Ghulami is one of my favourite films: Imtiaz Ali

"I had a certain confidence (in Sajid’s work). The kind of films he’s done in the past, like Ghulami (1985) — one of my favourite films — are the kind of movies I’m making. That is what I think has interested him in Highway," Imtiaz says about Saajid Nadiadwala who presents the former's Highway.

Over the years, producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director Imtiaz Ali have made a mark in Bollywood, in their respective fields.

HT Image

Now, for the first time, they are coming together for the film, Highway, which stars Randeep Hooda and Alia Bhatt in the lead.

While Imtiaz is directing and producing the film, Sajid came on board as a presenter as he was extremely keen to be part of the project. We catch them during an informal chat.

It’s important for a producer and a director to have a certain understanding. What’s your equation like?

Imtiaz Ali:

I had a certain confidence (in Sajid’s work). The kind of films he’s done in the past, like Ghulami (1985) — one of my favourite films — are the kind of movies I’m making. That is what I think has interested him in Highway.

Actually, we were discussing the

film

here (in Sajid’s office), and I thought I should be part of it. I was willing to be on this wagon as anything, and the only slot open was of the presenter. Now, even my wife is happy that I’m working with Imtiaz.

What kind of influence have you had on each other during the process of making the film?

Imtiaz:

I’m a director and he’s (Sajid) a producer; the influence we had on each other is that now I’ve turned producer and he’s turned director. I’m taking guidance from him.

Sajid:

The best thing about Imtiaz is that I get ideas from him free of cost… I’ve discussed scenes with him from a film he’s not even associated with. I’ve been a producer for 25 years, but as director, I’m a newcomer.

Now that the film is complete and ready to release (on February 21), how do you think it has shaped up?

Sajid:

The most important thing for me was to be part of the journey. I never comment on how the

film

is, but I’d say I’m happy with the outcome.

Imtiaz:

I too can’t judge my films. But we’ve put in a lot of energy and passion into it.