion gained even more popularity after several Pakistani social media users shared videos and photographs from across the border.
Pakistani Fan's 20-Km Journey To Wagah Border To Meet Imtiaz Ali
One Pakistani fan documented his experience on Instagram, explaining how he travelled from Lahore after seeing a reel about Imtiaz Ali and AR Rahman's visit.
Reflecting on the journey, he wrote: "As most Lahori lives 20km from India. So do I... Those 20 mins were long enough to remind you how these two artists have shaped your art for all these years."
He also spoke about his mixed feelings regarding borders and how art has always connected people beyond national boundaries.
Pakistani Fan’s Emotional Meeting With Imtiaz Ali At Wagah Border
The fan revealed that he managed to reach Zero Point, an area where Indians and Pakistanis can interact from a distance but without touching.
Describing the moment, he wrote: "I rushed to the border and a friend got me access to zero point... As I got there I saw curly white hair, without wasting a second I screamed. IMTIAAAAZZZ. IMTIAAAAZZZ."
He said Imtiaz Ali turned around in panic and then he started opening all his heart. He wrote, “I started my monologues telling him how much I loved him and how much he and his music celebrated this side of border.”
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The fan further wrote Imtiaz warmly listened And kept saying thank you And saying Insaallah we will come one day.
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A Moment That Touched Both Sides
The fan ended the interaction by saying, "Mai Vaapis Aunga." According to him, the statement drew cheers and applause from the Indian side.
He added: "For a brief second the gates had abolished, the borders were friendly and art had won."
About Film Main Vaapas Aaunga
Directed by Imtiaz Ali, Main Vaapas Aaunga stars Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina and Sharvari Wagh alongside the lead cast. Set during the 1947 Partition, the film explores themes of love, memory, migration, identity and the emotional bond people share with their homeland.